Szerelem- és pipadal (Aradi Vészlapok version)

What it is

This is a printed page from the periodical Aradi Vészlapok, 1844, showing Petőfi's poem known as Szerelem- és pipadal (Love and Pipe Song), here under the heading 'Dal a szivarról'. It is signed 'Petőfy' at the bottom.

Why it matters

This printing shows how Petőfi's poetry reached readers through periodicals early in his career, before his fame grew. Comparing this version with its later printing in his own poetry volume shows how his texts could change between publications.

Look closer

• What differences might you expect between a newspaper printing and a book printing of the same poem?
• Why might a poet's name be spelled differently in different print sources?
• What does the choice of a light-hearted subject like love and pipe-smoking suggest about Petőfi's early poetic voice?