Władysław Smoleński, The Last Year of the Great Sejm [1896]

Size: 22 cm.

Number of pages: 481.

Binding: A contemporary half-leather bookbinder’s binding in the style of the period, with embossing and gilt lettering on the spine.

Władysław Smoleński (1851–1926), one of the leading figures of the Warsaw School of History, describes in this monograph the final year of the Four-Year Sejm’s sessions, from May 1791 to May 1792: the implementation of the Constitution of May 3, the mood in Warsaw, the resistance of the magnate faction, and the events leading up to the Targowica Confederation. The work is based on extensive archival research and includes a comprehensive list of sources.

A book for historians and enthusiasts of the history of Stanisławów-era Poland.

Provenance: The title page bears a stamp reading “M. Soczołowski.” The half-title page bears a stamp with the number 700, likely the former inventory number of a private book collection.

The block is intact. The first few pages show signs of handling; the last few pages have old, dried-up water stains; the text is legible. The modern binding is in very good condition.

An item from the 19th Polish Antiquarian Book Auction.