Bachovi husari i Ilirci: sjećanja iz mojih profesorskih godina u Hrvatskoj (1853–1867)

The book provides insight into the political and social climate of the time, marked by attempts at Germanization and centralization by the Viennese authorities.

Trdina describes in detail how foreign professors, often from Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Tyrol, were sent to Croatian schools with the aim of suppressing the Croatian language and identity. These "Bach's hussars," as the author calls them, served as instruments of Viennese policy to suppress national consciousness among Croats.

Through his memoirs, Trdina also analyzes the relationship between the Slovenian and Croatian peoples, highlighting the similarities and differences in their reactions to political pressures. He pays special attention to the language issue, emphasizing the importance of preserving the mother tongue as the foundation of national identity.

Contents:

• Foreword: Tone Potokar
• Varaždin-Germanized Croatian gentlemen- first appearances of Bach's Hussars
• In the center of Croatia – Illyrian priests, an example of patriotism, progress and character – The immense significance of Illyrianism for the spiritual growth and progress of the Croatian people
• Bach wants to Germanize Croats with the help of bureaucracy
• Croatia Rijeka and the Rijeka Gymnasium
• Slavic and German professors of the Rijeka Gymnasium
• Štefan Vidic, Principal of the Rijeka Gymnasium
• School superintendent DR. Anton Jarc
• Alphabetical list of personalities