Pjesme

This joint collection of poems by Aleksa Šantić and Antun Branko Šimić represents an exceptional fusion of two authentic and powerful poetic personalities who shaped the literature of the first half of the 20th century. The volume comprises an anthological selection from the oeuvres of both authors, offering readers insight into a stylistic and thematic spectrum ranging from more traditional, regionally and socially inflected lyricism to modern expressionist poetry. The first part of the edition is dedicated to Aleksa Šantić, whose verses radiate deep patriotism, romantic passion, and elegiac sorrow. Poems such as Emina, Ostajte ovdje (Stay Here), and Veče na školju (Evening on the Islet) showcase his melodic quality, his attachment to his native Mostar, and his empathy for the suffering of the common man. The second part presents the uncompromising poetry of Antun Branko Šimić, one of the most important Croatian expressionists. Through his short, free-verse lines devoid of punctuation and his concise, visually striking expression (seen in works such as Preobraženja [Metamorphoses], Pjesnici [Poets], Ručak siromaha [The Poor Man's Lunch], and Opomena [Warning]), Šimić addresses fundamental existential questions—the body, illness, death, the meaning of art, and the relationship with God. This collection is an essential literary work and offers valuable insight into the finest achievements of regional poetry.