Silva Rerum | 17.08.2015 One of the most interesting documents of the silva rerum type, known to the Polish scientists, comes from 1743 – this date was written on the title page of his book by the Nowy Dwór Starosta (senior), Adam Jan Warakomski, bearer of the coat of arms Abdank. In his book, he presented himself to the readers as a young poet but at the same time an elderly person, mentioning that his eyes and memory were no longer what they used to be. Nonetheless, he left behind a book consisting of almost two hundred pages... He dedicated it to his grandchildren, whom he listed, giving their names and dates of birth: Józef Michał (born on 25 February 1733), Ferdynand Chryzolog (born on 19 January 1736), Fulgenty Andrzej (born on 13 February 1738), Józef Brunon (born on 10 April 1742, noting his death), Edward Alojzy (born on 24 March 1943, also noting his death), Blecylla Clara (born on 12 August 1740). The history of the family was supplemented in a subsequent part of the book – Adam Jan Warakomski's great grandson added the descendants born in the 19th century. This was what the author of the silva requested at the beginning of his work, that his records be continued. He also asked the readers of his work for prayer, which was a popular thing to do in silva book.
The book discusses various topics. It contains history and geography information as well as notes on architecture, religion and philosophy, and religious compositions. However, Warakomski made a visible distinction between the respective topics. He also named the authors whose writings he used. They included both recognised Ancient historiographers, such as for example: Titus Livius, Pliny the Elder, Seneca the Elder, Suetonius or Strabo and more recent ones, like Marcus Sabellicus, Conrad Celtis or Marcin Kromer. Further on in the book, he quotes other authors, such as Maciej Stryjkowski.
In the part entitled About monarchies and kingdoms, Warakomski discussed the history of ancient civilisations. He characterised, among others: Babylonia, Egypt, Persia, Macedonia, Athens and first of all Rome. He also listed the rulers in those countries together with the initial dates of their reign.
In one of the main parts of the book, the author listed and briefly characterised the Polish rulers from Lech to his contemporary August III. He also included 4 or 5-line stanzas about subsequent rulers. Descriptions of the respective rulers and kings are preceded by a short Apologijka, pro cujus vis crisi, that is a defense speech. The author of the book said that he knew he was not the first to list all the rulers in one book, but he undertook the challenge because the data collected by him would satisfy the curiosity of subsequent generations.
The historical part is followed by philosophical considerations that begin with the work of... Jan Kochanowski. The limericks of the poet from Czarnolas are full of life wisdom – Warakomski notes – and not everyone can interpret them correctly. The compositions of Jan of Czarnolas inspired him to ponder about life on Earth and after death.
Next, the author presented a geographical description of the Commonwealth – the Kingdom, vulgo the Polish Crown. However, the lands of the state are mainly the people inhabiting them, which is why Warakomski began with a description of the people. He claimed that Poles were known for combativeness, bravery and love for their homeland, which was proven by numerous wars fought by them in defence of their country, and that foreigners appreciated their generosity and hospitality. Further on, the author described the respective provinces of the Commonwealth: Wielkopolska, Małopolska, Grand Duchy of Lithuania, Masovia. The voivodeships belonging to the respective provinces were added next to them. Subsequent characteristic led the author to describe Krakow, Gdansk and Vilnius. Krakow is valued in particular for royal crowning ceremonies. Warakomski ends this part of the book with stories presenting the inhabitants of the Commonwealth as cowards, traitors and in particular drunkards. The fact that one book written by the same author contains two such completely different opinions about Poles might be surprising to the contemporary writer, so it should be explained that Warakomski presented both the virtues and vices of his compatriots – the first as seen by foreigners and the latter – by himself as a member of the society.
The next part is about the geography of the world. The author first described the Roman empire, focusing in particular on its capital. Later on, he presented European states: France, England, Spain, Portugal, Scotland, Ireland, Hungary, Czech, Denmark and Sweden. Then, he described the Moscow State, Turkey and Palestine, Africa, America (he separately presented Brasil, Mexico, Florida and Canada) and Asia (India, Persia, China and Japan). Describing the respective countries, Warakomski focused on their origins and included information about their inhabitants, cities, architecture and national symbols.
The subsequent part contains the author's own compositions. It consists of materials, inscriptions and poems dedicated to various persons, e.g. King August III or his own grandson Józef on the occasion of his baptism. The poems are about different topics – both religious and erotic.
Following his own compositions, Warakomski discussed religious issues. Here, he included the History of blesses martyrs of 1738 comprising of 10 chapters. Another part is a translation of the Old Transfiguration by Wilhelm Stanihurst SJ. Warakomski noted that he had not written the work, but translated it from Latin to Polish in 1740. The purpose of the book was to convert people to Christianity. The author focused also on the descriptions of death and the Final Judgment. He concluded in a moralising tone that the man was working his whole life for the decision of the Judgment. He also mentioned the suffering that one could experience in the hell: darkness, hunger or fire. By contrast, he went on to describe the heaven with all its pleasures and privileges that a save soul would enjoy after death.
Translation: Lingua Lab
