Olga Rogozenco – illustratör

In Pirin Planina: Tragic and Comic Episodes from Captivity, Romanian poet and writer George Topirceanu (1886-1937) described his experiences as a soldier during World War I. Despite his bleak surroundings and vivid descriptions of death and tragedy that he witnessed, Topirceanu managed to find humor in the most unusual circumstances, making Pirin Planina a truly unique account of the War. His experiences will leave the reader perplexed. Topirceanu's unique blend of drama, tragedy, and humor will immerse the reader into the world of a soldier during World War I.

Experience a rich and nostalgic narrative that has touched the hearts of generations, now made accessible to English-speaking readers. This literary classic is a captivating journey through the author's early years, set in the historic Principality of Moldavia. Dive into Creanga's vivid storytelling, offering a unique first-person perspective that has made it a masterpiece in Romanian literature. This beautifully illustrated edition brings to life the social landscape of Creanga's childhood, depicting the relationships of the main character, Nica with the diverse people he encounters. Follow Nica's transition from an idyllic village life in Humule?ti to a rebellious adolescence, and his preparation for a future in the Orthodox clergy in the bustling urban centers of Moldavia. "Childhood Memories" is not only a literary gem but a visual delight, offering a fresh perspective on a beloved work of Romanian literature.

The famous Romanian writer, George Topîrceanu became a war memoirist when describing his own experiences while fighting in World War I. Despite the dark surrounding and vivid recounts of death and tragedy he witnessed, the soldier Topîrceanu managed to find humor in the most unusual circumstances and will leave the reader baffled. While fighting in the battle at Turtucaia on the Romanian side in 1916, he gets captured by the Bulgarian army and, after quite an adventure, taken to the work camp at the base of the Pirin Mountains. He then starts a fight for survival in one of the harshest environments. However, the satirical side he's known for in Romanian literature cannot be overshadowed not even by the challenges he's faced within the camp. This unique blend of drama, tragedy, and humor will immerse the reader into the unique world of a soldier fighting in World War I.

One of the first successful novels written by a female author in Romania, Hortensia Papadat-Bengescu’s A Bach Concert remains a classic work of Romanian literature. Originally published in 1927 in Romanian, the novel follows the life of the Hallipa family. The main plot revolves around a Bach concert organized by Elena Hallipa-Draganescu for the elite society of Bucharest. It’s a story of high society intrigue, family tragedy, East European urban life after World War I, and culture. Published for the first time in English, Hortensia Papadat-Bengescu’s realistic novel will delight its readers with stories of this long-forgotten era.

The first crime novel in Romanian literature is now available in a new illustrated edition. The story is based on the classic Romanian folk poem Miorita. Vitoria Lipan is the wife of a shepherd living in a Moldavian village. She can't read or write but she has outstanding intuition. One day she gets a premonition that something happened to her husband, who was away looking to buy more sheep. Guided by archaic symbols and local superstitions, Vitoria embarks on a journey to learn the truth. Her character is a unique portrayal of a simple peasant woman in the 1930s. Despite being illiterate she becomes a true female sleuth, crushing every stereotype of that time period.

"Transylvanian Superstitions," a seminal work by Emily Gerard, first published in 1885, stands as a cornerstone in Gothic literature and is recognized for its profound influence on Bram Stoker's creation of the iconic novel, "Dracula." Gerard's meticulous exploration of Transylvania reveals a landscape steeped in captivating folklore, where superstitions thrive with unparalleled richness. In this literary masterpiece, Gerard unveils a world where demons, pixies, witches, and hobgoblins find refuge within the mountain ramparts of Transylvania, creating an enchanting tapestry of delusion. The author's keen observations and vivid descriptions transport readers to a realm where superstition flourishes in bewildering variety, offering a captivating glimpse into a bygone era's intricate belief systems. As the backbone of Stoker's inspiration for "Dracula," Gerard's work serves as a fascinating exploration of the supernatural, providing readers with a unique lens into the folklore that shaped one of the most enduring tales in Gothic literature. "Transylvanian Superstitions" is a must-read for enthusiasts of Gothic fiction, offering a profound journey into the heart of superstition and the mysterious landscapes that birthed one of literature's most enduring legends.