History of Polish Diarism – Selected Contexts

In this article, I raise issues connected with the history of Polish diary writing since Middle Ages until early 20th century. discuss process and directions establishing a separate branch historical literature. Texts nature (memoirs or diaries) were referred to by their authors as stories, notes events, diaries course life. Their origin can be traced back medieval chronicles describing events that involved nation, in which shyly included scattered miniscule autobiographical mentions. Diary Poland began assume shape genre at turn 15th 16th centuries. There was growing number reality described bias. This manifestation specific ‘zeitgeist’: commonplace belief importance meaning witnessed attended author, making them worth for future generations. Owing vivid expressive accounts, 17th century expansive growth entered realm fine The 18th brought changes methodology sciences, reflected prevalence memoirs over diaries, perception memoir form autobiography. development 19th centuries associated surmounting limitations class system emergence modern nation socio-cultural structure. setting, plebeian authored ordinary people, gaining popularity. Diaries written representatives all classes social strata, it aristocracy, urban-based intelligentsia originating from nobility, peasants workers. first half century, addition individuals, practised centuries, way paved mass writing. Writing encouraged scholars editors journals. At same time, an institution collective competition emerged, attitude similar advocated Annales schools, namely seen connection everyday