Osman

1,540 Osman is a masterpiece of Croatian literature and the most important Baroque epic in the Croatian language. Ivan Gundulić (1589–1638) celebrates the Polish victory over the Turks at Hotin in 1621, transforming the historical event into a magnificent allegory of the struggle between Christian Europe and Ottoman tyranny, freedom and slavery, good and evil.

The work is rich in Renaissance-Baroque style: lavish descriptions, deep philosophical reflections, patriotic fervor and lyrical passages. In it, Gundulić expresses his deep faith in providence, the moral superiority of Christianity and the longing for the liberation of the South Slavs from the Ottomans. The unfinished XIV. and XV. cantos were later sung by Ivan Mažuranić, which has become standard practice in newer editions.

The edition of the reputable Zagreb publisher Stjepan Kugli (later a well-known publishing house) represents a high-quality and carefully prepared edition intended for a wider educated audience at the turn of the century. It was published at a time of national revival and the strengthening of interest in classical Croatian literature, with a beautiful typographic solution characteristic of Kugli's editions.

Today, this antiquarian edition from 1913 is particularly appreciated among collectors and lovers of Croatian literary heritage. It represents an important part of cultural history - it testifies to the effort to make Gundulić's work available in a beautiful and dignified form at a time when the Croatian language and literature were affirming themselves within the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Copies in good condition have become a real rarity and carry significant bibliophile value.