Monday, September 26, 2011

Bibliophile's Corner

The Trumpeter of Krakow
by Eric P. Kelly

Flap Copy description:
For well over thirty years, Eric P. Kelly's Newbery Award winner has brought the color and romance of ancient times to young readers. Today, The Trumpeter of Krakow is as absorbing and dramatic as it was when it was first published in 1928.

Filled with mystery and excitement, the book is much more than a rousing adventure story. Out of his great love of Poland and its history, Mr. Kelly painted a vivid picture of the political and social life of Krakow in the early Renaissance.

My thoughts:
It has now been over eighty years since The Trumpeter of Krakow was first published. Although the text bears the mark of an older writing style, this historical fiction is intelligent and intriguing. The MG novel is still considered a national treasure in Poland, where Mr. Kelly did relief work during World War I, and later returned to live for a time. I would highly recommend this book to the sophisticated youth, or an adult as well.