Izabrane pjesme

August Harambašić (1861–1911), one of the most popular Croatian poets of the late 19th century, published Izabrane pjesme in 1895, published by Matica hrvatska in Zagreb. The collection is a selection from his earlier collections (Ružmarinke, Slobodarke, Tugomilke, Nevenke, etc.) and is considered the pinnacle of his poetic creativity.

Harambašić's poetry is characterized by a strong right-wing and romantic charge. There are two main themes that often intertwine: love for the homeland and love for a woman. Patriotic poems exude rebellious enthusiasm, longing for freedom, the glory of the Croatian past and hope for a better future. Love lyrics are sincere, simple and romantic, often with motifs of nature as a mirror of feelings.

The most famous poems from this collection include "Moja ljubav", "Tri čaše", "Na vrelu" and numerous patriotic verses that became almost folk in their time. Harambašić writes easily, melodically and accessiblely, using a rhythm close to a folk song, which brought him great popularity among a wide audience.

Although today's criticism points out that his poetry often suffers from pathos, clichés and insufficient formal refinement, in his time Harambašić was a true national bard. His verses encouraged the national spirit during the period of the struggle against Magyarization and absolutism.

Izabran poješta from 1895 is an important document of Croatian literature of the 19th century and the best insight into Harambašić's poetic world – fiery, passionate and deeply connected to the Croatian national revival and the ideology of the Right. The collection is a rare antiquarian edition today, but the poems can still be found in anthologies of Croatian poetry.