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[KAZIMIERZ CHŁĘDOWSKI IN ENGLAND] Dwie wizyty w Anglii [i.e. Two Visits to England]

Chłędowski, K.

Item #2406

Lvov: Gubrynowicz i Szmidt, 1887. In contemporary binding: cloth spine with title and name of the author in gilt lettering, marbled paper over boards. Tiny crack in the spine, otherwise in very good condition.

First edition. Scarce. Text in Polish.

Recollections of Austrian-Polish political activist and Minister for Galician Affairs in Vienna, Kazimierz Chłędowski (1843-1920), regarding his visits to England in the late 1880s. Kazimierz Chłędowski (1843–1920) was an Austrian-Polish politician, writer, and a key figure in the administration of Galicia, serving as Minister for Galician Affairs in Vienna. He began his career as a civil servant within the Ministry of Internal Affairs before moving to the Ministry for Galicia. Chłędowski was known for his meticulous approach to administration but often drew criticism for his perceived bias toward the Polish elite. Known for his sharp wit and keen observations, he chronicled the intrigues of Viennese high society in his memoirs, which remained unpublished for decades due to their candid and often biting commentary.
The author wrote recollections of his two visits to England in 1887, during a period when Austria-Hungary and Britain cooperated diplomatically against Russian influence in the Balkans, before eventually fighting on opposite sides in WW I. Chłędowski was able to undertake these travels after the discovery of oil reserves
on his family estate near Krosno, which significantly improved his previously tight financial situation.

In his book, the author intertwines personal observations as a tourist with sharp social commentary. Chłędowski delves into the English class system, offering insights into the wealthy bourgeoisie, the Salvation Army, and the everyday life of people in Brixton, Kew, Westminster, Oxford, etc. He vividly describes his encounters with English women, noting their graceful horseback riding and elegant demeanor, which struck him as uniquely refined. The author shares critical views on England’s colonial ventures, remarking that while the country’s wealth is undeniable, it relies heavily on its colonies, with many of its citizens serving in Africa or building infrastructure across India. His writing also captures the complex relationship between England and its colonies, reflecting his own growing
disappointment with the English ideal.

Price: $650.00