CATALOGUE OF SILESIAN PRINTS FROM THE 15TH-18TH CENTURIES

Discover the fascinating world of old Silesian prints, which are a valuable testimony to the history and culture of the region. This catalogue takes us back in time, showing the richness and diversity of publications that appeared in Silesia over the centuries. It is an extraordinary journey through the ages, allowing us to deepen our knowledge of the life, beliefs and creativity of the people of that time.

• Nearly two thousand described publications from 1475-1800
• Incunabula and religious prints
• Travel literature and fiction
• Ephemeral and occasional prints
• Introduction presenting the most important Silesiaca
• Colour illustrations of selected treasures
• Indexes of printers, publishers and booksellers

The territories of today's Lower Silesia have always been an area where the influences of Polish, Czech and German cultures have crossed. It was in these languages that books were most often published in this area. The proximity of the bishop's curia and academic centres encouraged printers as early as the 15th century to settle in Wrocław, Legnica, Oleśnica and other larger towns in the region, opening printing houses and publishing further works. The catalogue includes descriptions of nearly two thousand publications from 1475-1800, which are in the collections of the Ossoliński National Institute: incunabula, religious prints, travel and fiction literature published in Silesia, but also numerous ephemeral and occasional prints, published mainly on the occasion of weddings and funerals of local personalities.

The earliest printing monuments kept in the ZNiO are incunabula published by Kaspar Elyana's Wrocław printing house around 1475: Donatus moralisatus by Jean Gerson and Tractatus sacerdotalis de sacramentis by Nicholas of Błonie. The catalogue part of the publication is supplemented by an introduction presenting the most important preserved Silesiaca and the history of printing in Lower Silesia. There are also colour illustrations of selected treasures, indexes of printers, publishers and booksellers, and a thematic index to facilitate the use of the catalogue.

The catalogue of Silesian prints is not only a collection of descriptions, but above all a fascinating journey through time that allows us to better understand the history and culture of Silesia. It is a must-read for all history lovers, bibliophiles and people interested in the cultural heritage of the region. Thanks to the carefully prepared indexes and rich illustrative material, using the catalogue is extremely easy and enjoyable.