A delightful selection from one of the richest traditions of folk literature in Europe. The universal qualities of these poems, stories, riddles and proverbs will appeal to a wide range of readers, including children. Since Yugoslav folklore is so much a part of Vasko Popa’s own poetic world, readers of his poetry will find the book especially rewarding for the insight into his sources which it provides.

In making his original compilation, Popa followed his own poetic taste, gathering pieces he himself loved, and finding ‘great joy in bringing the little-known and undervalued beauties of old riddles, proverbs, spells and counting-rhymes out of the shadows into daylight.’ Translatability has been the key factor in making this English selection, which is illustrated with traditional Serbian rug motifs. The vitality of Popa’s material is wonderfully conveyed in this adaptation by Andrew Harvey and Anne Pennington.

Translated by: Andrew Harvey, Anne Pennington