Jaan Kross Knihy

Historický román estónskeho autora - zachytáva osudy Timothea von Bocka, výnimočnej historickej osobnosti z prvej tretiny 19. storočia. Základné ohnivko románu tvorí von Bock a jeho Memorandum cárovi Alexandrovi.

Povídky: Čtvero monologů o svatém Jiří - Imatrikulace generálmajora Michelsona - Historie dvou ztracených písemností - Hodina na otáčecí židli

Tři malé historické romány (Hodina na otáčecí židli, Nebesky kámen, Caput mortum) z doby estonského národního obrození v 19. století zobrazující jeho historické osobnosti - otce žurnalistiky J. W. Jansena, osvícence, vůdce obrozenského hnutí a encyklopedistu O. W. Masinga a malíře J. Kölera - v situacích monologického zvažování etických postojů ve snaze poznat sebe sama.

Strhující vylíčení dilematu, do kterého se dostane každý člověk v blízkosti moci, o níž ví, že je špatná, ale bojí se jí vzepřít. Děj knihy, v češtině známé pod názvem "Blázen jeho veličenstva", se odehrává v 19.století, kdy se hlavní hrdina estonský baron Timo von Bock, plný romantických ideálů, zamiluje do mladé dívky, která u něho pracuje jako pokojská. S touto dívkou se posléze i ožení, následně propouští všechny nevolníky na jeho panství a píše dopis carovi, v kterém kritizuje tehdejší společneské poměry. Za tento čin je uvězněn. Po devíti letech ve vězení je prohlášen za šíleného a převezen do domácího vězení na jeho panství. Tam ale každý jeho krok pečlivě sledují příbuzní, kteří jsou loajální carovi. Baron nakonec umírá za velmi záhadných okolností.

A young law student who is more often in than out of prison and labour camp during these years like his creator Jaan Kross. Forever carrying a charge of guilt that he has only contributed to his friends' misfortunes, he describes two thwarted attempts at his own dilemma when he can save his life only by sacrificing a friend's.

The story of a man who rose from peasant stock to become Estonia's most famous medieval chronicler - The third novel in a historical trilogy by Estonia's most famous writer

The first part in an epic historical trilogy - The Estonian answer to Wolf Hall - by the nation's greatest modern writer Jaan Kross's trilogy dramatises the life of the renowned Livonian Chronicler Balthasar Russow, whose greatest work described the effects of the Livonian War on the peasantry of what is now Estonia. Like Hilary Mantel's Thomas Cromwell, Russow is a diamond in the rough, a thoroughly modern man in an Early Modern world, rising from humble origins to greatness through wit and learning alone. As Livonia is used as a political football by the warring powers of Russia, Sweden, Poland and Lithuania, he continues to climb the greasy pole of power and influence. Even as a boy, Russow has the happy knack of being in the right place and saying the right thing at the right time. He is equally at home acting as friend and confidante to his ambitious patron and as champion for his humble rural relatives. Can anything halt his vertiginous rise? Like most young men he is prey to temptations of the flesh . . .

Originally published in Estonian in 1987, this novel explores the life and experiences of its protagonist, Bernhard Schmidt, amidst significant historical and cultural contexts. The narrative delves into themes of identity and resilience, reflecting the complexities of life in Estonia during a transformative period. The book's rich storytelling and character development offer a unique perspective on the region's history, making it a compelling read for those interested in Estonian literature and its historical backdrop.

The story of a man who rose from peasant stock to become Estonia's most famous medieval chronicler - The second novel in a historical trilogy by Estonia's most famous writer

Timo von Bock's release by the Czar from nine years' incarceration does not spell the end of the Baron's troubles: he is confined to his Livonian estate to live under the constant eye of police informers planted among his own household, and is subjected to endless humiliations. It is claimed that he is a madman and in need of 'protection'.