A scarce and historically important Greek-language edition of the celebrated novel Two Young Women or One Year of Marriage (Δύο Νεαραί Γυναίκες ή Εν Έτος Συζυγίας) by the renowned Swedish novelist Émilie Flygare-Carlén (1807–1892).
Printed in Thessaloniki (Salonika), Ottoman Empire, in 1885, this rare volume represents an exceptional example of nineteenth-century Greek publishing in Macedonia during the late Ottoman era. Works produced in Thessaloniki during this period are increasingly sought after by collectors owing to their historical significance and comparatively limited survival rates.
The text was translated into Greek by Anastasios Symeon (Αναστάσιος Συμεών) from a French edition, reflecting the important role French literature and culture played in the transmission of European literary works to the Greek-reading public of the nineteenth century.
Of particular interest is the approval statement printed on the title page:
“Αδεία του ενταύθα Συμβουλίου της Παιδείας”
(“With the permission of the local Council of Education”),
an official authorization that offers valuable insight into the educational and publishing practices of the Greek Orthodox communities of Ottoman Macedonia. During the Ottoman period, Greek schools and educational publications often operated under the supervision of local educational authorities of the Greek Orthodox community. The phrase indicates that the publication had received official approval for circulation, often because it was considered suitable for educational or moral instruction
The book was printed by the notable “I Macedonia” Printing House (Εκ του Τυπογραφείου Η Μακεδονία), one of the important Greek presses operating in Thessaloniki during the late nineteenth century.
About the Author
Émilie Flygare-Carlén was among the most successful and widely read Scandinavian authors of the nineteenth century. Her novels enjoyed immense popularity throughout Europe and the United States, and she became one of the first Swedish writers to achieve international literary recognition. Her works, often centered on family relationships, social conventions, and women’s experiences, were translated into numerous languages and enjoyed enduring popularity throughout the Victorian era.
Bibliographical Details
Author: Émilie Flygare-Carlén
Greek title: Δύο Νεαραί Γυναίκες ή Εν Έτος Συζυγίας
Original work: Två unga hustrur
Translator: Αναστάσιος Συμεών (Anastasios Symeon)
Place of publication: Thessaloniki, Ottoman Empire
Printer/Publisher: Εκ του Τυπογραφείου “Η Μακεδονία” (I Macedonia Printing House)
Year: 1885
Language: Greek (Katharevousa)
Pages: 302
Dimensions: 20 cm × 14.5 cm
Original paper cover preserved
Condition
Good overall condition for a book printed in the Ottoman Empire nearly 140 years ago.
Original paper covers preserved
General age toning and wear
Signs of handling consistent with age
Interior generally well preserved
Structurally sound
Please study all photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description and condition report.
Collector’s Significance
An uncommon nineteenth-century Thessaloniki imprint combining several desirable collecting fields: Ottoman-era Greek printing, Macedonian history, women’s literature, Scandinavian literature in translation, and the cultural history of the Greek communities of the Ottoman Empire.
Rarely encountered on the market, especially with its original paper cover preserved.
