Ja ljubim podnevni ljetni žar: najljepše pjesme Milana Pavelića

The collection Ja ljubim podnevni ljetni žar (I Love the Midday Summer Heat) presents a representative selection from the rich poetic oeuvre of Milan Pavelić (1878–1939), one of the most prominent figures in 20th-century Croatian Catholic literature and religious lyric poetry. The volume was compiled by the distinguished literary historian and Slavist Josip Badalić, whose careful selection of verses captures the key thematic and aesthetic characteristics of Pavelić’s work. Pavelić’s poetry is distinguished by exceptional musicality, rhythmic harmony, and a profound pantheistic and Christian perception of the world. In his poems, motifs from nature—such as the sun’s heat, summer landscapes, the sea, and silence—serve as a medium for expressing spiritual states, a longing for God, and inner peace. Beyond sacred and mystical tones, the verses reflect on the transience of life and suffering, as well as on enduring hope and the beauty of the created world. This edition re-evaluates Pavelić’s poetic legacy, portraying him as a subtle lyricist who skillfully blended classical form with expressive power. The book Ja ljubim podnevni ljetni žar represents a valuable contribution to Croatia’s literary heritage and a moving testament to the intertwining of faith, nature, and art.