50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEATH OF THE WRITER IVAN GORAN KOVACIC

Motif: "Ivan Goran Kovačić", statue by Vojin Bakić. Ivan Goran Kovačić, Croatian poet, short-story writer and critic was born on March 21, 1913, at Lukovdol, Gorski Kotar. In 1936, Matica hrvatska published seven short stories of the 23 years old writer entitled "The Days of Rage". His first volume of verse "Fires and Roses"shows an even more complete return to the reality of his native region, to childhood emotions, and to reflection on fateful events. At the end of 1942, Ivan Goran Kovačić joined the National Liberation War together with the writer Vladimir Nazor, feeling that in this way he would be able to promote the Croatian cause. He took the manuscript of his well-known epic poem "The Pit" (Common Grave) written in classic verse strongly influenced by Dante. The poem is a heavy condemnation of crimes against man and mankind. Goran was killed by a chetnik captain (most probably July 12, 1943) "in Avdo's Valley, below Kruščić Hill, on the right bank of the Drina River near Bunovi hamlet not far from the city of Foča". Goran was buried July 13, at noon, just as he foresaw in his prophetic lyric "My tomb", far from his native land, far from any human settlement, in the woods among the trees which were to hide him forever under their dense folliage protecting his last resting place. Although Goran was only 30 when he died, his literary inheritance is interesting and priceless. The stamp was printed in sheets of 20 pieces each. HPT issued a first day cover (FDC) and a commemorative sheet.