Na starim ognjištima

The collection is an expression of deep patriotic fervor and national romanticism. In his poems, Šantić celebrates the victories of the Balkan allies, the joy of liberation, the return to the old hearths (ancient Serbian territories), and the suffering and hope of the Balkan peoples under Turkish rule. The poems exude emotions – from sadness and longing to euphoria and pride.

Stylistically, the collection belongs to the peak of Šantić's creativity: a combination of traditional form (meters and rhythm close to folk poetry) with a more modern romantic expression. The language is rich, picturesque, full of pathos and patriotic fervor, which was typical of the period of national awakening before World War I.

On Old Hearths quickly saw a second, expanded edition (Belgrade, 1914), which testifies to its popularity among the Serbian people on both sides of the Drina. The collection is an important part of Šantić's oeuvre, alongside his love and social poems, and shows the other side of his poetry – the public, national and engaged one.

Today it is considered a classic of Serbian poetry of the 20th century and an important testimony to the mood of the South Slavic peoples on the eve of World War I. The book is a bibliographic rarity in its first edition, and the poems from it are often included in anthologies and school readings.