Vladimir / Dusi narodne straže

Vladimir / Spirits of the National Guard is the 17th book of Collected Works of August Šenoa published by Naklada knjižara Preporod. This book brings two stories that show different sides of Šenoa's talent – ​​from romantic prose to personal, autobiographical storytelling.

Vladimir is a romantic story that deals with the themes of love, social relationships and personal conflicts. Through the fate of the main character Šenoa, it depicts relationships within bourgeois and aristocratic society of the 19th century, interweaving emotional plots with sharp observations about class differences, morality and human weaknesses.

Spirits of the National Guard is an autobiographical and nostalgic story in which Šenoa describes his childhood in Zagreb in 1848, during the revolutionary events. As a boy, he witnesses the arrival of the National Guard, the enthusiasm of the citizens and the ideals of freedom. The work exudes warmth, a childlike perspective and patriotic enthusiasm, and at the same time is a precious testimony to Zagreb and Croatia in the turbulent revolutionary period.

This edition, as well as the entire Revival edition (1942–1943), is adorned with recognizable and artistically valuable illustrations by Andrija Maurović. His dynamic drawings on the cover and within the text perfectly evoke the atmosphere of both stories – from the romantic scenes in Vladimir to the vivid scenes of revolutionary Zagreb in Spirits of the People's Guard.

The book is ideal for fans of Šenoa's work who enjoy the mix of romantic prose, autobiographical elements and historical color. Both works are easy to read and can be read in one sitting, and Maurović's illustrations give the edition a special antiquarian charm and collector's value.