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Self(re)presentation of Alois Musil and his female „Secretary“ Anna Blechová
Wed, July 15, 9:15 to 10:45am, EFI, 2.20English Abstract
Orientalist, biblical scholar, university professor, and traveller Alois Musil (1868–1944) is known worldwide both for his scientific work in the Middle East and for his series of monographs Oriental Explorations and Studies, which he published in English in America in the 1920s. From 1920, he collaborated with Anna Blechová, who officially held the position of secretary in Musil's seminar at Charles University. My paper focuses on the presentation and self(re)presentation of scientist Alois Musil and his assistant Anna Blechová, their works, their connections with institutions, and the creation of their own image inside and outside the scientific platform. Alois Musil learned to use advertising and self(re)presentation in the USA. The American Geographical Society, which published his books, made him known in the scientific world through a circular paper that listed his monographs and famous discoveries of the Amra castle in Jordan and through his famous photographs from the Middle East.
After returning to Czechoslovakia, Musil constructed his own scientific persona, which was circulated and mediated through various channels—radio, newspapers, photography, and both scientific and popular journals and monographs. Musil presented himself differently depending on the social platform he wanted to address, as a scholar, priest, Bedouin, or traveller. Anna Blechová stood in the background throughout this whole “game”. Her name remained hidden behind scientific corrections, transcriptions of names from various Oriental languages, and the transcription of correspondence and scientific monographs and popular travelogues. Musil presents her as his indispensable collaborator only when he needs her in America and when he retires. A female assistant stayed hidden behind a famous professor, presented—seen in public space—only on purpose.