Biblioteczka podróżna Janusza II Radziwiłła (1912-1655)

Abstract

In the Main Archive of Historical Documents in Warsaw there can be found the so far unanalyzed register of Janusz Radziwill’s travel library. At the age of sixteen, the magnate used to take with him to his studies abroad the collection of 31 volumes, though as it is indicated in the correspondence of the guardians of the young prince he also carried with him unmentioned in the inventory (among others the works of Tacit). The books present in the register have been presented in the paper. These were, first of all, confessional documents, richly bound works, frequently noted in the Catholic indexes of forbidden books. Janusz also took to his studies historical works the ones on ancient history as well as those concerned with contemporary history. In the inventory the emblematic prints have been indicated, handbooks for learning foreign languages and tourist guides. What should be distinguished are the collections of poetry in his library: the collection Jan Kochanowski and the lyrical poetry of Maciej Kazimierz Sarbiewski.