Poradnik dla osób, wybierających książki dla dzieci i młodzieży : o pewnych aspektach pedagogicznej działalności Jana Karłowicza

Abstract

This article presents the circumstances around the creation, as well as content and composition of Jan Karłowicz’s A guide for persons choosing books for children and teenagers published in 1881 in Vilnius. The book published by “Wydawnictwo E.Orzeszkowej I S-ki” was a part of, designed by Eliza Orzeszkowa, larger series targeted mainly to readers in Latvia. Her conviction about the necessity for a special editing of the reading guide, raised the need to contact (unknown in person) Karłowicz. This cooperation, in turn, gave rise to a friendship which can be seen in the partially documented correspondence between the two (Orzeszkowa’s letters to Karłowicz). The present article shows, among others, Karłowicz’s view on the role of literary works in the educational process in context of nineteenth century pedagogical concepts. Author of the Guide, with accordance to the reading lists of that time, indicates the importance of reading in upbring-ing and the educational process of XIX century young Poles. In his regard, the most important ones (which he gives the adequate space and attention) are the works on Polish and general history (including historical synthesis and historical novels, adapted to the cognitive capabilities of a young reader); he also puts some emphasis on the teaching of the Polish language. What’s interesting for culture scholars – Karłowicz lists selected ethnographic works as valuable. The contemporary opinions on the Guide, often contrasting to the extreme, make for an interesting context to the facts presented in this article. The question: was Karłowicz an educator, remains unanswered. However statement that his work (both scholarly and didactical) influenced many Poles, is undoubtedly true.