The author of the collection is Ostap Vyshnya (real name Pavlo Hubenko), an outstanding Ukrainian satirist, humorist, and the founder of the "smiles" (usmishky) genre in Ukrainian literature. The writer explained his pseudonym symbolically: just as the cherry fruit combines sweet and tart flavors, humor should be kind yet apt and sharp. Ostap Vyshnya’s work stands out for its folk language, wit, sincere humor, and deep love for ordinary people.
The writer’s literary journey began with feuilletons and pamphlets. By the 1920s, he was dubbed the "king of Ukrainian circulation." His works appeared in the popular magazines Chervony Perets and Perets, with most humorous stories focusing on Ukrainian village life. Over a hundred collections were published during his lifetime, with Vyshnevi Usmishky, Myslyvski Usmishky, and Zenitka holding a special place.
The digest Zenitka was created during the Second World War and became one of the writer’s most famous wartime humorous books. The publication features "smiles" (usmishky) that use humor and irony to depict the lives of ordinary people against the backdrop of war. The characters – simple peasants and soldiers – find themselves in funny situations while demonstrating ingenuity, courage, and vitality. The centerpiece of the book is the titular humorous story "Zenitka," where the author blends folk humor with military themes.
The book was donated to the Museum by Oleksa Maksymeyko, a veteran of the Second World War. He served as a machine gunner in the 984 Regiment of the 275 Rifle Division (37 Army, Southwestern Front) and participated in the Battle of the Caucasus, as well as the Lublin-Brest, Warsaw-Poznan, and Berlin operations. During the war, he published poems in frontline newspapers and later authored ten poetry collections.
The 115-page book features a soft, light-colored cover adorned with a portrait drawing of a character – a bust-length illustration of an elderly man wearing a hat and holding a pipe.