The Dictionary of Polish Book Professionals – collection of biographies as a source for research on the history of Polish book institutions abroad

Abstract

The paper presents The Dictionary of Polish Book Professionals (editions: 1972, 1986, 2000, 2010 and 2016) as a main source of biographies of people engaged in the history of Polish book abroad since 15th to 21st century. The author pointed out Polish communities all over the world: from Brasil, through west and south European countries, to the north edge of the tsars’ country, latter Soviet Union. The analysis of the Dictionary’s content proves, that creators of the Polish book institutions abroad and their workers – 170 persons in total – represent all professions related to production, collection and distribution of books. People and institutions of Polish book working within Polish communities abroad influenced significantly maintenance of the Polish culture and national awareness, as well as the Poles’ connections with the country today and in the past.