By: Taras Shevchenko (1814-1861)
Kobzar of the Ukraine is an exceptional collection of poems by Taras Shevchenko, a prominent Ukrainian writer and artist. In this book, Shevchenko delves into themes of love, nature, freedom, and the struggles of the Ukrainian people.
His use of vivid imagery and powerful language draws readers into the heart of Ukraine, capturing the beauty and complexity of the country and its people. Shevchenko's deep connection to his homeland is evident in every poem, as he passionately expresses his love and longing for Ukraine.
What sets Kobzar apart is its timeless relevance. Shevchenko's exploration of universal themes such as injustice, oppression, and the pursuit of freedom resonates with readers of all backgrounds. His poignant words continue to inspire and provoke thought, making Kobzar a must-read for anyone interested in Ukrainian literature or the human experience as a whole.
Overall, Kobzar of the Ukraine is a masterful work that showcases Shevchenko's immense talent and his profound understanding of the human spirit. It is a book that will stay with readers long after they have turned the final page. Book Description: In these poems speaks the struggling soul of a downtrodden people. To our western folk, reared in happier surroundings there is a bitter tang about some of them, somewhat like the taste of olives, to which one must grow accustomed . The Slavonic temperament, too, is given to melancholy and seems to dwell congenially in an atmosphere misty with tears. But he gravely misreads their literature who fails to perceive the grim resolve beneath the sorrow. In the struggle of the Ukrainians for freedom the spirit of this poet, who was born a serf, remains ever their guiding star.
The translator of these poems spent considerable time in arriving at an understanding of the spirit of the poems and the nature of the situations described. Then the more formidable task was approached of trying to carry over not only the thought but something of the style, spirit and music of the original into the English tongue.
- Summary by Introduction
|