Księgozbiory Czapskich herbu Leliwa w XVIII wieku

Abstract

The Czapski family in the 18th century belonged to the Royal Prussian elite. Unfortunately, until today, they did not receive wider studies, which they undoubtedly deserve. Their activity was visible in the political, economic and cultural patronage. Several representatives of this rich Prussian family were developing book collections. An example is the brothers Tomasz and Paweł Tadeusz, who in their Gdańsk properties have collected many books on various subjects, written in different languages. Their younger sister Magdalena also became the owner of a large book collection thanks to a marriage with Hieronym Radziwiłł. Other members of the Czapski family also kept such collections in their palaces. The reason for their collection were both scientific and prestigious motives. Nevertheless, it is worth to discuss briefly the part of their activity, which strengthened their position in the hierarchy of the nobility in terms of the so-called external prestige.

Keywords

• Czapscy herbu Leliwa
• szlachta
• Prusy Królewskie
• księgozbiory w XVIII w.