Martin Hilský, renowned Czech translator of English and American literature, was awarded the 2011 State Prize, subsidized by the Ministry of Culture to the sum of 300.000 CZK (€ 11.000), for his translation of the Complete Works of William Shakespeare. This collection, published in a single volume by Academia this year, was presented at the Prague Book Fair 2011 where Martin Hilský participated on a public event called ‘Colourful Sonnet Tones’ organized by CEATL and the Czech Literary Translators’ Guild. Professor Martin Hilský has systematically translated, published and promoted Shakespeare’s plays and poetry since 1983. His respected work of criticism and translation includes books by T. S. Eliot, D. H. Lawrence, John Steinbeck, J. M. Synge and Thornton Wilder.

On October 28, 2011, Václav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic, subsequently awarded Martin Hilský a Medal of Merit.