On Wednesday, December 28, authors Katarina Marić and Sunčica Mustač will be presenting their new book, Valvasor in Istria, at the Historical and Maritime Museum in Pula Castle. Containing translations in English and Italian, this beautiful edition is the result of extensive research into the German-speaking Slavs who lived here centuries ago.
One was Johann Weichard Valvasor, whose magnificent work The Glory of the Duchy of Carniola, published in 1689, is also the subject of an exhibition at the museum currently on show until January 31.
Like this polymath nobleman more than three centuries ago, the current authors focus on descriptions of Istrian towns, castles, churches, nature and people, as well as strange phenomena Valvasor discovered at the time. His compendium, which ran to 3,532 pages in 15 books and four volumes, is thought to be the first mention of vampires on the printed page.
So comprehensive is the 17th-century tome, in fact, with its 528 copperplates and 24 appendices, that Valvasor had to build his own printing house to publish it. The work took him ten years to create and cost Valvasor most of his estate.
Using both historical accounts and his own meticulous research, he covered the heritage, geography and customs of the area he refers to as Carniola, or present-day Istria. Baptised in Ljubljana, Valvasor was based in Slovenia, where he died in 1893.
Accompanied by music written especially for the occasion, the Concertino Valvasoriano, authors Katarina Marić and Sunčica Mustač showcase the extent of Valvasor’s pioneering work, which set new standards in research and publishing at the time.
Valvasor in Istria, Historical and Maritime Museum, Pula Castle, Gradinski uspon 6 (ppmi.hr). December 28, from 6pm. More details here.