Pjesnička djela I: Matija Gubec - Stjepan, posljednji kralj bosanski

The book was published as the first volume of the collected Poetic Works of Mirko Bogović. The introduction and editorial work were signed by Milivoj Šrepel. This is part of a systematic edition of Bogović's work after his death in 1893.

Matija Gubec (The Peasant King) – a drama in five acts, written in 1859 – is considered Bogović's most successful dramatic work. It is the first Croatian historical drama in which peasants become the main protagonists. Bogović depicts the peasant revolt of 1573, the leader Matija Gubec and his like-minded people in the fight against feudal oppression. The drama is strongly socially colored, full of romantic enthusiasm for justice and freedom, and was among the first in Croatian literature to glorify the peasant revolt. It was premiered in 1878 and remained in the theater repertoire for a long time.

Stjepan, the Last Bosnian King – a five-act play, written in prison in 1854, published in 1857 – is a historical tragedy about the last Bosnian king Stjepan Tomašević and the fall of Bosnia to the Ottoman Empire in 1463. Bogović emphasizes the themes of internal discord, betrayal and ambition among the nobles as the main causes of the downfall. The play draws on Shakespeare's models (especially Macbeth) and carries clear political allusions to the Croatian position in the Habsburg Monarchy.

Both plays belong to the peak of Croatian Romanticism and the Illyrian movement. Through historical themes, Bogović preaches national awakening, resistance to foreign rule, social justice and unity. His style is characterized by pathos, rhetorical enthusiasm and melodic verse, typical of 19th-century Romantic drama.

Mirko Bogović (1816–1893), born in Varaždin, was a lawyer, politician, Illyrian and one of the most prolific Croatian writers of his time. He was imprisoned several times for his political activities. In addition to his dramas, he wrote patriotic poems, satires and short stories. He was very popular in his time, and his works had a strong influence on the formation of Croatian national consciousness.

This edition from 1893 is an important source for the study of Croatian literature of Romanticism and Illyrianism. Today it is an antiquarian rarity, sought after among lovers of older Croatian literature, historians and theatre experts. The book combines dramatic power with deep patriotic messages and remains a testament to Bogović's vision of Croatian history and national identity.