My translation of Rainis’ The Golden Horse is now available in the U.S. at:
https://tsw.createspace.com/title/3853655
It will be available in Europe and on Amazon in about 7-10 days.
The translation was originally conceived for an audience like my nephews - people of Latvian descent who do not know the language. I felt that Zelta zirgs was an important piece of literature because it was written in 1909 - post Latvian Revolution of 1905 and pre independence of 1918.
Zelta zirgs is based on a children’s fairy tale, but it is filled with symbolism and lessons for an adult audience. Specifically, Rainis called for idealism - altruism - self-sacrifice - unity.
I provide an extensive Afterword so that the reader understands Latvian history and Rainis’ tremendous role in the independence movement. I try to present an objective and contemporary context for the work.
I hope that people will read this and share it with their friends and family members. It is intended to be an introduction to Latvian culture and history. It is imperative that the reader understand how Latvia, sitting on the Baltic Sea, became a prize for Germany, Russia and others. I never understood just how important Riga was during the Hanseatic era. Nor did I know that Riga was Russia’s 3rd major industrial city and second most important port at the turn of the 20th century. I learned a tremendous amount in preparing this material and hope that I have effectively shared it.
I would enjoy hearing comments/messages from people after they have read the work.
Please pass this information on to others.
Thanks, Vilis Inde
