Friend of the People, Vol. X (Part 2) and Vol. XI (Part 1) [1844]

Size: 26 cm.

Binding: Original publisher’s paper cover.

“Przyjaciel Ludu” (Friend of the People), published in Leszno by Ernest Günther from 1834 to 1849, was the first Polish illustrated weekly. Under Prussian rule, it popularized knowledge of history, geography, and natural sciences, thereby sustaining national consciousness. This volume combines the second half of Year X with the first half of Year XI; subscribers often bound the issues as they saw fit, regardless of the division into years. The issues from 1844 feature articles on the historical monuments of the former Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, borderland castles, biographies of famous figures, and technical innovations, accompanied by woodcut illustrations.

Provenance: On the inside of the front cover is an ex-libris reading “Ex Libris Lecha Kokocińskiego,” and on the back of the first title page is a round stamp with the same inscription.

A must-have for collectors of old Polish newspapers and memorabilia from Greater Poland.

A uniform block of paper with a natural, even browning.

An item from the 19th Polish Antiquarian Book Auction.