Monumental works of Polish regionalism

Abstract

Regionalism is a social movement aiming at maintaining and developing exceptional and most typical characteristics of the economy and culture of our country’s individual regions. It can be realized in the spheres of economy, culture (art in particular), public education, humanities and social sciences. This paper focuses on the regionalism in social sciences by presenting the results of research and works dedicated to individual regions. On account of presence of extensive size, content and importance of works they are referred to as “monuments.” These include regional bibliographies, monographs, encyclopedias of regions and towns, regional and local biographic dictionaries with entries referring to people of outstanding merit, albums and literature devoted to local necropolises. Authors of these monumental works are considered to be the adorers of individual regions and towns as well as enthusiasts of regional researches who are working arduously for many years either alone, or as a team. Their works reminded and preserved the history of regions, towns and their inhabitants thereby protecting them from being forgotten. Today, these voluminous publications help to preserve regional and local identity. What is more, these are very valuable educational materials both for youths and adults continuing their education.