ABSTRACT
The Hussite Chronicle of Laurence of Brezova articulates those momentous transitions. Presenting a background and context for understanding the Hussite Chronicle is most useful by touching upon what was important or significant in light of what occurred thereafter. These factors include major historical events such as the papal schism and the Council of Constance. The main language of written records was Latin. The first Czech chronicler, Cosmas, was the dean of the Prague cathedral chapter whose ‘Chronicle of the Czechs’ is a benchmark in Czech historical writing. The first historical works in the vernacular emerged in the course of the later thirteenth century. The first major chronicle in the Czech language appeared in the early fourteenth century but this had a negligible impact on evolving Czech historiography. The fact that Laurence of Brezova was Czech comes through rather vividly. His fidelity to Hus and his unwavering opposition to Sigismund are clarified by his Czech identity.
