The second book of the historical saga The Crystal Key
The colourful fates of the members of the family, who become glass and textile entrepreneurs, artists, officials and scholars, are intertwined with the stories of interesting North Bohemian characters - the Kinský family, by the hermits of Sloup, Polev and Shen traders, members of secret evangelical sects, Jesuits and imperial officials and priests.
Leopold Heřman, the owner of the Falknov glassworks, is a renowned and wealthy glass entrepreneur, but that is not enough for him. Because of his ambitious wife Maria, he seeks promotion among the noble families. Disagreements with the younger siblings deepen. In Haida, glass companies emerge and begin to compete with the Falknov glassworks. His brother Matyáš will become one of the founders of the new company. Brother Johann builds a linen manufactory in the service of Count Gallas. He finds help from his sister Hedvika, who experiences another big disappointment in her life. However, clouds are gathering not only over the Heřman family, but over the entire Habsburg monarchy.
