Abstract
The great editorial undertaking, Regulae Veteris et Novi Testamenti from Matthew of Genoa, is forever connected with person of the historian and editor Vlastimil Kybal (1880–1958). Preparations of the sophisticated five-volume edition took more then two decades.
Research of a private correspondence, especially between Vlastimil Kybal and Czech historians Josef Kalousek (1838–1915) and Václav Novotný (1869–1932), reveals many important aspects of “unofficial” level of the preparations. It also disclosed a feature, which eventually drew my attention.
Though it seems hard to imagine, the Kybal’s great editorial undertaking has been created mostly during editor’s abroad trips, particularly in Italy and Spain. It was prepared and finished mostly in a situation, when Vlastimil Kybal oriented himself at European diplomacy about 1600, centering on the French court and the person of Henry IV.
It seems to me that in this unexpected context the Kybal’s editorial achievement is really remarkable.