U pandžama lava: Roman iz doba hrvatske narodne dinastije

Velimir Deželić the Elder (1864–1941) published the novel In the Claws of the Lion in 1929, published by the Croatian Literary Society of St. Jerome. The work belongs to his cycle of historical novels about the Croatian national dynasty (along with Majka velikoga kralja and Petar Krešimir) and is one of Deželić's most popular works – printed in a large edition of 25,000 copies.

The plot is set in the 10th and 11th centuries, a turbulent period of the Croatian medieval state. The novel depicts political struggles, intrigues at court, conflicts with external enemies (Byzantium, Hungary, Venice) and internal divisions among Croatian nobles. Through a dynamic plot, Deželić celebrates Croatian heroism, loyalty to the homeland, the Christian faith and the desire for independence, while criticizing the betrayals and weaknesses that bring the people “into the claws of the lion” – into danger from foreign rule.

The style is typical of Deželić: narrative, romantic and patriotic, with a pronounced educational and patriotic charge. The novel is intended for a wider audience, especially young and patriotically oriented readers, and serves to strengthen national consciousness. It was illustrated by Gabrijel Jurkić.

At the time of its publication, the novel had a great resonance and was part of the popular Catholic-national fiction in the St. Jerome edition. Today it is appreciated as a classic example of the Croatian historical novel from the beginning of the 20th century, although it lacks the artistic depth of greater writers. It represents an important part of Deželić's oeuvre, with which the author wanted to awaken love for the Croatian past and the idea of ​​state independence.

The antiquarian edition is rare and sought after.