
Zdeněk Kalista (22 July 1900 – 17 June 1982) was aCzechhistorian,poet, literary critic, editor and translator. He also published his early works under the name Z. V. Kalista.

Kalista was born on 22 July 1900 inBenátky nad Jizerou.[1] From 1921 to 1923, Zdeněk Kalista, a student ofJosef Pekař, was elected deputychairman of theLiterární skupina ('Literary Group'). In 1928, he became a member of the Circle of Czech Writers (Kruh českých spisovatelů). Between 1924 and 1939, as well as from 1945 to 1948, he worked atCharles University in Prague, initially as an assistant at the HistoricalSeminar, and from 1932 as a lecturer. Following theCommunist takeover, he fell victim to purges and was sentenced to 15 years inprison. He was released in 1960 and retired. In 1966, while working as an editor for various publishers and translating books, Zdeněk Kalista was rehabilitated.[2]
Kalista published in a variety of Czech and foreign literary and historical journals. He contributed to Masaryk'sDictionary and his historical works sparked a renewed interest inCzech Baroque.[3]
Kalista died on 17 June 1982 inPrague, at the age of 81.[1]