My Great-Grandmother’s Lost, Banned, Burned Book: A Miraculous Find

In 1926, my great-grandmother, Marie Dujka Jez, published a book in the Czech language, entitled Katechismus Manzelu. It reflects her progressive 1900s-era philosophy and advice about the purpose of life, marriage, birth control, parenting, natural home remedies, sexuality and other topics considered taboo or controversial at that time. My mother, Bessie Ann Jez Polasek, was intrigued by the book as a child because she was forbidden to read it. Eventually, all but a few copies were lost, banned or burned, because relatives and others fiercely objected to many of Marie's freethinking ideas. In 1979, Bessie finally located a copy of her grandmother's book. Subsequently, she translated it, using a Czech dictionary and manual typewriter. In 1985, I continued my mother's adventure, by enriching the original publication with genealogy research and recollections from relatives and elders. This project has been a "labor of love" that I am pleased to share with others.

Maureen Viaclovsky has always valued strong family ties with extended family. These influences led her to obtain a degree in education and a doctorate degree in educational psychology. ＂Dr. V＂ (a fond nickname bestowed on her by co-workers) is a dedicated psychologist who works in a school district near her home. She is grateful to have had a role in continuing the work her mother began when she translated Marie Jez’s book. Maureen is equally grateful for the opportunity to share her book with others.