Odabrane pjesme

The book Selected Poems by the Slovenian poet and translator Oton Župančič, published in 1945, offers a comprehensive insight into the body of work of one of the leading figures of the Slovenian Moderna movement. Its publication coincided with a pivotal historical year—a time when the poet’s long-standing literary career was held in high regard, as were his staunch anti-fascist stance and patriotic commitment during the Second World War. The collection encompasses the key stages of Župančič’s poetic evolution: from his early, melancholic, and impressionistic lyric poetry, through his mature patriotic and reflective verses—which address the destiny of the Slovenian people (such as the renowned poem Duma)—to his poignant wartime poetry, written as part of the resistance. His verse is characterized by exceptional rhythmic variety, a rich command of language, a melodic quality, and a profound humanism. Župančič skillfully weaves together the intimate inner turmoil of the individual and the collective upheavals of his era. This 1945 edition holds particular cultural and historical significance, as it reaffirms his status as a national poet whose verse defined the first half of the 20th century.