Черният град

by Kálmán Mikszáth, Калман Миксат

Последната работа на Mikszáth,Fekete város (1910; „Черният град“) е най-добрият от историческите му романи.

Genres: Hungarian Literature, Classics, Historical Fiction, Fiction

461 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1910

About the author

Kálmán Mikszáth Kiscsoltó was a major Hungarian novelist, journalist, and politician.
Mikszáth was born in Sklabiná into a family of the lesser nobility. He studied Law at the University of Budapest from 1866 to 1869, although he did not apply for any exam, and became involved in journalism, writing for many Hungarian newspapers including the Pesti Hírlap.

His early short stories were based on the lives of peasants and artisans, and had little appeal. However, they demonstrated his skill in crafting humorous anecdotes, which would be developed in his later, more popular works. Many of his novels contained social commentary and satire, and towards the end of his life they became increasingly critical of the aristocracy and the burden he believed the latter placed on Hungarian society.

Theodore Roosevelt enjoyed his novel, St. Peter’s Umbrella so much that he visited Mikszáth during his European trip in 1910 solely to express his admiration.[1]

Mikszáth was a member of the Liberal Party, and in 1887 was elected to the National Assembly of Hungary (one of the two top legislatures in Austria-Hungary). Until 1879 he was the representative for the Illyefalva District in Transylvania, and from 1892 until his death he represented the Fogaras District.

He was buried in Kerepesi Cemetery in Budapest, along his sons János (1886-1890) and Albert (1889-1921).

Reviews

[Tibor Jánosi-Mózes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nagyjából a kötet felénél jöttem rá, hogy felejtsem el a kasszikus történelmi regények sodrását, mert ez a történet egy történelmi sitcom :)
Horkanásos röhögések és az állandó, "jesszusom ennyi hülyét" felkiáltások közepette pörgött az egész sztory, egészen az utolsó baltacsapásig.
Ez eddig az egyik legjobb kurucidős hétközapokat felidéző könyv, ami olvastam. Semmi arcpirító tulzás, semmi mítoszteremtő akarat, imádtam...

[Veronika · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Az akkori folytonos hadakozásokban, a tábori életben, amikor az embereknek nincs rendes szakácsnéjuk, a szesz tartja bennük a lelket. Általában az egész magyar élet ebben a jegyben folyik le."

[A. P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply the best piece of popular fiction ever written in Hungarian. Great amount of adventure, romance and betrayal - a hundred years passed since its publication and still fresh and highly entertaining and rewarding read. It doesn't matter if you know zilch about Hungary just relax and enjoy one of the best Hungarian novels by one of the best Hungarian writers.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very readable and historically interesting novel set in Hungary in the troubled late 17th century. It was the last that Mikszáth wrote and appeared posthumously in 1911. The humour is superb, but much of it verbal, so that it has suffered in this fuddy-duddy translation, or I would have given it five points.

[Cristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

4* for the writing style, 2* for the plot and especially very abrupt unhappy ending. I really wanted to know what happened to Rosalie's and her suitor's relationship after this merciless and speedy execution.

[Ookami Haru · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hangoskönyvben hallgattam, ezért nem tudtam 100%-osan odafigyelni rá. Sokszor tetszett, azonban volt, hogy elvesztettem az érdeklődésemet iránta. A befejezés egy kicsit hirtelen volt szerintem. De amúgy szerintem jó és értékes mű.

[Amanda M · Rating 1 out of 5]

I found this book dull and tedious. Gave up after 50 or so pages. Sure, there were amusing moments, but in between us so much useless detail. I found the character development lacking. Overall I didn’t think I’d get any benefit from pushing through any longer

[Góczán Judit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Küzdelem a nagyravágyással, a kérlelhetetlenséggel, az emberi hiúsággal és a végzettel.

[Eszter Beáta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Olvastam már jobbat is Mikszáth-tól. Nem rossz, és sok benne a fordulat, néha nagyokat nevettem is közben, de valahogy mégis kicsit mást vártam.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sketches of early modern Hungary linked by the machinations of the diverse population, set against the background of approaching war.

[Viktor Sebes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Impressive and evocative fairy tale, smooth and constant over the fifteen and some years told. On the other hand it remains a nice and merry story to be told throughout, with no real deeper dives into the minute details of the story. Very informative from a historical perspective, although I cannot comment on its accuracy.

All in all, a very nice classical story to be devoured by people who like Tolkien et cie.

[Orban Reka · Rating 5 out of 5]

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