Władysław Bogusławski, The Strengths and Resources of Our Theater [1879]

Author: Władysław Bogusławski, coat of arms “Świnka” (1839–1909) [literary, music, and theater critic; short-story writer; translator; director; son of Stanisław; grandson of Wojciech Bogusławski—the “father of Polish theater”; exiled to Siberia for his participation in the January Uprising]

Publisher: Józef Sikorski, Warsaw

Year of publication: 1879. Series: Theater and Dramatic Literature. First published in book form (previously published in *Gazeta Polska*, 1878).

Size: 18 cm.

Number of pages: 378.

Binding: Period half-leather, with visible wear.

“The Forces and Resources of Our Stage” is a comprehensive study of Warsaw’s acting scene during the so-called “era of the stars,” written by Władysław Bogusławski, a theater critic from a family with ties to the National Theater. In 1876, Bogusławski became the director of drama and comedy at the Warsaw Government Theaters and staged works by Shakespeare and Hugo, among others, but after eight months he stepped down in the face of opposition from part of the troupe and the press. The book, first serialized in *Gazeta Polska* (1878) and published separately in 1879, is a summary of these experiences and an analysis of Warsaw’s acting community. In it, Bogusławski writes about the theatrical performance as an artistic whole.

On the title page is the signature “Elżbieta Barszczewska”; that was the name of the well-known actress from the Polish Theater in Warsaw, who played Stefcia in the film *Trędowata* (1936).

One loose card. The book is in clean condition, with a period half-leather binding that shows signs of wear.

An item from the 18th Polish Antiquarian Book Auction.