Good Soldier Svejk by Jaroslav Hasek

Jaroslav Hašek (1883 –  1923) wrote a 4-part novel following the exploits of the soldier Josef Švejk based on the experiences of the author during the First World War, when he fought with the Austro-Hungarian Army.

The character of Svejk pokes fun at the Empire and describes a feeling of detachment for fighting a war in which he has no stake. 

Švejk is an important literary icon for the Czechs and his image abounds throughout the country. The restaurant (and one-time brothel) U Kalicha in Prague is mentioned in the novel and is considered to be the original Švejk restaurant.