Croatian Tales of Long Ago

By Ivana Berlic-Mažuranic. Translated by F. S. Copeland. Illustrated by Vladimir Kirin. Enter a magical world of ancient Slavic legend, enchanted forests, heroic quests, and mysterious spirits in one of the great classics of European fantasy literature.

In Croatian Tales of Long Ago, celebrated Croatian author Ivana Brlić-Mažuranić weaves together a remarkable collection of fairy tales inspired by the mythology, folklore, and oral traditions of the South Slavic world. Rich in imagination and timeless wisdom, these stories introduce readers to a realm filled with magical beings, wandering heroes, talking animals, ancient gods, and supernatural adventures that echo the deep cultural heritage of Croatia and the wider Slavic tradition.

Croatian Tales of Long Ago, 136 pp. Paperback $12.95
Berlić-Mažuranić, Ivana and Copeland, F. S. and Kirin, Vladimir

 

Croatian Tales of Long Ago, 136 pp. Hardcover $17.95
Berlić-Mažuranić, Ivana and Copeland, F. S. and Kirin, Vladimir

 

Description

By Ivana Berlic-Mažuranic. Translated by F. S. Copeland. Illustrated by Vladimir Kirin. Enter a world of Slavic mythology, enchanted forests, heroic quests, and magical beings in a beloved classic of Croatian literature.

In Croatian Tales of Long Ago, celebrated Croatian author Ivana Berlić-Mažuranić presents a remarkable collection of literary fairy tales inspired by the mythology, folklore, and oral traditions of Croatia and the wider Slavic world. Rich in imagination and timeless wisdom, these stories transport readers to a realm inhabited by mysterious spirits, wandering heroes, enchanted creatures, and supernatural adventures.

Often compared to the fairy tales of Hans Christian Andersen, these stories blend wonder, beauty, humor, and moral insight in a style that appeals to readers of all ages. Within these pages are brave youths facing extraordinary challenges, magical forests filled with strange beings, enchanted kingdoms, and enduring struggles between kindness and cruelty, courage and fear, wisdom and greed.

Written in lyrical and imaginative prose, Croatian Tales of Long Ago remains one of the most cherished works of Croatian literature. Deeply rooted in Slavic mythological traditions yet universal in its themes, the collection has captivated generations of readers and introduced audiences around the world to a distinctive literary heritage.

This restored edition brings a treasured classic to a new generation of readers. Ideal for lovers of mythology, fairy tales, fantasy, and Slavic culture, Croatian Tales of Long Ago continues to enchant with its memorable characters, magical atmosphere, and enduring sense of wonder.

About the author: Ivana Berlić-Mažuranić (1874–1938), more commonly known today as Ivana Brlić-Mažuranić, was a Croatian novelist and children’s writer widely regarded as one of the most important figures in Croatian literature. Best known for her imaginative fairy tales inspired by Slavic mythology and folklore, she gained international recognition during her lifetime and received multiple nominations for the Nobel Prize in Literature. Her works remain beloved classics and have been translated into numerous languages around the world.

Croatian Tales of Long Ago, 136 pp. Paperback $12.95
Berlić-Mažuranić, Ivana and Copeland, F. S. and Kirin, Vladimir

 

Croatian Tales of Long Ago, 136 pp. Hardcover $17.95
Berlić-Mažuranić, Ivana and Copeland, F. S. and Kirin, Vladimir