Diana Livesay

Written by one of the country’s most renowned rulers, A Description of Moldavia provides unique insight into the geography, history, economy, ethnography, culture, and traditions of the principality. Born to a noble family, the author, Dimitrie Cantemir, ruled as Prince of Moldavia on two occasions (March-April 1693 and 1710-1711). He was a famed statesman, philosopher, and scholar. Cantemir wrote his Description of Moldavia (Descriptio Moldaviae) in 1716 at the request of the Royal Academy in Berlin, of which he was a member. Cantemir’s manuscript included a map (reproduced in the present edition), the first real map of the country, containing geographical detail. The book provides a wealth of information about the country’s natural resources, political organization, customs and traditions, history, religion, and language.

In Pirin Planina, Romanian poet and writer George Topirceanu (1886-1937) described his experiences as a soldier during World War I. Despite his bleak surroundings and vivid descriptions of death and tragedy that he witnessed, Topirceanu managed to find humour in the most unusual circumstances, making Pirin Planina a truly unique account of the War. His experiences will leave the reader perplexed. Topirceanu's unique blend of drama, tragedy, and humor will immerse the reader into the world of a soldier during World War I.

The Scintillating Life of Iulia Hasdeu presents the life and literary works of the Romanian child genius of the 19th century. Iulia Hasdeu was the daughter of Bogdan Petriceicu Hasdeu, one of the greatest literary and political figures in modern Romanian history. She started reading at two years old and she wrote her first historical study at the age of six. At eight years old she was fluent in French, German, and English. She graduated from the Bucharest Conservatory at eleven with excellent accomplishments in piano and canto, after which she left for Paris and started studying at SÉvignÉ College. She was the first Romanian woman to be accepted at Sorbonne University. During her short life, before she was ultimately taken by an incurable illness, Iulia wrote countless poems, short stories, and plays. Her drawings and her letters also survived the passing of time, allowing us a glimpse into her tragic childhood and adolescence, her emotions, and her most intimate thoughts. The Scintillating Life of Iulia Hasdeu is a premiere for international readers. Aside from being a biography, it contains English translations for many of her works and letters.