Ivan Vazov stands as the patriarch of Bulgarian literature, whose works powerfully document two pivotal epochs in Bulgarian history: the National Revival and the era following liberation from Ottoman rule. His writing, deeply influenced by revolutionary ideals, delves into themes of profound patriotism and national identity. Vazov's enduring literary legacy lies in his masterful capture of his time's spirit and his ability to inspire future generations through vivid imagery and potent language.
Epic of the Forgotten is a Bulgarian poetic saga written by Ivan Vazov to commemorate the Bulgarian fight for freedom against the Ottoman Empire and to criticize the moral decline of the Bulgarian nation after the Liberation, in comparison to the heroic figures and events of the then recent past. This volume contains the first complete translation into English side by side with the original Bulgarian.
Under the Yoke is a novel by Ivan Vazov written in 1888. It depicts the Ottoman rule of Bulgaria and is the most famous piece of classic Bulgarian literature and it has been translated into more than 30 languages. The tranquility in a Bulgarian village under Ottoman rule is only superficial: the people are quietly preparing for an uprising. The plot follows the story of Boycho Ognyanov, who, having escaped from a prison in Diarbekir, returns to the Bulgarian town of Byala Cherkva to take part in the rebellion. There he meets old friends, enemies, and the love of his life. This volumes includes the first 16 chapters of part one with the original Bulgarian facing the English translation.