Piotr Chmielowski, An Outline of Polish Literature of the Last Twenty Years [1886]

Size: 20 cm.

Number of pages: 348.

Binding: Original period half-leather, with visible surface scuffs and dulled edges.

In this book, Piotr Chmielowski, a leading critic of Polish Positivism, summarizes the Polish literature of the post-uprising period, which he followed closely as it unfolded. Influenced by Hippolyte Taine, he evaluated works based on their connection to social life and realism. He discusses poetry, drama, and the novel, with Sienkiewicz, Orzeszkowa, and Prus at the forefront. The first version was published in Vilnius in 1881 as “An Outline of Polish Literature of the Last Sixteen Years”; the 1886 edition is expanded and supplemented.

The title page bears a “Brunon Kojro” stamp; the half-title page contains notes in ink.

Stains on the pages (foxing), binding with scuffs and dulled edges. The volume is intact and complete.

An item from the 18th Polish Antiquarian Book Auction.