Taras Shevchenko, the poet of Ukraine : selected poems

The collection brings the fierce, lyrical heart of Ukraine’s most beloved poet to English‑speaking ears. In verses forged by a life of serfdom, exile and relentless struggle, Shevchenko sings of personal anguish, social injustice and the timeless yearning for freedom. His words move from rustic village scenes to the stark expanse of steppes, unveiling a voice that feels both uniquely Ukrainian and strikingly universal.

An insightful introduction frames the poems within the turbulent nineteenth‑century landscape that shaped them, while the translations aim to preserve the original’s passionate rhythm and raw honesty. Listeners will encounter a blend of Romantic fervor and early realist sensibility, offering a vivid portrait of a man whose art still resonates amid today’s challenges. This selection invites both newcomers and seasoned admirers to experience the poet’s enduring call for truth, dignity and hope.