Out of Our Past

This is my original English translation of a public domain book about the history of the Romanian people, first published in 1908 (three years before the author's death). The original can be found online as on Romanian WikiSource; many thanks to the volunteers who made it available!

This is, of course, no academic work. Note how the author seldom cites his sources in early chapters (he seems loathe to admit perusing foreign historians), and the poetic language is better suited to an epic saga than a history treatise. I still found the book very instructional, especially in the second half. Naturally, any feedback is welcome; the language in particular will need tightening. I tried to preserve the original archaic flavor, and my English skills may not be the best suited for that.

One reader compared it to Beowulf. Another, to the lyrics of a power metal music album. It makes sense, too: the author was mostly known for his poems and travelogues. I still like the fact that ugly truths we were never told in school are laid bare in this book that's otherwise so patriotic.

If only we still had that mentality today. Enjoy.