Mór Jókai, also known as Maurus Jokai, was a towering figure in 19th-century Hungarian literature and is revered for his prolific output as a novelist and his mastery of romantic prose. Born on February 18, 1825, in Komárom, Hungary, Jókai's literary career spanned over six decades, during which he penned more than a hundred novels. He most notably merged social realism with romanticism, capturing the transformative epochs of his nation's history and the complexities of human characters with depth and empathy. His most famed work, 'The Man with the Golden Touch' (Az arany ember), continues to endure as a classic of Hungarian literature. 'Peter the Priest' is another significant contribution by Jókai that showcases his ability to intertwine historical events with fiction, creating a compelling narrative. A contemporary of Jókai described him as not just Hungary's, but Europe's master novelist, a sentiment echoed by the continued respect for his work. Jókai was also a keen participant in Hungarian political life, contributing to the country's 1848 revolution. His contributions to literature and national culture were recognized by his election to the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. Jókai passed away on May 5, 1904, in Budapest, yet his work remains a vital part of Hungarian cultural heritage (Király, 1975).
