Polish literary classic 'Pan Tadeusz' in new illustrated edition
PR dla Zagranicy
Nick Hodge
04.02.2016 12:43
A new edition of 19th century bard Adam Mickiewicz's epic poem 'Pan Tadeusz' has been released with illustrations by award-winning artist Józef Wilkon.
Detail of an illustration from 'Pan Tadeusz'. Image: Józef Wilkon/Media Rodzina
The book, sometimes translated as 'Sir Thaddeus' or 'Master Thaddeus', was written by Mickiewicz in exile in Paris and generations of Poles have learnt to recite verses from the work by heart.
The new edition draws on watercolours that Wilkon began in the 1960s, but over half of the illustrations have never been published before.
Image: Media Rodzina
Wilkon strove above all to evoke the landscapes where Mickiewicz set his classic. These were once a part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, and today lie in Lithuania.
The plot is set during the Napoleonic era, when hopes of Poland's rebirth inspired thousands of Poles to fight under Bonaparte's banner (Poland was partitioned in the late 18th century by Russia, Prussia and Austria).
The action focuses on a feud between two noble families and a romance between young squire Tadeusz and the innocent lady Zosia.
Wilkon, who was born in 1930, has illustated close to 200 books. Besides Poland, he has won awards in France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Switzerland, among others.
His new edition of 'Pan Tadeusz' has been published by Media Rodzina. (nh/pk)