Marian Zdziechowski Polish philologist, literary historian, critic, publicist. Date of Birth: 12.05.1861 Country: Poland

1. Polish Philologist and Literary Scholar
2. Academic Career in Krakow
3. Slavic Activism and World War I
4. Chair of World Literature in Vilnius
5. Personal Relationships and Honors

Polish Philologist and Literary Scholar

Marian Zdziechowski was a prominent Polish philologist, historian of literature, critic, and publicist. Born into the Ravich family, he completed his education at the Russian gymnasium in Minsk (1879) and pursued higher studies at St. Petersburg University's History and Philology Department. He furthered his knowledge at the University of Dorpat (1879-1883) and in Zagreb and Geneva.

Academic Career in Krakow

In 1888, Zdziechowski settled in Krakow and joined the Jagiellonian University. He obtained his doctorate in 1889 and habilitation in 1894. As a docent (1889), extraordinary professor (1899), and full professor (1908), he made significant contributions to the field of literature. He was also elected as a corresponding member (1903) and later a full member of the Polish Academy of Sciences.

Slavic Activism and World War I

Zdziechowski played a pivotal role in founding the Slavic Club in Krakow (1901) and its journal, "Świat Słowiański" (1901-1914). During World War I, he resided in Russia, returning to Finland during the February Revolution.

Chair of World Literature in Vilnius

In 1919, Zdziechowski was appointed head of the Department of World Literature at Stefan Batory University in Vilnius. The department was renamed the Department of Comparative Literature in 1920. From 1920-1931, he delivered acclaimed lectures on Russian literature and the spiritual foundations of European culture. He served as dean of the Faculty of Humanities (1921-1922) and rector of Stefan Batory University (1925-1927).

Personal Relationships and Honors

Zdziechowski maintained close ties with Leo Tolstoy and his circle, visiting Yasnaya Polyana and engaging in correspondence. He also corresponded with notable Russian intellectuals and writers, including Nikolai Arseniev, Nikolai Berdyaev, Pyotr Struve, and the Trubetskoy brothers. In recognition of his contributions, he received honorary doctorates from Stefan Batory University and the University of Tartu in 1933. In 1938, he was bestowed the title of honorary professor of USB. This title allowed him to lecture at the university, signifying a special connection between himself and the institution.