Obverse. Photo © Monetnik.ru
  • 200 Forint 2001, KM# 757, Hungary, Children's Literature, Boys from Pál Street by Ferenc Molnár
  • 200 Forint 2001, KM# 757, Hungary, Children's Literature, Boys from Pál Street by Ferenc Molnár
Description

Children's literature encompasses literary works crafted for young, yet developing audiences, with the intention of meeting their needs while also introducing them to more complex literary pieces. In a broader context, the realm of children's and young adult literature extends to informative texts and science fiction, which straddle the line between entertainment and education.

An intriguing aspect of young adult literature is its dual nature: many works originally intended for adults have found a place within young adult literature today (such as "Gulliver's Travels" or Verne's utopian novels), while conversely, numerous works initially aimed at young adults have transitioned into the realm of serious literary recognition (for instance, Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland").

The significance of literature targeted solely at children emerged predominantly in the latter part of the 19th century. Prior to this period, literary creations were primarily geared toward adult readers. However, notable exceptions include the collections of tales by János Arany and Elek Benedek (commencing in 1862 and 1885, respectively), which marked the inception of independent children's literature. Even Sándor Petőfi's narrative poem, "János vitéz" (1844), was crafted for adult audiences. Hungarian children's literature boasts timeless masterpieces such as Sándor Petőfi's "Arany Lacinak," Attila József's "Lullaby," János Arany's "Toldi," and Ferenc Molnár's "Pál utcai fiúk."

Engraver: László Szlávics Jr.

Obverse

Depicts a boy hurling a sand bomb, with another boy blowing a trumpet visible in the background. Along the left edge, in a semicircular arrangement, the inscription "Ferenc Molnár: The Paul Street Boys" is legible.

"Pál utcai fiúk" (Boys from Pál Street) is an adolescent novel authored by Ferenc Molnár. Originally serialized in a youth magazine in 1906, it was later compiled into a book by Franklin-Társulat in 1907. Within Hungary, it holds a place as one of the most cherished and widely read novels, often included as required reading in fifth-grade curricula. Internationally, it stands out as the most renowned Hungarian novel, having been translated into numerous languages and featuring on mandatory or recommended reading lists in various countries such as Italy, Brazil, and Poland.

The enduring global appeal of the book underscores readers' perception that it delves into timeless human experiences applicable to any place or era. The vividly drawn main characters exhibit such distinctive behavioral traits that their names alone conjure up their personas, solidifying the novel's status as a cultural touchstone.

Set against the backdrop of Budapest in March 1889, the narrative unfolds the intense rivalry between the Paul Street Boys and the Redshirts. These junior high school students fiercely defend their playground, known as the "grund," with the unexpected aid of Ernő Nemecsek, a small, blond boy previously underestimated by his peers. Despite their hard-fought victory, the revelation that a house will be built on their cherished playground renders their triumph bittersweet and ultimately futile.

MOLNÁR FERENC: A PÁL UTCAI FIÚK

Reverse

Depicts the denomination, year of issue, mint mark (BP), and the engraver's initials. Along the edge, a circular inscription of the country's name (Hungarian Republic) is visible.

MAGYAR KÖZTÁRSASÁG
200 Forint
2001
BP.
iSZ

Edge

200 Forint

Third Republic

Children's Literature
Boys from Pál Street by Ferenc Molnár

Subscribe series
KM# 757 Adamo# EM175
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Brass
Weight 9.4 g
Diameter 29.2 mm
Thickness 2 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Budapest Mint (BP)

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