Jan Kochanowski Book order

The anthology presents the works of Jan Kochanowski, a pivotal figure of the European Renaissance and a master of various literary forms, including poetry, drama, and satire. It features a diverse selection of his writings, including the complete text of his renowned humanist drama, The Dismissal of the Grecian Envoys. A highlight is the Threnodies, a poignant cycle of poems mourning his daughter Orszula, which redefined the lament genre with profound emotional depth. This collection, translated by Charles S. Kraszewski, introduces Kochanowski's brilliance to English readers for the first time.

The book is a facsimile reprint of an original antiquarian work, preserving its historical significance despite potential imperfections like marks and flawed pages. It aims to protect and promote cultural literature by providing an accessible, high-quality edition that remains true to the original text.

Jan Kochanowski (1530-1584) is acknowledged to be Poland's greatest poet, and this work represents the height of his achievement. The poems it contains, incorporating outspokenness and breach of decorum, are an impassioned but controlled expression of grief over the death of his daughter Orszula.