Debiuty Marcina Rosienkiewicza w Stanach Zjednoczonych

Abstract

The present paper discusses Martin Rosienkiewicz’s triple debut on the American soil. Firstly, as an author of the first known English coursebook for Polish learners published in the United States. Secondly, as a poet who introduced the American citizens with the story of exiles after the November Uprising by taking not only his individual point of view but also acting in unison with his suffering countrymen. Thirdly and finally, as a writer who, having in mind future generations, described his participation in the Podolia Uprising in the form of a diary, which remained unpublished until the present day. The literary oeuvre of Martin Rosienkiewicz (1792–1859), despite the pioneer and versatile character of his activity in the New World, currently does not, regretfully, attract much scholarly attention. Indeed, some of his works still remain in manuscript, and the very knowledge of his biography contains significant lacunae. He went down in history as the founder of the first Polish library, the originator of a school for Poles in the United States, as well as a co-founder of the Polish Committee, the oldest Polish organization in the New World. Last but not least, he is chiefly remembered for his Rozmowy... (Dialogues), considered to be the first Polish book published in the United States, which marks a turning point in the overall Polish-American publishing history. The author of this article during her academic research managed to reach sofar unknown or virtually undiscussed output and biographical facts related to Martin Rosienkiewicz as well as to locate and uncover his gravestone in Cincinnati. All of that was possible thanks to her studies conducted as part of the Kosciuszko Foundation and SYLFF in the United States and preceded by a survey carried out in the Polish Library in Paris.