Historical View of the Languages and Literature of the Slavic Nations: With a Sketch of Their Popular PoetryTalvj
History
Historical View of the Languages and Literature of the Slavic Nations: With a Sketch of Their Popular Poetry
Talvj
Folk songs, Slavic; Slavic languages -- History; Slavic literature -- History and criticism
By the side of the name of Czartoryski, shines that of Potocki. More
than one member of this illustrious family had in former times
acquired the right of citizens in the republic of letters. Count Paul
Potocki and his grandson Anthony, in the seventeenth and beginning of
the eighteenth century, were both equally celebrated for their
talents. The works of the former were published by count Zaluski,
under the title of _Genealogia Potockiana_; the speeches and addresses
of the latter are partly printed in Daneykowicz' _Suada Polona_, and
were in their time considered as models. But the most elevated rank in
this family is occupied by the two brothers Ignatius and Stanislaus
Kostka Potocki, whether as patriots and statesmen, or as writers and
patrons of science. Ignatius, besides promoting several literary
undertakings, and bearing the expenses of more than one journey for
the purposes of science and learning, was himself a distinguished
writer. He translated Condillac's work on logic, and introduced it
into the Polish schools as a class book. His merits in respect to
public education were great; he was one of the most urgent promoters
of the emancipation of the serfs; and at his death in the year 1809,
he left behind the reputation of a true friend of the people. His
brother Stanislaus Kostka, although entertaining the same political
principles, did not take the same active part during the struggles of
the Poles for their expiring independence; he retired to Austria after
the king had joined the confederation of Targowicz, and there devoted
himself entirely to his studies. In 1807 he returned to his country;
and there, as president of the department for schools and education,
he found means to carry out his enlightened views and benevolent
intentions for the good of his country. At the foundation of the
kingdom of Poland in 1815, he was made minister of public instruction,
and was always found at the head of every noble and patriotic
undertaking. From his oratorical powers, he was called _princeps
eloquentiæ_. In respect to genius he was above his brother; although
the latter seems to have surpassed him in energy of character. His
principal work, "on Style and Eloquence," was published in 1815;
another work of value is his translation of Winkelmann's book on
ancient art, which he accompanied by illustrations and remarks, but
did not finish. His influence on Polish literature was decided.[51]
Another nobleman, distinguished as an orator and political writer, was
Hugo Kollantay, count Sztumberg, who published, together with Ignatius
Potocki, a history of the constitution.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account