1. The Bucharest Bible (1688)
Among the oldest and most important volumes printed in Romanian, the Bucharest Bible was published in 1688, under the reign of Șerban Cantacuzino, and represents the first complete translation of the Bible into Romanian. This is not only a religious work, but a symbol of Romanian identity and linguistic unity. The manuscript is kept in collections of great value and is found only in cultural institutions, national libraries and museums.
2. Varlaam's Cauldron (1643)
Another landmark of Romanian religious literature is "Cazania" or "Romanian Book of Teaching", written by Metropolitan Varlaam and published in Iași in 1643. This is the first book printed in Moldova and includes a set of sermons and biblical interpretations that contributed to the spread of the Romanian language.
3. History of Romanian Literature from its Origins to the Present by George Călinescu (1941)
Published in 1941, George Călinescu's monumental work remains a pillar of Romanian literary criticism, spanning nearly a millennium of cultural evolution. The book was banned during the communist era, and copies were confiscated, making first editions extremely rare and valuable. This work is an essential element for anyone studying Romanian literature, and is also a masterpiece of critical analysis and interpretation.
4. The Scheian Psalter (circa 1482)
The "Scheian Psalter" is one of the oldest religious manuscripts in Romania, dating from around 1482. It is a text written in Slavonic and represents evidence of the evolution of writing and language during that period.
5. Moments and Sketches by Ion Luca Caragiale (1901)
Ion Luca Caragiale profoundly influenced Romanian literature and theater through his works full of irony, humor, and social observation. "Momente și schițe", published in 1901, is one of the most well-known and beloved by Romanian readers.
6. Neacșu's letter from Câmpulung (1521)
Considered the oldest preserved document written in Romanian, the "Neacșu Letter from Câmpulung" from 1521 is a testimony to the written Romanian language and is carefully preserved in heritage collections.
7. The Happiness Diary by Nicolae Steinhardt (1989)
First published after the Revolution, "The Happiness Diary" is an autobiographical, deeply spiritual work written by Nicolae Steinhardt. It reveals the power of spiritual transformation he discovered during his imprisonment.
