Classic Polish Epic Finally Available in English in its Entirety
Adam Mickiewicz’s four-part poetic drama Dziady (Forefathers' Eve), one of the greatest works of European Romanticism, has finally become available in a complete English translation for the first time.
Charles Kraszewski's translation of Adam Mickiewicz’s Forefathers’ Eve (Dziady) is the first complete verse translation of the series published in English. The book launch will take place on 2nd March 2017 in South Kensington in London.Forefathers’ Eve is a four-part dramatic work begun circa 1820 and completed in 1832 – with Part I published only after the poet’s death, in 1860. The drama's title refers to Dziady, an ancient Slavic feast commemorating the dead. Considered one of the greatest works of European Romanticism, Forefathers’ Eve elevated Mickiewicz to a position among the ‘great Europeans’ such as Dante and Goethe.
Picture display
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Portrait of Adam Mickiewicz at Judahu Cliff by Walenty Wańkowicz, 1828, photo: Piotr Ligier / National Museum in Warsaw
With its Christian background of the Communion of the Saints, revenant spirits, and the interpenetration of the worlds of time and eternity, Forefathers’ Eve speaks to men and women in all times and places. While it is truly Polish – Polish actors covet the role of Gustaw/Konrad in the same way that English actors covet that of Hamlet – it is a truly universal work of literature.
The launch at the Polish Hearth Club in London will include an English discussion with the translator Charles Kraszewski in a rare opportunity for both Polish and non-Polish speakers.
Launch of Forefathers' Eve by Adam Mickiewicz in Charles Kraszewski's translation
Thursday 2 March,7:00 PM
Ognisko Polskie / Polish Hearth Club
55 Exhibition Road
London SW7 2PN
Event organised by the Union of Polish Writers Abroad in partnership with the Polish Cultural Institute in London. Admission is free.
Sources: Polish Cultural Institute in London; compiled by NR, 22 Feb 2017
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