Oswald Balzer (1853-1933) – the outstanding historian of law and the archivist

Abstract

The main aim of the article is to present the scientific achievements of one of the most eminent Polish scientists at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries – Oswald Balzer – a historian of law, researcher of the history of the Polish governmental system, judiciary and taxation, as well as an great archivist. The results of fruitful work in the field of archival activities can be found in his works, which gave him public recognition and fame. However, he was recognizable for his vast knowledge of Polish historiography, and less identified with the figure of an archivist. Despite the passage of time, his most famous work, “The Genealogy of the Piasts” from 1895, still delights many readers. Therefore, it seems fully justified to recall this extraordinary person. The article presents the most important facts from O. Balzer’s life and presents a brief description of his scientific achievements.