This book won the 1929 Newbery Medal for best contribution to American literature for children. It is the story of a boy living in Krakow, Poland, in 1461 who becomes the trumpeter and night watch at the famous Church of Our Lady Mary. Back in 1241, a young trumpeter who held this same position felt it was his duty to continue sounding his trumpet at the appointed times even as the city was being overrun by Tartars. In the middle of the tune, he was killed by an arrow. Ever since then, all of the succeeding trumpeters stop playng the tune at that same point in memory and honor of that earlier trumpeter. The young lad in this novel has to continue this tradition, yet has to vary the tradition in order to warn others of a crime. Children love to read this story of medieval Europe and of a young man with a duty to do what is right.

In the 13th century (1241), a Polish boy was killed by the arrow of an invading Tartar from the East, silencing his trumpet a few notes short of completion of the "Heynal," the Hymn to Our Lady, as he stood on a little balcony of the Church of Our Lady Mary in Krakow, Poland. Ever since that event subsequent trumpeters have stopped at the same point in the Heynal as it is sounded four times on the hour, all day and night as a signal that all is well. This legend is based in history.

The story of Joesph Charnetski-Kowalski, set in 1461, is fictional. Joseph's father, Pan Andrew Charnetski is the guardian of the Great Tarnov Crystal, which has been in his family's safekeeping for over 200 years. When Tarnov fell to the Tartars, the gem was entrusted to a Charnetski to hide until such time as its whereabouts became known, at which time it was to be given to the the King of Poland (Kazimir Jagiello in the story).

Pan Andrew, his wife, and son Joseph are driven from their farm in the Ukraine by Tartars who burned their home and destroyed their fields. Fleeing to the city for safety, they assume a new surname in Krakow and Andrew becomes the new church trumpeter. The family lives in a house with alchemist Nicholas Kreutz and his niece Elzbietka. The crystal, a stone of tremendous importance and power, is the object of pursuit by Bogdan the Terrible (Peter of the Button Face). When he discovers the Charnetskis' location and tries to steal the Crystal from them, one-third of Krakow burns to the ground.

Danger and intrigue follow the Charnetski family; readers of all ages will enjoy this story. That there is a basis in fact/history for the novel makes it even more fascinating. Treat yourself or a pre-teen/teenager to this award-winning book!

A historical novel, Eric P. Kelly's TRUMPETER OF KRAKOW --- The Great Tarnov Crystal and Pan Andrew Charnetski's VOW -- A scholar alchemist and Elzbietka Kreutz his NIECE -- Listened to the Heynal as Joseph played his special PIECE -- From the Street of the Pigeons to the King's COURT -- returning the crystal after troubles of all SORT! This is a wonderful book packed full of emotions, action and a beautifully told historical story. Kathryn in New York Cit

This book is one ofthe best books writtin by Eric P. Kelly. It teaches you the hisotory of poland, and it shows you the customs and other guidlines which you will have to know when visiting such a country. Well that is why I give it a four star rating.