Владислав

Vladislav Grammatik is the most prominent representative of our literary life in the 15th century, and especially in its second half, when the roar of weapons had already subsided and when the Turkish attacks were directed west of Bulgaria. Although a number of articles and studies have been written so far about the life and work of Grammatik, there are still many unresolved or incorrectly illuminated questions. On the other hand, all this has not been collected in one place and thus the image of the writer has not been outlined more comprehensively. In this situation, it was necessary to proceed to writing a more comprehensive study, in which not only would the previous achievements of science regarding the life and literary heritage of Vladislav Grammatik, scattered in various publications, would be collected, but also new material would be attracted, certain issues would be reassessed, etc. In the light of these circumstances, the appearance of Georgi Danchev's work is fully justified.

In 1969, 500 years passed since the event that gave rise to the creation of Vladislav Grammatik's Rila Tale. This peculiar tale is one of the few works of old Bulgarian literature that are distinguished by lasting artistic significance, valid for readers both in the past and today. Written nearly 500 years ago, it was read, copied, rewritten and distributed throughout the centuries of Turkish slavery. Later - from the Revival to the most recent times - scholars-specialists in our country and abroad dedicated numerous articles and studies to it. Long debates have been held about it and different, sometimes opposing opinions have been expressed, but it is little known to the wide circle of Bulgarian readers. The main reason is the absence of a contemporary assessment corresponding to its historical and artistic significance. The 500th anniversary of the event that gave birth to the tale is a good occasion for such an assessment.