Brochure, M. Nesvadba, The Round Ball, 1962

Product detailed description

Condition: found, solid, slightly soiled

Dimensions: 10,3 cm x 13,2 cm 

Charming children's booklet "Zakutálený míč" (The Rolled Away Ball) by A. Pludek from 1962, illustrated by Miloš Nesvadba, published in the Knihovnička Mateřídoušky (Wild Thyme Library) series, containing 16 pages. Miloš Nesvadba was a prominent Czechoslovak children's book illustrator known for his distinctive style. The title "Zakutálený míč" suggests sporting or children's playful themes typical of sixties literature. A. Pludek was an author specializing in children's literature. Knihovnička Mateřídoušky was a popular series of children's books in Czechoslovakia that brought quality literature to the youngest readers. The year 1962 falls into the period of flourishing Czechoslovak children's literature and illustration. Rare memorabilia for collectors of children's books, lovers of Miloš Nesvadba's illustrations, or those interested in Czechoslovak children's literature and the Mateřídoušky series.

Miloš Nesvadba (* 17 April 1925 Prague) is a Czech actor, writer, illustrator, artist, long-time member of the drama department of the National Theatre in Prague, known for his drawings and paintings for children, he is also a comic cartoonist, caricaturist, theatre and television set designer. His son Michal Nesvadba is a well-known actor, entertainer and mime.

He grew up with his older brother Jiří, who became a stage designer and theatre director. He graduated from a real grammar school (1944) and enrolled at the State Conservatory in Prague. However, his studies were interrupted by the Second World War and he did not return to the conservatory after the war. He received his acting training in the Jindřich Honzl Youth Ensemble (later the National Theatre Studios). In 1948 he was engaged to the National Theatre Drama Department, where he played dozens of roles. His last performance, a revue of The Reviser, was performed there together with Luba Skořepová on 18 June 2014.

He has appeared in more than 30 films, mostly in small roles. He debuted in Miroslav Cikán's historical comedy Alena in 1947. He played most of his film roles during the 1950s, and later appeared on screen quite rarely. He played the unforgettable role of the Prince of the Land of the Setting Sun in Bořivoj Zeman's fairy tale The Proud Princess (1952). He also appeared occasionally in television series and productions. He also gained great popularity for his acting and drawing performances in programmes for children. In 1977, he signed the so-called "anticharter" and his name was on the second page of the Red Law newspaper thanks to his signature. In addition to acting, from his youth he showed extraordinary artistic talent, thanks to which he also became famous as a cartoonist and joke cartoonist, illustrator of books, some of which he wrote himself. He drew for newspapers and magazines, and as an artist he was also the founder of the magazine Porcupine. His work was mostly dedicated to children and his name is also closely linked to two children's magazines, Mateřídouška and Sluníčko, in which he published his drawings and literary works. In 1964, he became a founding member of the Friends and Supporters of Slavia Union, which aimed to save and uplift the football club Slavia, at that time languishing in the second football league.

He and his wife, costume designer Jaroslava, have two sons. The first-born son Michal is an actor and mime, like his father he is mostly devoted to children. Younger son Martin is a magazine publisher and runs a small travel agency. Miloš Nesvadba is also a grandfather (he has four grandchildren) and great-grandfather.