The journalistic reaction to the first edition of The History of Stupidity in Poland The historiographic pamphlets by Aleksander Bocheński Cover Image

The journalistic reaction to the first edition of The History of Stupidity in Poland The historiographic pamphlets by Aleksander Bocheński
The journalistic reaction to the first edition of The History of Stupidity in Poland The historiographic pamphlets by Aleksander Bocheński

Author(s): Ariel Orzełek
Subject(s): Recent History (1900 till today), Special Historiographies:
Published by: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Łódzkiego
Keywords: Aleksander Bocheński; historiography; journalism; political realism

Summary/Abstract: The History of Stupidity in Poland. The historiographic pamphlets [Dzieje głupoty w Polsce. Pamflety dziejopisarskie] was the most important publication by Aleksander Bocheński. The book was also one of the most representative reflections on the post-war trend of political realism in Poland. The journalistic reaction to the first edition of the book in the forties of the 20th century proved that the theses included in it were highly unpopular. The author’s criticism of insurrection trends in Polish politics met with opposition from Marxists as well as non-party intellectuals, both at home and abroad. Although motives of Bocheński’s concepts were usually understood, they were rejected as they served communists, were contrary to Marxist doctrine or had no moral foundations. Those opinions constitute an important contribution to the views of Polish intelligentsia on political realism at the beginnings of the Polish People’s Republic.

  • Issue Year: 17/2018
  • Issue No: 3
  • Page Range: 205-225
  • Page Count: 21
  • Language: English