Slovak Literature in English Translation

The volume presents three epic poems by Ján Hollý, comprising his complete epic oeuvre: Svatopluk (1833), The Cyrillo-Methodiad (1835), and Sláv  (1839), and includes an introduction by the translator  Charles S. Kraszewski. The first two poems are based on episodes from the early mediaeval period, while the last is a foray into the mythical realms of ancient Slavdom. These works, which testify to the suppleness and power of Slovak as a linguistic medium capable of great poetic expression, aim to remind the Slovaks, and the world at large, of the glory that was the mediaeval Great Moravian Empire, of the roots of the Slovaks and Moravians in European culture, and the role of the Slavs in creating a vibrant, humanistic culture in early Central Europe. Hollý emphasises the Slovaks as a nation in their own right, while extending a fraternal hand toward the other Slavic nations, upon whom he lavishes equal praise.