Prosjak Luka

The Beggar Luka is one of the most successful and beloved works by August Šenoa, a classic story that is considered one of the pearls of Croatian realistic prose of the 19th century. At the center is the blind beggar Luka, a poor old man who wanders around the outskirts of Zagreb, and with his simple, wise and noble life wins the hearts of readers.

Šenoa masterfully depicts Luka's inner light in contrast to external misery, creating a deeply humanistic work full of compassion for the little man. Through Luka's fate, the author depicts social contrasts, poverty, but also the kindness of ordinary people, the customs of the Zagreb surroundings and the eternal themes of suffering, forgiveness and human dignity. The story exudes warmth, mild irony and a deep understanding of human nature, which makes it equally touching today.

This edition is part of the popular and visually attractive edition of The Collected Works of August Šenoa published by Naklada knjižare Preporod in Zagreb in 1942–1943. Like the other volumes, Prosjak Luka (book 3) is equipped with recognizable and artistically valuable illustrations by Andrija Maurović. His drawings on the cover and within the text perfectly evoke the atmosphere of the story – from the streets of Zagreb and country roads to the emotional scenes of beggar life, giving the book a special visual charm.

Prosjak Luka is a masterpiece of Šenoa's short prose that combines realism and romantic enthusiasm. It can be read in one sitting, but leaves a deep impression. This edition is ideal for lovers of classical Croatian literature, humanistic stories and antiquarian editions with artistic value.