A Journey into History: Essays on Hungarian Literature

Hungarian literature is far from having reached the attention and appreciation of the English speaking reader. Our series of essays proposes an introduction to rather than a reappraisal of this literature which, though unknown, deserves an honorable place among other literatures of the world. Its roots go back to the sources which have been feeding Western art: Christianity and Humanism. Now, if all the other national literatures participate in the universal concert of arts, literature of Hungary, too, would like to make its voice heard, its beauty known. What fascinates the Hungarian writer is not psychology or destiny; it is history which inspires him courage and perseverance in fighting for the survival of his nation. His authentic poetry saves his artistry from becoming chauvinistic. On reading these essays, one will enjoy learning how the Hungarians feel about being placed in this narrow corridor of Europe, between East and West, where they witness history in its making.