Biblioteka Zbigniewa Herberta
The Zbigniew Herbert Library

Summary/Abstract: Libraries of men of letters comprise one of the fields of research interests pursued by the Institute for Documentation and Studies of Polish Literature. The first project initiated within this domain was the documentation of the private library of Zbigniew Herbert composed of more than 7000 books and periodicals. Owing to the fact that the collection is stored in a private flat occupied by the poet’s wife, Katarzyna Herbertowa, work was conducted in several stages. All publications were recorded, and their bibliographical descriptions were supplemented by means of data concerning the features of particular items: ex libris marks of ownership, dedications, traces of reading, and accompanying archival material: letters, notes, clippings, and train tickets. In 2024 the Institute will publish an inventory of the book collection. Due to the work performed by the Institute the Zbigniew Herbert library will become perpetuated in the order left behind by the poet, and the topographic arrangement accepted in the inventory will facilitate finding the sought-after book on its shelf and reveal connections between the collection and its owner.

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