Co to jest i do czego służy historia porównawcza?
What is Comparative History and What Does it Serve?

Summary/Abstract: The article discusses the origin and evolution of comparative history, one of the domains of historiography whose roots reach linguistics, social sciences, and literary comparatistics. Comparative history consists of comparing assorted societies, regions, and phenomena for the purpose of capturing both similarities and differences as well as understanding historical processes. Upon the basis of canonical texts the author proves that the comparative approach does not limit the possibility of formulating general conclusions, as in the case of studies focused on particular countries. Within the context of globalisation comparative history becomes an excellent instrument owing to the fact that it renders possible an analysis of phenomena beyond the borders of a particular state and studies ostensibly detached cultures. The author drew attention to the fact that comparative history can be particularly helpful in a discussion on such periphery regions as Eastern Europe or South Italy, where similar social and economic processes took place regardless of the national context. In recent years Marta Petrusewicz worked on a book dedicated to the comparative history of the nineteenth century peripheries of Europe.

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