Alois Musil
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Alois Musil (June 30, 1868 in Rychtářov near Vyškov - April 12, 1944 in Otryby near Český Šternberk) was a Czech explorer, orientalist and writer.
Musil was born in family of a poor farmer and was given to study to be priest. After a break he finished the study in 1895. His unhealthy lifestyle caused him a serious lung disease. Musil took up bible study in newly opened religious institute in Jerusalem but left in disappointment after 14 months. He travelled to Beirut and other places of Arab world. Musil kept on coming back to Arab world until 1917 and collected huge body of scientific material. Among his discoveries was desert castle Qasr Amra (from 8th century) with figural Islamic paintings.
Between his trips Musil kept working on his publications and lecturing. In 1902 he became professor at theology university in Olomouc, in 1909 professor of theology in Vienna University. In addition to modern and classical languages he mastered 35 dialects of Arabic.
During World War I he was sent to Middle East to eliminate English attempts to bring up uprising against Turkey, thus being opponent to T. E. Lawrence. After the war he managed to obtain seat of professor at Charles University in Prague (1920), despite opposing voices resenting his close ties with the fallen monarchy. Helped to establish Oriental Institute of Academy of Sciences in Prague (Orientální ústav Akademie Věd, in 1927).
Cooperation with American industrialist Ch. R. Crane helped to publish his works in English (1922-23). In addition to scientifice work and popular travel books he published 21 novels for the youths.
Musil worked for the Charles University until 1938, but was active until the very end of his life (he died due to kidney dysfunction joined by a lung disease).
