{"product_id":"1914-rare-book-hero-tales-legends-of-the-serbians-illustrated-in-color","title":"1914 First Edition - Hero Tales and Legends of the Serbians, Color Illustrated","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"274\" data-end=\"1315\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"274\" data-end=\"285\"\u003eAuthor:\u003c\/strong\u003e Woislav M. Petrovitch. Preface by Chedo Miyatovich.\u003cbr data-start=\"337\" data-end=\"340\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"340\" data-end=\"350\"\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem data-start=\"351\" data-end=\"391\"\u003eHero Tales and Legends of the Serbians\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003cbr data-start=\"392\" data-end=\"395\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"395\" data-end=\"409\"\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e London, George G. Harrap \u0026amp; Company, 2 \u0026amp; 3 Portsmouth Street Kingsway W.C., 1914. First Edition.\u003cbr data-start=\"490\" data-end=\"493\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"493\" data-end=\"506\"\u003eLanguage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Text in English.\u003cbr data-start=\"523\" data-end=\"526\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"526\" data-end=\"535\"\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan\u003e9.5 x 6.5 inches. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"546\" data-end=\"549\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"549\" data-end=\"559\"\u003ePages:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan\u003exxiii-393 pages.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"578\" data-end=\"581\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"581\" data-end=\"593\"\u003eBinding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Attractive and very good original decorated publisher’s cloth binding (gilt and black illustration of a Serbian hero on horseback to cover, design carried onto spine (hinges fine, overall slightly worn and scuffed - as shown) under a protective removable mylar cover. Upper edge gilt.\u003cbr data-start=\"811\" data-end=\"814\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"814\" data-end=\"826\"\u003eContent:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very good content (bright, tight and clean, rare light foxing or staining - as shown, gift inscription dated 1915 on front free endpaper - as shown). \u003cbr data-start=\"1029\" data-end=\"1032\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1032\" data-end=\"1050\"\u003eIllustrations:\u003c\/strong\u003e Complete with a beautiful color frontispiece, 32 full-page color illustrations by William Sewell and Gilbert James, and a double-page map of Serbia. The artwork vividly captures Serbian epic poetry and folklore, filled with drama, heroism, and mythic atmosphere.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1317\" data-end=\"1349\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1317\" data-end=\"1330\"\u003eEstimate:\u003c\/strong\u003e (USD 250 – 300).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1356\" data-end=\"1368\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe book\u003c\/strong\u003e: Published in 1914, on the eve of the First World War, this is one of the earliest English-language collections devoted exclusively to the epic and folkloric heritage of Serbia. Drawing on oral traditions and national legends, Woislav M. Petrovitch offers an invaluable insight into the heroic cycles of figures such as Tsar Lazar, Banovitch Strahinya, and the mighty Kraylevitch Marko. The preface by Chedo Miyatovich, Serbia’s former Minister to the Court of St. James, situates the tales in their broader historical and cultural context. Illustrated throughout with vibrant plates, this edition brought Serbian folklore to a Western readership during a moment when the fate of the Balkans was of immense international interest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2107\" data-end=\"2121\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe author:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"2122\" data-end=\"2147\"\u003eWoislav M. Petrovitch\u003c\/strong\u003e served as attaché to the Serbian Royal Legation in London. His work combined diplomatic service with cultural advocacy, introducing Serbian history and epic traditions to English audiences. His literary contribution remains a cornerstone for scholars and readers interested in Balkan folklore.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2450\" data-end=\"2470\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe illustrators:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"2471\" data-end=\"2489\"\u003eWilliam Sewell\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong data-start=\"2494\" data-end=\"2511\"\u003eGilbert James\u003c\/strong\u003e were both known for their evocative work in color book illustration at the turn of the century. Their collaboration here provides dramatic interpretations of Serbia’s heroic legends, balancing romantic landscapes with intense depictions of battles, trials, and mythic figures. The richness of their color plates makes this volume one of the most visually compelling illustrated folklore works of its era.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MFLIBRA - Antique Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46839380312313,"sku":null,"price":200.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0953\/3348\/files\/20250912Serbians-000.jpg?v=1757715265","url":"https:\/\/mflibra.com\/products\/1914-rare-book-hero-tales-legends-of-the-serbians-illustrated-in-color","provider":"MFLIBRA - Antique Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}