Kurpita, Teodor (editor)

Kalendar al’manakh na iuvileinyi 1948 rik (1648-1848-1918) [Almanac Calendar of the Jubilee Year 1948]

Augsburg: Nakladom Hurtivni paperu v Avgsburzi, 1948. Illustrated cover. Item #806

208 pages: illustrations; 24 cm. Text in Ukrainian. Cover design by Jacques Hnizdovsky. A good copy with light wear to the cover.

The title page of this 1948 almanac highlights its jubilee year, drawing connections to pivotal years in Ukrainian history – 1648, 1848, and 1918. Published in a refugee camp for the Ukrainian displaced persons in Munich, and edited by Teodor Kurpita, the 1948 almanac sought to emphasize these jubilee year connections. By evoking past struggles for Ukrainian independence under various European powers, the Ukrainian émigrés, could find inspiration and hope for the eventual emergence of a fully independent Ukrainian state. This almanac is particularly fascinating for its inclusion of advertisements, offering unique insights into the Ukrainian community at the time, from bookshops in Displaced Persons Camps and services by refugee artists to co-operatives related to the Ukrainian scouting organization known as Plast and restaurants in Regensburg.

Teodor Kurpita (1913-1974), also known as Teok, was a prominent Ukrainian writer and journalist. Kurpita was known for his contributions to Ukrainian literature in various forms, including poetry, prose, humor, and playwriting. He gained recognition for his wit, humor, and satirical works, often addressing contemporary social and political issues in Ukraine. Kurpita's writings, which included poems, short stories, and plays, were characterized by their sharp observations and keen sense of humor. He had a unique ability to use satire to comment on the society and politics of his time. Throughout his career, Kurpita made significant contributions to Ukrainian culture and literature, and his works continue to be appreciated and studied by those interested in Ukrainian literature and humor.

Price: $200.00