So by what sign – people were asked – did we greet our gods before our hands learned to draw a cross? What were the rites then, and how did they differ from those of those savage peoples? This was what Europe asked, fascinated by a suddenly different, not only classical, culture.
For the good start
Kazimierz Władysław Wójcicki tries to answer the above questions in the pages of his dignified work containing the stories of former inhabitants of today’s Poland, Ukraine, Belarus, but also the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The author undertook to collect legends, proverbs and fables circulating throughout this area and past years. These are the stories, the clichés,make up the vast majority of a large volume. Apart from them, the reader is treated to a cursory biography of the author, which results from the description of the sources of the book. This text also mentions other items and other authors whose output Wójcicki used while writing. Then the stories themselves begin. Their collection is divided into two parts, both with a short commentary. All in all, it is a very neat whole. And this one begins with a few words about the author, about earlier and later works on this subject.
Some flaws
Both the introduction and target content, including comments, are carefully annotated. This proves that the collection of short stories has been prepared reliably and based on the achievements of others. However, there is a significant inconvenience that significantly spoils the reading. Explanations of heavily used footnotes appear at the end of the current section. For example, the explanation of the footnotes in the introduction is at its end, i.e. after several dozen pages. In the case of the stories themselves, the translation is only at the end of the story. The author uses quotations very often, so you should reach for their meaning almost every few sentences. And flipping through many pages – and it should be emphasized – in a thick book is at least inconvenient and interferes with reading, once we have adopted a position that is convenient for reading. It makes that the reader does not want to check these footnotes, even if the content they bear is intriguing or incomprehensible. This fact is the biggest disadvantage of the work, less is the content of the stories itself. The book works best for frequent but short sessions. The content of the stories looks similar in some places, it happens that their ending can be predicted. As a result, a longer session withKlechdami wears me and puts me to sleep. It is also important that the book is written in the language of archaisms, which may hinder the reception.
But definitely more advantages!
Wójcicki’s book is in fact a book. It is big, heavy and beautifully framed. The release is a real feast for the eyes. The item looks great on a shelf or on a theme display. The cover is decorated with an extremely atmospheric illustration depicting a dark forest path, plunged in darkness. Branchy trees weave their branches above it. The latter are covered with small, bright flowers. The title written in an interesting font in golden color makes an amazing impression. After starting the reading, we see a clear, legible font on the pages framed with a golden border. Thanks to this, we have the impression that we are reading a book of spells, ancient stories or a chronicle of ancient events. Each chapter begins with an intricate injection and ends with a small drawing, in a specific way referring to the content of a given story. In addition to these little illustrations, the book has more drawings, often full pages, depicting the described events. This gives a nice springboard from reading, the engravings can be admired for a long time, catching the details and care with which they were made.
The content is made up of all kinds of stories that were crafted in ancient times. This allows you to learn about old beliefs, worries and adventures not only of ordinary peasants, but also kings, princesses and wizards. By reading, we will get to know the sources of many Polish legends and proverbs. Do you want to know why he will send a woman where the devil cannot? What happened to Twardowski? Where did the madejowe bed come from or what is the genesis of drowned or werewolves? Klechdy is a title for you.
Still, it’s a plus
Klechdy Wójcicki is a very good proposition for those interested in culture, Slavic beliefs and legends based on stories passed from mouth to mouth from generation to generation over the years. They function like the Parandian Mythology . In one position we can find many references and motives. Everything is carefully analyzed, where necessary, other versions of the stories are cited, supported by quotes.
Thus, appropriately dosing the reading itself, the reader will get the most satisfaction from it, getting to know the details that can later shine in the company.
Klechdy
Kazimierz Władysław Wójcicki
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PLN 71.97
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book |
PLN 74.25
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book |
PLN 75.96
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PLN 79.54
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PLN 85.23
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PLN 90.47
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Nasza ocena: 8/10
The optimal position for those who want to learn about the culture of our ancestors. Tempted by a beautiful edition, I recommend using it in frequent, but small amounts - then it is remembered most strongly and pleasantly.EDITION AND PROOFREADING: 10/10
PLOT: 8/10
Characters: 8/10
STYLE: 6/10