The trumpeter of Krakow : $b A tale of the fifteenth century

"The Trumpeter of Krakow: A Tale of the Fifteenth Century" by Eric P. Kelly is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set in 1241 and follows the struggles of a young trumpeter who is steadfast in his duty to protect Krakow from the imminent threat of invading Tartars. Central to this narrative are themes of bravery, loyalty, and sacrifice, as the protagonist serves as a symbol of hope for his people during dark times. The opening of the book introduces a far-reaching sense of foreboding as rumors of Tartar invasion spread, prompting people in surrounding areas to flee toward the city of Krakow. Amid the turmoil, the narrative focuses on the young trumpeter who, bound by his oath, remains in the city to sound the Heynal, a trumpet hymn to Our Lady, despite the impending danger. His feelings of hope and impending doom culminate in a tragic yet noble sacrifice that sets the stage for the personal and communal struggles that will follow, along with the introduction of other characters like the Charnetski family as they arrive in the city under duress. The text lays a rich foundation for an engaging and heartfelt tale involving historical conflict intertwined with personal honor and duty. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Eric Philbrook Kelly was an American journalist, academic and author of children's books. He was a professor of English at Dartmouth College and briefly a lecturer at the Jagiellonian University in Kraków. He won the 1929 Newbery Medal recognizing his first published book, The Trumpeter of Krakow, as the preceding year's most distinguished contribution to American children's literature.