MICHAEL JOSEPH FESL. — Philosopher, b. at Prague in 1788, d. at Vienna in 1863; disciple of B. Bolzano, editor of his works and popularizer of his philosophy (especially in anonymous articles and reviews). From 1816 he was professor at Leinertz (Bohemia) and there in 1816 founded the Christenbund, a circle of theologians, inspired by the principles of Bolzano’s philosophy. In 1819, on a charge of high treason against the Christenbund, F. was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment and perpetual banishment. F.’s literary estate is preserved, together with that of Bolzano, in the National Museum at Prague.
Bibl.: E. Winter, s.V. in LThK. III, col. 1013.