Slavko Mihalic (1928-2007) is one of the giants in Croatian literature of the second half of the 20th century. He was an anthologist, publisher, editor, critic, writer for children, authored over twenty books of poetry, and established several literary journals and the literary review Most (Bridge), which brought Croatian literature to international readers. Bach and Mozart inspired him and the musicality of these masters he applied to the word. Translated into major world languages, Slavko Mihalic is a recipient of numerous literary awards, among them Tin Ujevic, City of Zagreb, Matica Hrvatska, Miroslav Krleža, Goranov Vjenac, Vladimir Nazor and others. The poems in this edition are taken from his last three publications: Sabrane pjesme (Collected Poems), 1998; Akordeon (Accordion), 2000; and Mocvara (Marsh), 2004.

Translated by: Dasha C. Nisula