A portrait of France Preseren by Marjan Belec.

Today is the anniversary of the death of Slovenia’s most magnificent poet, France Preseren. It’s a national holiday and, like last year, we’re happy to spend it with a living Preseren — this time an American one. I’m thankful to Herman J. Preseren of North Carolina for taking some time to talk and reflect on his famous last name.

To learn more about the life of Preseren, or to read some of his poems, visit Preseren.net.

The Glory of Carniola: How is your name usually pronounced in the United States?

Herman J. Preseren: Pronouncing Preseren here is impossible. The nearest possibility has been Presheren. My kin in Cleveland and our family decided years ago to keep the spelling as it is in Slovenian, but without the mark above the s. Usually folks kind of stutter at the name beginning as pree then fumble the rest. I correct them immediately with Press-ern. That is the way our family does it. There are other Preserens in America, but I have no idea how it’s done with them.

TGoC: When did you realize that you shared a last name with a famous poet?

Preseren: When I was a child. My father was well versed in the poet and taught me a bit of history. As I got older I began to see Slovenian fraternal organizations or singing societies named after the poet. Gradually I began to read more about him.

TGoC: Are you possibly related to France Preseren? What do you know about your family background?

Preseren: I doubt any close relationship. I traced my family to a Mathias Preseren who was Franc’s contemporary. Mathias had a tract of land above Ambroz near Cerklje. I haven’t been able to trace Mathias’ birthplace. My father’s family lived near Sencur where he and two brothers and a sister were born. His sister’s family descendants still live at Sencur. A daughter, my first cousin, lives in Kranj. Her name is Ivanka Markun.

TGoC: Do you have any personal similiarities with Preseren? (Love of wine and friends, fondness for tragic romances, etc..)

Preseren: I doubt it. I don’t truly understand poetry. My likes are history and geography. Taught both in high school and at a university. I drink wine on occasion. Had flits of romance, but married a fine North Carolina lady with whom I lived over 60 years. I lost her over a year ago. I’m up in age, retired, and living alone but have many friends.

TGoC: Have you ever read any Preseren? What did you think?

Preseren: I have several books both in Slovene and in English. I’ve read most of his poetry translated. His thoughts were deep with a love for the classics. I slowly and laboriously read Slovenian - learned "kitchen-Slovene" at home and self-educated. I’ve promoted France Preseren to my university colleagues. Several have visited Slovenia because of it. One of my friends made a Christmas card featuring Bled as a picture and Preseren’s Toast as the message. If possible I hope to be visiting Slovenia for the fifth time this coming Summer.
Wishing all Slovenians a wonderful Preseren Day on the eighth!