Rudanskyi, Stepan (1834–1873)

Spivomovky: vybrani tvory [Singing rhymes: selected poems]

Regensburg: Ukrains’ke mystetstvo, 1946. Original publisher’s wrappers. Item #790

Book measures: 14 x 10 cm. 63 pages: portrait. Text in Ukrainian. In good condition with light wear and features two stamps of "The Ukrainian Sich Riflemen Press Office" along with a handwritten note on the title page and portrait.

A limited-run book released by Ukrainian refugees, distributed in the Displaced Persons (DP) camps of post-war Germany. The difficult circumstances in these camps, characterized by scarce resources and strict military censorship, lend considerable importance to these kinds of publications.

Stepan Rudanskyi is credited with inventing a genre of humor known as "Spivomovky" These works are characterized by their wit, dynamic storytelling, and the use of various humorous and satirical elements. They often draw inspiration from folk anecdotes, proverbs, or fairy-tale motifs as their narrative foundation.

Stepan Rudanskyi (1834–1873) was a Ukrainian poet and physician. He studied at the Saint Petersburg Academy of Medicine and Surgery and later worked as a doctor in Yalta. Rudanskyi began writing poetry influenced by Taras Shevchenko and folklore while still a student at the Kamianets-Podilskyi Theological Seminary. He published his work in Saint Petersburg and was associated with the journal Osnova. Rudanskyi's poetry evolved from Romantic ballads to social commentary, condemning serfdom and celebrating Ukrainian culture and history. His most famous work, "Spivomovky" (Singing Rhymes, 1880), featured humorous poems, jokes, proverbs, and anecdotes inspired by folk oral traditions. Rudanskyi's lyric poetry also reflected personal and collective Ukrainian struggles. He translated various literary works and straddled the Romantic and realist styles. His significant works were mostly published posthumously.

Price: $200.00