Zachęty do lektury "Kazań sejmowych" Piotra Skargi w przedmowach z XIX wieku

Abstract

The study is devoted to recommendatory aspects of forewords to five editions of Piotr Skarga’s Kazania sejmowe (Sejm sermons) from the 19th century – editions from the years 1808, 1831, 1857, 1986 and 1900. Special attention was devoted to praising of the writer in the foreword under analysis – presenting him not only as a patriot, a role figure for Polish preaching, and an outstanding orator, but also as a prophet who foretold the fall of Polish state. Moreover, there are analyzed the virtues of the discussed 16th‑century political treatise quoted by its editors: the work’s timelessness, excellence of its wording and stylistics, as well as its usability in disseminating Catholic values. In addition, the considerations include reflections concerning the supposed reasons for printing consecutive editions of Kazania sejmowe, as well as attempts at projecting by the editors of the circles of prospective readers.