FOLK LORE
Folk lore is the oral literature of primitive people,
among whom story telling is a social institution.
Folk lore is the oral literature of primitive people,
among whom story telling is a social institution.
Poland - 1922 - Polish Literature in Translation, a Bibliography
net/2027/uc1.
$b322619 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www.
hathitrust.
org/access_use#pd-google
? INTRODUCTORY NOTE
The Poles have long been outstanding among immi-
grant races in America. Kosciuszko and Pulaski came to
us as patriots, fighting for the freedom of our country
when despairing for their own. Modjeska and Paderew-
ski brought us their art, Sienkiewicz their literature. But
these compelling personalities have been the shining
figures that caught the eye; behind them has been a great
multitude of average people, of simple humble folk who
became adjusted as cogs in our industrial machinery,
bought homes, built churches, raised families, and
attracted outside attention only when something went
wrong.
But high and low all hold one thing in common.
From the proudest to the humblest, a straightening of
the shoulders, a lifting of the head accompanies the
statement, "I am a Pole. " Teachers who have Polish
children in the classroom, social workers whose problems
bring them in contact with Polish families, librarians
seeking to serve Polish communities, have long been
interested in the "racial characteristics" which lie behind
this statement, and which seem to have their origin in
the experiences of the nation rather than in the life of
the individual.
Since the reestablishment of Poland, students of
politics and current affairs, of European problems and
international questions, are also much interested in Poland
and the Poles. Many books have been produced, some
by writers who had behind them long years of intimacy
and understanding, others by casual journalists and
opportunists who wrote from slight information and
cursory observation.
The best way to study any nation is thru its own
literature. So we know the Greeks, the Romans, the
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-06-10 17:10 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b322619 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 6
INTRODUCTORY NOTE
Scandinavians, the Russians of Tolstoi's day. Until
recently the amount of Polish literature in English trans-
lation was too small to make such study adequate, but
recently so many new translations have appeared that it
is now possible to get a fair idea of the history of Polish
thot. For more than a century, Poles found in literature
their only outlet for a passionate sense of nationality and
love of country--for homesickness and the miseries of
oppression and exile. But even there plain speaking was
not possible. The censor's vigilance never relaxed, and
authors were driven to write symbolically, a surface
meaning to Russians and Germans, a deeper and more
significant meaning for the Pole. For example, the Chris-
tian martyr of Quo Vadis has for the Pole an associa-
tional connection with Poland, the martyr among nations.
This bibliography has been compiled to help the stu-
dent find all the Polish literature that is available in
English, however obscure or unobtrusive its hiding place.
A list of books about Poland and the Poles has been
appended. This does not include current periodical liter-
ature, which can be located thru the Readers' Guide to
Periodical Literature and other indexes.
From the magazine Poland, which is unfortunately
not indexed, all the translations have been listed, also
biographical sketches, and articles on customs, since there
is much demand for material on these topics and little
available.
To those who seek advice on "how to understand the
Poles," the following list is suggested as an initial reading
course:
Humphrey's Poland the Unexplored--for excellent and
pleasing description of Poland of today, with historical
and spiritual interpretation, p. 37.
Sienkiewicz's great Trilogy, With Fire and Sword, The
Deluge, Pan Michael--for the national spirit, the pride and
glory of the race. p. 26, 27.
Reymont's Peasants--for the cycle of country life, peasant
customs, the natural scene, p. 25.
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-06-10 17:10 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b322619 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? INTRODUCTORY NOTE
Gawalewicz's Queen of Heaven--for the simple and charm-
ing blending of religion and superstition, p. 13.
Dyboski's Outlines of Polish History--for the historical
backbone, p. 36.
The notes given have for the most part been synthe-
sized from extensive comment by competent critics. In
a few cases of direct quotation, the source has been given;
but usually condensation was too great to leave anything
that could be called a quotation.
In headings the Polish name forms have been used;
in titles and quotations the author's usage is of course
followed; in notes the form most familiar to the English
reader seemed the natural one to use.
In cases of discrepancy in dates of birth and death,
Orgelbrand's Polish encyclopedia, Encyklopedja Pow-
szechna, has been the authority. The names of trans-
lators were omitted in listing magazine articles.
Eleanor E. Ledbetter
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-06-10 17:10 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b322619 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? ? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-06-10 17:10 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b322619 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? CONTENTS
Foreword 3
Introductory Note 5
Language ? H
Folk Lore 12
Literary History and Criticism 14
Polish Literature in English Translation
Collections 17
The Golden Age. 16th Century 18
The Romantic Period. 1820-1860 18
1860-1914 23
Contemporary Literature 28
Works about Poland and the Poles
General Works 31
Art 33
Customs 33
Music 34
Description and Travel; History and Political Con-
ditions 34
Biography 41
Poles in Other Countries 43
Fiction Relating to Poland and the Poles 44
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-06-10 17:10 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b322619 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? ? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-06-10 17:10 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b322619 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? LANGUAGE
The Polish language belongs to the Slavic group,
which includes also Russian, Czech, Serbo-Croat, and
several minor tongues. Of these Russian is spoken by
the greatest number of people, and Polish is next in use.
Polish orthography looks very forbidding, but a little
understanding removes many of the difficulties: sz=sh,
as in shirt; cz=ch, as in church, dz before i has the sound
of j as in jewel. Vowels have the continental sounds,
broad a, long o, etc. and the accent is always on the
penult.
There is no really satisfactory text book of Polish for
the English speaking student. The most important are
listed below.
DICTIONARIES
Chodzko, Aleksander
Dokladny slownik polsko-angielski i angielsko-polski. 3d
ed. 536+370p. Warsaw. Wydawnictwo Stownikow
Polskich. 1929.
Kierst, W. ed.
Dictionary English-Polish and Polish-English. 2v. Warsaw.
Trzaska, Evert, & Michalski. n. d.
The newest and best dictionary.
Kierst, W. and Callier, O.
Burt's Polish-English dictionary in two parts, Polish-
English, English-Polish. 427p. N. Y. A. L. Burt. n. d.
Szumkowski, Leonard
Dykcyonarz kieszonkowy polsko-angielski i angielsko-
polski. 12,000 Polish words, 18,000 English words. 256p.
Chic. The Author. 1912.
A pocket dictionary, very convenient for the traveller in Poland.
TEXTBOOKS
Anson, Robert and Kielski, Boleslaw
Metoda Ansona. Podrecznik do nauci jezyka polskiego.
Metoda bezposrednia. 2v. Dresden and Krakow. Anson
School of Languages. 1913.
Based upon the direct method of language teaching, these volumes
are practical for use with a teacher, but have no English vocabulary.
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-06-10 17:10 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b322619 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 13
POLISH LITERATURE
Baluta, Joseph F.
Practical handbook of the Polish language. 288p. N. Y.
Polish Book Importing Co. 1915.
Freese, J. H. ed.
A Polish manual for self tuition. See Manasevich, Boris
Manasevich, Boris
. . . A Polish manual for self-tuition, containing: a concise
grammar with exercises; reading extracts with literal
interlinear translation and Polish-English vocabulary;
and a select English-Polish vocabulary. 147p. (Trub-
ner's language manuals, ed. by J. H. Freese) Lond.
K. Paul, Trench, Triibner; N. Y. Dutton. [1917]
"Authorized adaptation of B. Manassevich's Polish manual (1887)
in the Kunst der polyglottie series (Hartleben, Leipzig) with consider-
able additions and alterations. "--Pref. note
Skaryszewski, T. C.
Polish self taught. 390p. Chic. Polish-American Pub-
lishing Co. 1916.
Soissons, Guy, comte de
Polish self taught. (Thimm's system) 148p. Lond.
E. Marlborough. 1927.
Ssymank, Paul
Elementary Polish grammar. Key to the same. (Gaspe
Otto-Sauer method) 170p. Heidelberg. Julius Groos.
1921.
This is generally considered the best of the text books, but it is far
from satisfactory. It is reviewed in S. R. 1 10:236-8. Je. '31.
FOLK LORE
Folk lore is the oral literature of primitive people,
among whom story telling is a social institution. At
spinning bees or "feather-strippings" in the home, as at
gatherings in the market place or on the pilgrimage, the
story teller entertains, instructs, sometimes inspires; and
thus each race has its own traditions preserved from
generation to generation.
In the middle period of the 19th century there was a
great development of interest in folk lore on the part of
European students. In every country some undertook to
collect and transcribe tales as they were recited--the
Grimm brothers in Germany, Erben and Nemcova among
1 S. R. --abbreviation for Slavonic Review. See p. 31.
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-06-10 17:10 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b322619 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? IN ENGLISH TRANSLATION
13
the Czechs, Karadzic for the Jugoslavs, Glinski, Wojcicki,
Balinski, Chodzko and others among the Poles.
Wratislaw, Strickland, and Curtin were the earliest
translators of tales from the Slavic languages into Eng-
lish; Strickland's special hobby is interpreting the tales as
symbolic of nature and the seasons. Curtin, a good trans-
lator, knew also how to tell a story well. Many later
writers have told and retold these tales, until the original
flavor has often been lost and the tales ceased to have
much character or charm.
"Prince Unexpected" is the most characteristic of the
Polish tales, and will be found in almost every authentic
collection. The tales of the Lord Jesus, the Blessed
Virgin, and St. Peter, known also among Czechs and
Slovaks, have their greatest flowering among the Poles,
and a lovely quality in the Polish telling.
Borski, Lucia Merecka and Miller, Kate B.
The jolly tailor and other fairy tales tr. from the Polish;
il. by Kazimir Klepacki. 156p. N. Y. Longmans, Green.
1928.
These tales were chosen by the translator as the most representative
of Polish folklore, from the original sources. They are delightful,
humorous, quick moving, colorful, and the fantastic element is strong
among them. The illustrations are very pleasing.
Byrde, Elsie, tr.
The Polish fairy book; tr. and adapted from the Polish;
il. in color by Livia Kadar. N. Y. Stokes. 1925.
This collection consists of 23 tales, most of which are common to all
the Slav folklore. They are presented in a very condensed form.
Chodzko, Aleksander. 1804-91
Fairy tales of the Slav peasants and herdsmen, from the
French of Chodzko; tr. and il. by Emily J. Harding.
353p. Lond. George Allen. 1896.
This collection has a large proportion of the tales widely known
among all the Slavs, such as "The three golden hairs," "Long, Round
and Sharp. " They are interestingly told and the volume is attractive.
Czarnomski, Francis Bauer
Proverbs in Polish and English. (Bi-lingual series) Lond.
L. B. Hill. 1920.
Gawalewicz, Marjan. 1852-1910
The Queen of Heaven; tr. by Lucia Borski Szczpanewicz
and Kate B. Miller. 234p. N. Y. Dial Press. 1929.
A well known book on Polish mythology says: Everyone knows
that the people had changed their ancient pagan traditions of gods and
goddesses to Christian folklore, without, however, losing their original
and pagan ideas. Thus grew the wonderful tales of tie Lord Jesus,
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-06-10 17:10 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b322619 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 14
POLISH LITERATURE
Gawalewicz, Marjan--Continued
the Mother of God, St. Peter, and St. Nicholas, whom the peasant
imagination put in place of those ancient gods and goddesses.
This collection of legends about the Blessed Virgin reflects the devout
and simple character of the Polish peasant mind. They are un-
pretentious tales which have been entwined in the hearts of the lowly
for many generations, and are a part of their very lives. Told with the
least possible embellishment, they retain the lowly grace of their origin.
Glinski, Antoni Jozef. 1817-66
Polish fairy tales; tr. by Maude Ashurst Biggs; il. by
Cecile Walton. Lond. John Lane. 1920.
Seven tales condensed in translation.
Ledbetter, Eleanor E.
A girl queen. In Poland. 1 7:681. N. '26.
Legends associated with the life of the beloved and saintly Queerj
Jadwiga.
Strickland, William Walter
Pan-Slavonic folklore. N. Y. Westermann. 1930.
Contains a group of Polish tales from original sources.
Strowska, Susanne
Ten Polish folk tales; tr. from the French by M. O. 'Reilly;
il. by Dorothy A. H. Mills. ISOp. Lond. Burns, Oates
& Washbourne. 1929.
These stories are interestingly told, have real Polish atmosphere and
some humor, but several are rather gruesome.
Tibbits, Charles John
Folk-lore and legends: Russian and Polish. 183p. Lond.
W. W. Gibbings. 1890.
This small volume gives nine Polish tales.
Wratislaw, A. H.
Sixty folk tales from exclusively Slavonic sources. Bost.
Houghton. 1890.
Includes five Polish tales.
LITERARY HISTORY AND CRITICISM
Dobrzycki, Stanislaw
History of Polish literature. In Polish Encyclopaedia.
1:27-367.
(See p. 32. ) This work discusses Polish literary history from the
beginnings to the Romantic era. It is a brilliant piece of work, un-
surpassed in fine analysis and lucid structure.
Dyboski, Roman
The peasant in Polish literature. In Poland. 6:201. Ap.
'25. Periods of Polish literary history. 163p. Lond.
Oxford Press. 1923.
1 Poland, monthly magazine, see p. 31. As the paging of articles
in Poland is often broken, only the first page is cited.
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-06-10 17:10 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b322619 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? IN ENGLISH TRANSLATION
15
Modern Polish literature. 131p. Lond. Oxford Press.
1924.
In these two books toe author has connected each period of Polish
literature with the social and political history of the nation. With
such a treatment, the work is not only a history of the literature, but
also of the movements of thot and feeling which lay behind the
written word.
Feldman, Jozef
Historical studies in Poland; a bibliographical survey. In
S. R. 2:660-6. Mr. '24.
Gardner, Monica M.
Poland, a study in national idealism. Lond. Burns &
Oates. 1915.
This excellent book interprets the soul of the nation by a study of
its literature.
Krzyzanowski, Juljan
Polish romantic literature. 310p. Lond. Allen and Unwin.
1930.
The author's scheme includes all the main aspects of his period,
with a brief introduction on the general character of Poland's earlier
literature. Mickiewicz, Slowacki. and Krasinski are properly given most
attention, followed by Kraszewskit Fredro, Norwid and minor writers.
He discusses literary values and interprets underlying ideas in a very
helpful way. He also shows the affinity of Poland's romantic literature
with the universal romantic movement of the century.
Two Jagiellonian prayer books. In S. R. 8:453-5. D. '29.
A review of two Polish publications of great historic interest.
Lednicki, Waclaw
Poland and the Slavophil idea. In S. R.
? INTRODUCTORY NOTE
The Poles have long been outstanding among immi-
grant races in America. Kosciuszko and Pulaski came to
us as patriots, fighting for the freedom of our country
when despairing for their own. Modjeska and Paderew-
ski brought us their art, Sienkiewicz their literature. But
these compelling personalities have been the shining
figures that caught the eye; behind them has been a great
multitude of average people, of simple humble folk who
became adjusted as cogs in our industrial machinery,
bought homes, built churches, raised families, and
attracted outside attention only when something went
wrong.
But high and low all hold one thing in common.
From the proudest to the humblest, a straightening of
the shoulders, a lifting of the head accompanies the
statement, "I am a Pole. " Teachers who have Polish
children in the classroom, social workers whose problems
bring them in contact with Polish families, librarians
seeking to serve Polish communities, have long been
interested in the "racial characteristics" which lie behind
this statement, and which seem to have their origin in
the experiences of the nation rather than in the life of
the individual.
Since the reestablishment of Poland, students of
politics and current affairs, of European problems and
international questions, are also much interested in Poland
and the Poles. Many books have been produced, some
by writers who had behind them long years of intimacy
and understanding, others by casual journalists and
opportunists who wrote from slight information and
cursory observation.
The best way to study any nation is thru its own
literature. So we know the Greeks, the Romans, the
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-06-10 17:10 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b322619 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 6
INTRODUCTORY NOTE
Scandinavians, the Russians of Tolstoi's day. Until
recently the amount of Polish literature in English trans-
lation was too small to make such study adequate, but
recently so many new translations have appeared that it
is now possible to get a fair idea of the history of Polish
thot. For more than a century, Poles found in literature
their only outlet for a passionate sense of nationality and
love of country--for homesickness and the miseries of
oppression and exile. But even there plain speaking was
not possible. The censor's vigilance never relaxed, and
authors were driven to write symbolically, a surface
meaning to Russians and Germans, a deeper and more
significant meaning for the Pole. For example, the Chris-
tian martyr of Quo Vadis has for the Pole an associa-
tional connection with Poland, the martyr among nations.
This bibliography has been compiled to help the stu-
dent find all the Polish literature that is available in
English, however obscure or unobtrusive its hiding place.
A list of books about Poland and the Poles has been
appended. This does not include current periodical liter-
ature, which can be located thru the Readers' Guide to
Periodical Literature and other indexes.
From the magazine Poland, which is unfortunately
not indexed, all the translations have been listed, also
biographical sketches, and articles on customs, since there
is much demand for material on these topics and little
available.
To those who seek advice on "how to understand the
Poles," the following list is suggested as an initial reading
course:
Humphrey's Poland the Unexplored--for excellent and
pleasing description of Poland of today, with historical
and spiritual interpretation, p. 37.
Sienkiewicz's great Trilogy, With Fire and Sword, The
Deluge, Pan Michael--for the national spirit, the pride and
glory of the race. p. 26, 27.
Reymont's Peasants--for the cycle of country life, peasant
customs, the natural scene, p. 25.
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-06-10 17:10 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b322619 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? INTRODUCTORY NOTE
Gawalewicz's Queen of Heaven--for the simple and charm-
ing blending of religion and superstition, p. 13.
Dyboski's Outlines of Polish History--for the historical
backbone, p. 36.
The notes given have for the most part been synthe-
sized from extensive comment by competent critics. In
a few cases of direct quotation, the source has been given;
but usually condensation was too great to leave anything
that could be called a quotation.
In headings the Polish name forms have been used;
in titles and quotations the author's usage is of course
followed; in notes the form most familiar to the English
reader seemed the natural one to use.
In cases of discrepancy in dates of birth and death,
Orgelbrand's Polish encyclopedia, Encyklopedja Pow-
szechna, has been the authority. The names of trans-
lators were omitted in listing magazine articles.
Eleanor E. Ledbetter
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-06-10 17:10 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b322619 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? ? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-06-10 17:10 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b322619 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? CONTENTS
Foreword 3
Introductory Note 5
Language ? H
Folk Lore 12
Literary History and Criticism 14
Polish Literature in English Translation
Collections 17
The Golden Age. 16th Century 18
The Romantic Period. 1820-1860 18
1860-1914 23
Contemporary Literature 28
Works about Poland and the Poles
General Works 31
Art 33
Customs 33
Music 34
Description and Travel; History and Political Con-
ditions 34
Biography 41
Poles in Other Countries 43
Fiction Relating to Poland and the Poles 44
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-06-10 17:10 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b322619 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? ? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-06-10 17:10 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b322619 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? LANGUAGE
The Polish language belongs to the Slavic group,
which includes also Russian, Czech, Serbo-Croat, and
several minor tongues. Of these Russian is spoken by
the greatest number of people, and Polish is next in use.
Polish orthography looks very forbidding, but a little
understanding removes many of the difficulties: sz=sh,
as in shirt; cz=ch, as in church, dz before i has the sound
of j as in jewel. Vowels have the continental sounds,
broad a, long o, etc. and the accent is always on the
penult.
There is no really satisfactory text book of Polish for
the English speaking student. The most important are
listed below.
DICTIONARIES
Chodzko, Aleksander
Dokladny slownik polsko-angielski i angielsko-polski. 3d
ed. 536+370p. Warsaw. Wydawnictwo Stownikow
Polskich. 1929.
Kierst, W. ed.
Dictionary English-Polish and Polish-English. 2v. Warsaw.
Trzaska, Evert, & Michalski. n. d.
The newest and best dictionary.
Kierst, W. and Callier, O.
Burt's Polish-English dictionary in two parts, Polish-
English, English-Polish. 427p. N. Y. A. L. Burt. n. d.
Szumkowski, Leonard
Dykcyonarz kieszonkowy polsko-angielski i angielsko-
polski. 12,000 Polish words, 18,000 English words. 256p.
Chic. The Author. 1912.
A pocket dictionary, very convenient for the traveller in Poland.
TEXTBOOKS
Anson, Robert and Kielski, Boleslaw
Metoda Ansona. Podrecznik do nauci jezyka polskiego.
Metoda bezposrednia. 2v. Dresden and Krakow. Anson
School of Languages. 1913.
Based upon the direct method of language teaching, these volumes
are practical for use with a teacher, but have no English vocabulary.
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-06-10 17:10 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b322619 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 13
POLISH LITERATURE
Baluta, Joseph F.
Practical handbook of the Polish language. 288p. N. Y.
Polish Book Importing Co. 1915.
Freese, J. H. ed.
A Polish manual for self tuition. See Manasevich, Boris
Manasevich, Boris
. . . A Polish manual for self-tuition, containing: a concise
grammar with exercises; reading extracts with literal
interlinear translation and Polish-English vocabulary;
and a select English-Polish vocabulary. 147p. (Trub-
ner's language manuals, ed. by J. H. Freese) Lond.
K. Paul, Trench, Triibner; N. Y. Dutton. [1917]
"Authorized adaptation of B. Manassevich's Polish manual (1887)
in the Kunst der polyglottie series (Hartleben, Leipzig) with consider-
able additions and alterations. "--Pref. note
Skaryszewski, T. C.
Polish self taught. 390p. Chic. Polish-American Pub-
lishing Co. 1916.
Soissons, Guy, comte de
Polish self taught. (Thimm's system) 148p. Lond.
E. Marlborough. 1927.
Ssymank, Paul
Elementary Polish grammar. Key to the same. (Gaspe
Otto-Sauer method) 170p. Heidelberg. Julius Groos.
1921.
This is generally considered the best of the text books, but it is far
from satisfactory. It is reviewed in S. R. 1 10:236-8. Je. '31.
FOLK LORE
Folk lore is the oral literature of primitive people,
among whom story telling is a social institution. At
spinning bees or "feather-strippings" in the home, as at
gatherings in the market place or on the pilgrimage, the
story teller entertains, instructs, sometimes inspires; and
thus each race has its own traditions preserved from
generation to generation.
In the middle period of the 19th century there was a
great development of interest in folk lore on the part of
European students. In every country some undertook to
collect and transcribe tales as they were recited--the
Grimm brothers in Germany, Erben and Nemcova among
1 S. R. --abbreviation for Slavonic Review. See p. 31.
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-06-10 17:10 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b322619 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? IN ENGLISH TRANSLATION
13
the Czechs, Karadzic for the Jugoslavs, Glinski, Wojcicki,
Balinski, Chodzko and others among the Poles.
Wratislaw, Strickland, and Curtin were the earliest
translators of tales from the Slavic languages into Eng-
lish; Strickland's special hobby is interpreting the tales as
symbolic of nature and the seasons. Curtin, a good trans-
lator, knew also how to tell a story well. Many later
writers have told and retold these tales, until the original
flavor has often been lost and the tales ceased to have
much character or charm.
"Prince Unexpected" is the most characteristic of the
Polish tales, and will be found in almost every authentic
collection. The tales of the Lord Jesus, the Blessed
Virgin, and St. Peter, known also among Czechs and
Slovaks, have their greatest flowering among the Poles,
and a lovely quality in the Polish telling.
Borski, Lucia Merecka and Miller, Kate B.
The jolly tailor and other fairy tales tr. from the Polish;
il. by Kazimir Klepacki. 156p. N. Y. Longmans, Green.
1928.
These tales were chosen by the translator as the most representative
of Polish folklore, from the original sources. They are delightful,
humorous, quick moving, colorful, and the fantastic element is strong
among them. The illustrations are very pleasing.
Byrde, Elsie, tr.
The Polish fairy book; tr. and adapted from the Polish;
il. in color by Livia Kadar. N. Y. Stokes. 1925.
This collection consists of 23 tales, most of which are common to all
the Slav folklore. They are presented in a very condensed form.
Chodzko, Aleksander. 1804-91
Fairy tales of the Slav peasants and herdsmen, from the
French of Chodzko; tr. and il. by Emily J. Harding.
353p. Lond. George Allen. 1896.
This collection has a large proportion of the tales widely known
among all the Slavs, such as "The three golden hairs," "Long, Round
and Sharp. " They are interestingly told and the volume is attractive.
Czarnomski, Francis Bauer
Proverbs in Polish and English. (Bi-lingual series) Lond.
L. B. Hill. 1920.
Gawalewicz, Marjan. 1852-1910
The Queen of Heaven; tr. by Lucia Borski Szczpanewicz
and Kate B. Miller. 234p. N. Y. Dial Press. 1929.
A well known book on Polish mythology says: Everyone knows
that the people had changed their ancient pagan traditions of gods and
goddesses to Christian folklore, without, however, losing their original
and pagan ideas. Thus grew the wonderful tales of tie Lord Jesus,
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? 14
POLISH LITERATURE
Gawalewicz, Marjan--Continued
the Mother of God, St. Peter, and St. Nicholas, whom the peasant
imagination put in place of those ancient gods and goddesses.
This collection of legends about the Blessed Virgin reflects the devout
and simple character of the Polish peasant mind. They are un-
pretentious tales which have been entwined in the hearts of the lowly
for many generations, and are a part of their very lives. Told with the
least possible embellishment, they retain the lowly grace of their origin.
Glinski, Antoni Jozef. 1817-66
Polish fairy tales; tr. by Maude Ashurst Biggs; il. by
Cecile Walton. Lond. John Lane. 1920.
Seven tales condensed in translation.
Ledbetter, Eleanor E.
A girl queen. In Poland. 1 7:681. N. '26.
Legends associated with the life of the beloved and saintly Queerj
Jadwiga.
Strickland, William Walter
Pan-Slavonic folklore. N. Y. Westermann. 1930.
Contains a group of Polish tales from original sources.
Strowska, Susanne
Ten Polish folk tales; tr. from the French by M. O. 'Reilly;
il. by Dorothy A. H. Mills. ISOp. Lond. Burns, Oates
& Washbourne. 1929.
These stories are interestingly told, have real Polish atmosphere and
some humor, but several are rather gruesome.
Tibbits, Charles John
Folk-lore and legends: Russian and Polish. 183p. Lond.
W. W. Gibbings. 1890.
This small volume gives nine Polish tales.
Wratislaw, A. H.
Sixty folk tales from exclusively Slavonic sources. Bost.
Houghton. 1890.
Includes five Polish tales.
LITERARY HISTORY AND CRITICISM
Dobrzycki, Stanislaw
History of Polish literature. In Polish Encyclopaedia.
1:27-367.
(See p. 32. ) This work discusses Polish literary history from the
beginnings to the Romantic era. It is a brilliant piece of work, un-
surpassed in fine analysis and lucid structure.
Dyboski, Roman
The peasant in Polish literature. In Poland. 6:201. Ap.
'25. Periods of Polish literary history. 163p. Lond.
Oxford Press. 1923.
1 Poland, monthly magazine, see p. 31. As the paging of articles
in Poland is often broken, only the first page is cited.
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? IN ENGLISH TRANSLATION
15
Modern Polish literature. 131p. Lond. Oxford Press.
1924.
In these two books toe author has connected each period of Polish
literature with the social and political history of the nation. With
such a treatment, the work is not only a history of the literature, but
also of the movements of thot and feeling which lay behind the
written word.
Feldman, Jozef
Historical studies in Poland; a bibliographical survey. In
S. R. 2:660-6. Mr. '24.
Gardner, Monica M.
Poland, a study in national idealism. Lond. Burns &
Oates. 1915.
This excellent book interprets the soul of the nation by a study of
its literature.
Krzyzanowski, Juljan
Polish romantic literature. 310p. Lond. Allen and Unwin.
1930.
The author's scheme includes all the main aspects of his period,
with a brief introduction on the general character of Poland's earlier
literature. Mickiewicz, Slowacki. and Krasinski are properly given most
attention, followed by Kraszewskit Fredro, Norwid and minor writers.
He discusses literary values and interprets underlying ideas in a very
helpful way. He also shows the affinity of Poland's romantic literature
with the universal romantic movement of the century.
Two Jagiellonian prayer books. In S. R. 8:453-5. D. '29.
A review of two Polish publications of great historic interest.
Lednicki, Waclaw
Poland and the Slavophil idea. In S. R.
