![HGW Bahnhofstrasse 57 Plaque Majkowski](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/70/HGW_Bahnhofstrasse_57_Plaque_Majkowski.JPG)
Aleksander Majkowski ( csb, Aleksander Majkòwsczi; 17 July 1876 – 10 February 1938) was a Polish-
Kashubian writer, poet, journalist, editor, activist, and physician. He was the most important figure in the
Kashubian movement before
World War II
World War II or the Second World War, often abbreviated as WWII or WW2, was a world war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It involved the vast majority of the world's countries—including all of the great powers—forming two opposin ...
. He was the editor of ''"Gryf"'' (The
Griffin
The griffin, griffon, or gryphon (Ancient Greek: , ''gryps''; Classical Latin: ''grȳps'' or ''grȳpus''; Late Latin, Late and Medieval Latin: ''gryphes'', ''grypho'' etc.; Old French: ''griffon'') is a legendary creature with the body, tail ...
) and author of the greatest Kashubian novel ''Żëcé i przigodë Remusa'' ("
The Life and Adventures of Remus
''Life and Adventures of Remus - the Kashubian Mirror'' (Kashubian title ''Żëce i przigodë Remusa - Zvjercadło kaszubskji'') is a novel written in the Kashubian language by Dr. Aleksander Majkowski
Aleksander Majkowski ( csb, Aleksander Maj ...
"), and ''The History of the Kashubs.''
Early life
Aleksander Jan Alojzy Majkowski was born into a farming family on July 17, 1876, in
Kościerzyna
Kościerzyna ( Kashubian and Pomeranian: ''Kòscérzëna''; formerly german: Berent, ) is a town in Kashubia in Gdańsk Pomerania region, northern Poland, with some 24,000 inhabitants. It has been the capital of Kościerzyna County in Pomerania ...
(then Berent,
West Prussia
The Province of West Prussia (german: Provinz Westpreußen; csb, Zôpadné Prësë; pl, Prusy Zachodnie) was a province of Prussia from 1773 to 1829 and 1878 to 1920. West Prussia was established as a province of the Kingdom of Prussia in 177 ...
, Prussian partition of Poland), the eldest child of two sisters and three brothers. In Berent, he completed primary school ''(Volksschule)'' and in 1885-90 attended a
German
German(s) may refer to:
* Germany (of or related to)
**Germania (historical use)
* Germans, citizens of Germany, people of German ancestry, or native speakers of the German language
** For citizens of Germany, see also German nationality law
**Ger ...
progymnasium. He was given a scholarship of ''Towarzystwo Pomocy Naukowej'' (Society of Educational Aid), based in
Chełmno
Chełmno (; older en, Culm; formerly ) is a town in northern Poland near the Vistula river with 18,915 inhabitants as of December 2021. It is the seat of the Chełmno County in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship.
Due to its regional importan ...
(then Culm). In 1891, he began his education in gymnasium in
Chojnice
Chojnice (; , or ''Chòjnice''; german: Konitz or ''Conitz'') is a town in northern Poland with 39,423 inhabitants as of December 2021, near the Tuchola Forest. It is the capital of the Chojnice County in the Pomeranian Voivodeship.
History
Pias ...
(Konitz), living in a
convent
A convent is a community of monks, nuns, religious brothers or, sisters or priests. Alternatively, ''convent'' means the building used by the community. The word is particularly used in the Catholic Church, Lutheran churches, and the Anglican ...
there. Also there, he became acquainted with
Polish
Polish may refer to:
* Anything from or related to Poland, a country in Europe
* Polish language
* Poles, people from Poland or of Polish descent
* Polish chicken
*Polish brothers (Mark Polish and Michael Polish, born 1970), American twin screenwr ...
literature and history. In 1895, he earned his
matriculation
Matriculation is the formal process of entering a university, or of becoming eligible to enter by fulfilling certain academic requirements such as a matriculation examination.
Australia
In Australia, the term "matriculation" is seldom used now ...
certificate. At first, he meant to study
theology
Theology is the systematic study of the nature of the divine and, more broadly, of religious belief. It is taught as an academic discipline, typically in universities and seminaries. It occupies itself with the unique content of analyzing the ...
and become a priest, but instead he enrolled at the
Berlin University
Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (german: Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, abbreviated HU Berlin) is a German public research university in the central borough of Mitte in Berlin. It was established by Frederick William III on the initiative o ...
and in 1897, began studying medicine. In
Berlin
Berlin ( , ) is the capital and largest city of Germany by both area and population. Its 3.7 million inhabitants make it the European Union's most populous city, according to population within city limits. One of Germany's sixteen constitue ...
, he became involved in social activities; for example, he gave lectures for Poles who lived there.
Early influences
In 1898, he took part in the ceremony of the erection of
Adam Mickiewicz
Adam Bernard Mickiewicz (; 24 December 179826 November 1855) was a Polish poet, dramatist, essayist, publicist, translator and political activist. He is regarded as national poet in Poland, Lithuania and Belarus. A principal figure in Polish Ro ...
's monument in
Warsaw
Warsaw ( pl, Warszawa, ), officially the Capital City of Warsaw,, abbreviation: ''m.st. Warszawa'' is the capital and largest city of Poland. The metropolis stands on the River Vistula in east-central Poland, and its population is officia ...
and was reminded of his
Slavic identity. In 1899, he published his poem ''Pielgrzymka Wejherowska'' ("The
Wejherowo
Wejherowo ( csb, Wejrowò; german: Neustadt in Westpreußen, formerly Weyhersfrey) is a city in Gdańsk Pomerania, northern Poland, with 48,735 inhabitants (2021). It has been the capital of Wejherowo County in Pomeranian Voivodeship since 199 ...
Pilgrimage") and satire ''Jak w Koscérznie koscelnygo obrele, abo Pięc kawalerów a jedna jedyno brutka'' ("How in
Kościerzyna
Kościerzyna ( Kashubian and Pomeranian: ''Kòscérzëna''; formerly german: Berent, ) is a town in Kashubia in Gdańsk Pomerania region, northern Poland, with some 24,000 inhabitants. It has been the capital of Kościerzyna County in Pomerania ...
they chose the sacristan or Five bridegrooms and only one bride").
In 1900, Majkowski moved to
Greifswald
Greifswald (), officially the University and Hanseatic City of Greifswald (german: Universitäts- und Hansestadt Greifswald, Low German: ''Griepswoold'') is the fourth-largest city in the German state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania after Rostoc ...
to continue his studies. There he got involved in the agenda of an early Polish socialist organization called Zet, and a local student society called ''"Adelphia"''. Because he also tried to establish his own political organization, in 1901, he was relegated from the university. Later on, he moved to
Munich
Munich ( ; german: München ; bar, Minga ) is the capital and most populous city of the States of Germany, German state of Bavaria. With a population of 1,558,395 inhabitants as of 31 July 2020, it is the List of cities in Germany by popu ...
to continue his studies there. Aside from regular curriculum, he carried on with his earlier established cultural interests and worked for ''Towarzystwo Studentów Polaków'' (Society of Polish Students) and founded the "Vistula" society. In 1903, he finally completed his studies and moved to
Zurich,
Switzerland
). Swiss law does not designate a ''capital'' as such, but the federal parliament and government are installed in Bern, while other federal institutions, such as the federal courts, are in other cities (Bellinzona, Lausanne, Luzern, Neuchâtel ...
, where he wrote his doctoral dissertation on blood cells in plumbism. In September 1904, he defended his Medical Doctor (MD) degree and, at the end of the year, returned to
Kashubia pl, Kaszuby
, native_name_lang = csb, de, csb
, settlement_type = Historical region
, anthem = Zemia Rodnô
, image_map = Kashubians in Poland.png
, image_flag ...
. In
Gdańsk
Gdańsk ( , also ; ; csb, Gduńsk;Stefan Ramułt, ''Słownik języka pomorskiego, czyli kaszubskiego'', Kraków 1893, Gdańsk 2003, ISBN 83-87408-64-6. , Johann Georg Theodor Grässe, ''Orbis latinus oder Verzeichniss der lateinischen Benen ...
, he fulfilled his year-long medical practicum at a local hospital. With immense energy, he decided to get involved in the cultural and social activities in the area.
Professional career
In 1905, he accepted a position of chief editor of ''"Gazeta Gdańska"'' ("The
Gdańsk
Gdańsk ( , also ; ; csb, Gduńsk;Stefan Ramułt, ''Słownik języka pomorskiego, czyli kaszubskiego'', Kraków 1893, Gdańsk 2003, ISBN 83-87408-64-6. , Johann Georg Theodor Grässe, ''Orbis latinus oder Verzeichniss der lateinischen Benen ...
Gazette") and its supplement ''"Drużba. Pismo dlö polscich Kaszubów"'' ("Friendship. Magazine for Polish Kashubs"). Meanwhile, in
Poznań
Poznań () is a city on the River Warta in west-central Poland, within the Greater Poland region. The city is an important cultural and business centre, and one of Poland's most populous regions with many regional customs such as Saint John ...
, he published a selection of his
Kashubian language
Kashubian or Cassubian (Kashubian: ', pl, język kaszubski) is a West Slavic language belonging to the Lechitic subgroup along with Polish and Silesian.Stephen Barbour, Cathie Carmichael, ''Language and Nationalism in Europe'', Oxford Univers ...
poems ''Spiewe i frantówci'' ("Songs and merry verses"). At that time, he also prepared the re-editions of
Hieronim Derdowski
Hieronim Derdowski (March 9, 1852, Wiele, Pomeranian Voivodeship, German Empire – August 13, 1902, Winona, Minnesota, America) ( Kashubian ''Hieronim Derdowsczi'' or ''Jarosz Derdowsczi''), Kashubian-Polish intellectual and activist, was bor ...
's poems ''Jasiek z Knieji'' ("Johnny from Knieja", i.e., the forest) and ''Kaszubi pod Widnem'' ("The
Kashubs
The Kashubians ( csb, Kaszëbi; pl, Kaszubi; german: Kaschuben), also known as Cassubians or Kashubs, are a Lechitic ( West Slavic) ethnic group native to the historical region of Pomerania, including its eastern part called Pomerelia, in nort ...
near Widno"). In 1906, he returned to his native
Kościerzyna
Kościerzyna ( Kashubian and Pomeranian: ''Kòscérzëna''; formerly german: Berent, ) is a town in Kashubia in Gdańsk Pomerania region, northern Poland, with some 24,000 inhabitants. It has been the capital of Kościerzyna County in Pomerania ...
, where he opened a private practice while continuing his involvement in the cultural and social spheres, e.g. in a venture ''"Dom Kaszubski"'' ("The Kashubian House") and ''Towarzystwo Czytelni Polskiej'' (Polish Reading Room Society) that he had set up. He is also actively involved in ''Towarzystwo Wyborcze'' (Electional Society), ''Towarzystwo Śpiewacze'' (Singing Society) ''"Halka"'', and ''Związek Młodych Kupców'' (Young Merchants' Union). During this time, he cooperated with
Izydor Gulgowski, Friedrich Lorentz, and the German ''Verein für Kaschubische Volkskunde'' (Society for Kashubian Folk Studies). While studying the folklore of the region, he did not forsake publishing in ''Gazeta Gdańska''.
Between 1908-12, Majkowski continued to publish in
Kościerzyna
Kościerzyna ( Kashubian and Pomeranian: ''Kòscérzëna''; formerly german: Berent, ) is a town in Kashubia in Gdańsk Pomerania region, northern Poland, with some 24,000 inhabitants. It has been the capital of Kościerzyna County in Pomerania ...
and, starting in 1911 in
Gdańsk
Gdańsk ( , also ; ; csb, Gduńsk;Stefan Ramułt, ''Słownik języka pomorskiego, czyli kaszubskiego'', Kraków 1893, Gdańsk 2003, ISBN 83-87408-64-6. , Johann Georg Theodor Grässe, ''Orbis latinus oder Verzeichniss der lateinischen Benen ...
, a monthly entitled ''"Gryf. Pismo dla spraw kaszubskich"'' ("
Griffin
The griffin, griffon, or gryphon (Ancient Greek: , ''gryps''; Classical Latin: ''grȳps'' or ''grȳpus''; Late Latin, Late and Medieval Latin: ''gryphes'', ''grypho'' etc.; Old French: ''griffon'') is a legendary creature with the body, tail ...
. Magazine for the Kashubian issues"). Concurrently, he initiated other Kashubian cultural and political programs and began gathering Kashubian intelligentsia around himself. In parallel, he took part in many cultural activities that promote Kashubia. He immortalized the Black Griffin as the emblem of the
Kashubians
The Kashubians ( csb, Kaszëbi; pl, Kaszubi; german: Kaschuben), also known as Cassubians or Kashubs, are a Lechitic ( West Slavic) ethnic group native to the historical region of Pomerania, including its eastern part called Pomerelia, in nort ...
. The Kashubian Griffin became the symbol of the strength and steadfastness of the Kashubian people also in
Canada
Canada is a country in North America. Its ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and northward into the Arctic Ocean, covering over , making it the world's second-largest country by tot ...
.
He organized a Kashubian-Pomeranian exhibition, singlehandedly writing all of the supporting printed material for it. However, not only did he write a lot, but also he travelled extensively, taking many pictures. As a pedagogist, he remained in consistent touch with students; encouraging them to explore Kashubia; he offered himself as a
tour guide
A tour guide (U.S.) or a tourist guide (European) is a person who provides assistance, information on cultural, historical and contemporary heritage to people on organized sightseeing and individual clients at educational establishments, religio ...
. In early 1912, he finally settled in
Sopot
Sopot is a seaside resort city in Pomerelia on the southern coast of the Baltic Sea in northern Poland, with a population of approximately 40,000. It is located in Pomeranian Voivodeship, and has the status of the county, being the smallest city ...
, continuing to work as a physician until 1921.
Society of Young Kashubians
A capstone to years of efforts, in June 1912, Aleksander Majkowski managed to set up his
Gdańsk
Gdańsk ( , also ; ; csb, Gduńsk;Stefan Ramułt, ''Słownik języka pomorskiego, czyli kaszubskiego'', Kraków 1893, Gdańsk 2003, ISBN 83-87408-64-6. , Johann Georg Theodor Grässe, ''Orbis latinus oder Verzeichniss der lateinischen Benen ...
-based ''Towarzystwo Młodokaszubów'' (The
Society of Young Kashubians The Society of Young Kashubians ( csb, Towarzëstwò Młodokaszëbów, pl, Towarzystwo Młodokaszubów) was an association founded in 1912 in Gdańsk (Poland). Its leader was Dr. Aleksander Majkowski, already a well-known Kashubian writer and aut ...
), established for ''"the cultural, economical and political development of Kashubia".'' Another member of this society was the newly ordained Roman Catholic priest
Leon Heyke. In September of the following year, he instituted the ''Kashubian-Pomeranian Museum'' in
Sopot
Sopot is a seaside resort city in Pomerelia on the southern coast of the Baltic Sea in northern Poland, with a population of approximately 40,000. It is located in Pomeranian Voivodeship, and has the status of the county, being the smallest city ...
, including the adjacent society, and wrote a guide to Kashubia called ''Zdroje Raduni'' ("The Radunia River's Wells"). Recognized for his accomplishments, he sadly encountered opposition from some local social activists and the
Catholic Church
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the largest Christian church, with 1.3 billion baptized Catholics worldwide . It is among the world's oldest and largest international institutions, and has played a ...
. Fortunately, he managed to win a defamation court case posed by a catholic magazine ''"Pielgrzym"'' (The Pilgrim).
Wartime activities
In August 1914, Majkowski was drafted into the Prussian Army, where he served as a physician in
Poland
Poland, officially the Republic of Poland, is a country in Central Europe. It is divided into 16 administrative provinces called voivodeships, covering an area of . Poland has a population of over 38 million and is the fifth-most populous ...
,
Romania
Romania ( ; ro, România ) is a country located at the crossroads of Central Europe, Central, Eastern Europe, Eastern, and Southeast Europe, Southeastern Europe. It borders Bulgaria to the south, Ukraine to the north, Hungary to the west, S ...
and
France
France (), officially the French Republic ( ), is a country primarily located in Western Europe. It also comprises of Overseas France, overseas regions and territories in the Americas and the Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic, Pacific Ocean, Pac ...
. During the war, he wrote a diary, sketched for
Kashubia pl, Kaszuby
, native_name_lang = csb, de, csb
, settlement_type = Historical region
, anthem = Zemia Rodnô
, image_map = Kashubians in Poland.png
, image_flag ...
's history, and two novels: ''Pomorzanie'' ("The
Pomeranians", unfinished) and ''Żëcé i przigodë Remusa'' ("
The Life and Adventures of Remus
''Life and Adventures of Remus - the Kashubian Mirror'' (Kashubian title ''Żëce i przigodë Remusa - Zvjercadło kaszubskji'') is a novel written in the Kashubian language by Dr. Aleksander Majkowski
Aleksander Majkowski ( csb, Aleksander Maj ...
").
Return from the war
In July 1918, he returned to
Sopot
Sopot is a seaside resort city in Pomerelia on the southern coast of the Baltic Sea in northern Poland, with a population of approximately 40,000. It is located in Pomeranian Voivodeship, and has the status of the county, being the smallest city ...
, became politically active, and participated in some military activities taking place in what is now called the
Trojmiasto area (Gdansk, Gdynia, Sopot). During the same year, he also became a member of ''Rada Ludowa'' (The People's Council). A year later, in
Gdańsk
Gdańsk ( , also ; ; csb, Gduńsk;Stefan Ramułt, ''Słownik języka pomorskiego, czyli kaszubskiego'', Kraków 1893, Gdańsk 2003, ISBN 83-87408-64-6. , Johann Georg Theodor Grässe, ''Orbis latinus oder Verzeichniss der lateinischen Benen ...
, he set up ''Koło Demokratyczne'' (Democratic Circle), became chief editor of ''"Dziennik Gdański"'' ("The
Gdańsk
Gdańsk ( , also ; ; csb, Gduńsk;Stefan Ramułt, ''Słownik języka pomorskiego, czyli kaszubskiego'', Kraków 1893, Gdańsk 2003, ISBN 83-87408-64-6. , Johann Georg Theodor Grässe, ''Orbis latinus oder Verzeichniss der lateinischen Benen ...
Daily"), and continued teaching at a local folk university. For his military efforts, he earned the rank of captain of the Polish Army, and was later promoted to colonel. In 1920, he sat on the board of the commission responsible for establishing the Polish-German borders and in ''Rada Pomorska – Towarzystwo Ochrony Polskości na Pomorzu'' (Pomeranian Council – Society for the Protection of Polish Interests in
Pomerania
Pomerania ( pl, Pomorze; german: Pommern; Kashubian: ''Pòmòrskô''; sv, Pommern) is a historical region on the southern shore of the Baltic Sea in Central Europe, split between Poland and Germany. The western part of Pomerania belongs to ...
) as its head. For the next two years, he resided in
Grudziądz
Grudziądz ( la, Graudentum, Graudentium, german: Graudenz) is a city in northern Poland, with 92,552 inhabitants (2021). Located on the Vistula River, it lies within the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship and is the fourth-largest city in its prov ...
, though he traveled extensively throughout
Poland
Poland, officially the Republic of Poland, is a country in Central Europe. It is divided into 16 administrative provinces called voivodeships, covering an area of . Poland has a population of over 38 million and is the fifth-most populous ...
. In
Grudziądz
Grudziądz ( la, Graudentum, Graudentium, german: Graudenz) is a city in northern Poland, with 92,552 inhabitants (2021). Located on the Vistula River, it lies within the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship and is the fourth-largest city in its prov ...
, he met his future wife, Aleksandra Starzyńska. Also there, he organized the ''Exhibition of Fine Arts,'' having Pomeranian artists in mind, which was officially opened on June 7, 1921, by the head of
Poland
Poland, officially the Republic of Poland, is a country in Central Europe. It is divided into 16 administrative provinces called voivodeships, covering an area of . Poland has a population of over 38 million and is the fifth-most populous ...
, Marshall
Józef Piłsudski
), Vilna Governorate, Russian Empire (now Lithuania)
, death_date =
, death_place = Warsaw, Poland
, constituency =
, party = None (formerly PPS)
, spouse =
, children = Wan ...
.
In the coming years, Majkowski continued his political and cultural activities aimed at promoting Kashubia and
Kashubian culture Kashubian can refer to:
* Pertaining to Kashubia, a region of north-central Poland
* Kashubians, an ethnic group of north-central Poland
* Kashubian language
See also
*Kashubian alphabet
* Kashubian Landscape Park
*Kashubian studies
Kashubian s ...
. He established a drama theater in
Toruń
)''
, image_skyline =
, image_caption =
, image_flag = POL Toruń flag.svg
, image_shield = POL Toruń COA.svg
, nickname = City of Angels, Gingerbread city, Copernicus Town
, pushpin_map = Kuyavian-Pom ...
, become a leader of ''Stowarzyszenie Artystów Pomorskich'' (Society of Pomeranian Artists) based in
Grudziądz
Grudziądz ( la, Graudentum, Graudentium, german: Graudenz) is a city in northern Poland, with 92,552 inhabitants (2021). Located on the Vistula River, it lies within the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship and is the fourth-largest city in its prov ...
, and a chief editor of a magazine called ''"Pomorzanin"'' ("The Pomeranian") – all this between 1921 and 1923. In addition, during this time he resumed publishing ''"Gryf"'', and continued to write, collaborating with various periodicals and radio in
Toruń
)''
, image_skyline =
, image_caption =
, image_flag = POL Toruń flag.svg
, image_shield = POL Toruń COA.svg
, nickname = City of Angels, Gingerbread city, Copernicus Town
, pushpin_map = Kuyavian-Pom ...
. In ''"Gryf"'', he also published the first chapters of his book ''Żëcé i przigodë Remusa''.
Marriage
On October 6, 1921, in
Warsaw
Warsaw ( pl, Warszawa, ), officially the Capital City of Warsaw,, abbreviation: ''m.st. Warszawa'' is the capital and largest city of Poland. The metropolis stands on the River Vistula in east-central Poland, and its population is officia ...
, Aleksander Majkowski marries Aleksandra Komorowska (former name: Starzyńska, 1891–1982). The newlywed couple settled in
Kartuzy
Kartuzy () ( Kashubian ''Kartuzë'', ''Kartëzë'', or ''Kartuzé''; formerly german: Karthaus) is a town in northern Poland, located in the historic Eastern Pomerania (Pomerelia) region. It is the capital of Kartuzy County in Pomeranian Voivodesh ...
, in a villa called "Erem" (The Hermitage). They paranted four children: Damroka (1922–1979), Mestwin (1924–1944), Barbara (1928–1983) and Witosława (1929–1955). Somehow, in his free time, Majkowski managed to collect stamps and postcards, read detective stories, and go mushroom picking.
Continued business activities
In
Kartuzy
Kartuzy () ( Kashubian ''Kartuzë'', ''Kartëzë'', or ''Kartuzé''; formerly german: Karthaus) is a town in northern Poland, located in the historic Eastern Pomerania (Pomerelia) region. It is the capital of Kartuzy County in Pomeranian Voivodesh ...
, he worked as a physician in a number of places, mainly at the railroad clinics, often volunteering to help people in need, but without neglecting his writing. Attending to his patients on the country side, he kept collecting samples of folklore artifacts and photographs the life of the
Kashubs
The Kashubians ( csb, Kaszëbi; pl, Kaszubi; german: Kaschuben), also known as Cassubians or Kashubs, are a Lechitic ( West Slavic) ethnic group native to the historical region of Pomerania, including its eastern part called Pomerelia, in nort ...
. For his commitment to "social work in
Pomerania
Pomerania ( pl, Pomorze; german: Pommern; Kashubian: ''Pòmòrskô''; sv, Pommern) is a historical region on the southern shore of the Baltic Sea in Central Europe, split between Poland and Germany. The western part of Pomerania belongs to ...
", Majkowski received the Officer's Cross of the Order of Poland's Restitution, from President
Stanisław Wojciechowski
Stanisław Wojciechowski (; 15 March 1869 – 9 April 1953) was a Polish politician and scholar who served as President of Poland between 1922 and 1926, during the Second Polish Republic.
He was elected president in 1922, following the assassin ...
in April 1923. A year later, he published his ''Przewodnik po Szwajcarji Kaszubskiej'' ("A Guide to the so-called Kashubian Switzerland") and, in 1925, a single issue of ''"Gryf"''. Shortly thereafter, he endured yet another round of criticism in being accused of
separatism
Separatism is the advocacy of cultural, ethnic, tribal, religious, racial, governmental or gender separation from the larger group. As with secession, separatism conventionally refers to full political separation. Groups simply seeking greate ...
,
bolshevism
Bolshevism (from Bolshevik) is a revolutionary socialist current of Soviet Marxist–Leninist political thought and political regime associated with the formation of a rigidly centralized, cohesive and disciplined party of social revolution, fo ...
,
immorality
Immorality is the violation of moral laws, norms or standards. It refers to an agent doing or thinking something they know or believe to be wrong. Immorality is normally applied to people or actions, or in a broader sense, it can be applied to g ...
, crimes, and bad influence on society at large.
Withdrawal from public affairs
Due to
recession
In economics, a recession is a business cycle contraction when there is a general decline in economic activity. Recessions generally occur when there is a widespread drop in spending (an adverse demand shock). This may be triggered by various ...
, personal failures and health problems, Aleksander Majkowski retracted from public life and concentrated on literary work. He patronized the actions of Aleksander Labuda and
Jan Trepczyk
Jan Trepczyk (Kashubian: Jón Trepczik; 22 October 1907 in Strysza Buda, Kartuzy – 3 September 1989, in Wejherowo, Poland) was a Kashubian poet, songwriter, ideologist, lexicographer, and teacher. He was a member of the Regional Kashub Asso ...
– young Kashubian activists, who in 1929 establish ''Zrzeszenie Regionalne Kaszubów'' (Kashubian Regional Union) in
Kartuzy
Kartuzy () ( Kashubian ''Kartuzë'', ''Kartëzë'', or ''Kartuzé''; formerly german: Karthaus) is a town in northern Poland, located in the historic Eastern Pomerania (Pomerelia) region. It is the capital of Kartuzy County in Pomeranian Voivodesh ...
, with Majkowski as its head. Later, he fruitfully and with dedication collaborated with the associated magazine ''"Zrzesz Kaszëbskô"'' ("Kashubian Union"). Soon Majkowski also joins ''Polski Związek Zachodni'' (Polish Union of the West) and collaborates with Instytut Bałtycki (The Baltic Institute). For his tireless efforts, in 1930, he received ''The Golden Cross of Merit'', one of the most prestigious awards of the
Republic of Poland
Poland, officially the Republic of Poland, is a country in Central Europe. It is divided into 16 administrative provinces called voivodeships, covering an area of . Poland has a population of over 38 million and is the fifth-most populous ...
.
Although a member of the board of editors of the revived ''"Gryf"'' since October 1931, he did not return to a full-time journalism until 1934. In October 1935, he publishes the first part of his three-part novel ''Żëcé i przigodë Remusa''. He was awarded ''The Silver Literary Laurel'' (Srebrny Wawrzyn Literacki) by ''Polska Akademia Literatury'' (The
Polish Academy of Literature
The Polish Academy of Literature ( pl, Polska Akademia Literatury, PAL) was one of the most important state institutions of literary life in the Second Polish Republic, operating between 1933 and 1939 with the headquarters in Warsaw. It was foun ...
). Meanwhile, in his villa, he organized a folklore exhibition and tries to cure his fatigued health by taking repetitive trips to various spas.
1936 and 1937 were busy years for Majkowski. He worked on ''Gramatyka kaszubska'' ("The Kashubian Grammar", incomplete) and ''Historia Kaszubów'' ("The History of the Kashubs"). He put a lot of effort into his guide to
Kashubia pl, Kaszuby
, native_name_lang = csb, de, csb
, settlement_type = Historical region
, anthem = Zemia Rodnô
, image_map = Kashubians in Poland.png
, image_flag ...
and adapted his satire ''Jak w Koscérznie koscelnygo obrele...'' for the theatre under a new title of ''"Strachë i zrękovjinë"'' ("Fears and Engagements"). All along, he wrote extensively for the press.
Death and legacy
![Aleksander Majkowski Grave, Kartuzy Polska, July 2011](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/47/Aleksander_Majkowski_Grave%2C_Kartuzy_Polska%2C_July_2011.jpg)
Aleksander Majkowski died on February 10, 1938, at the hospital in
Gdynia
Gdynia ( ; ; german: Gdingen (currently), (1939–1945); csb, Gdiniô, , , ) is a city in northern Poland and a seaport on the Baltic Sea coast. With a population of 243,918, it is the List of cities in Poland, 12th-largest city in Poland and ...
of a heart failure. His remains were buried with great ceremony four days later in the cemetery of the Carthusian monastery in
Kartuzy
Kartuzy () ( Kashubian ''Kartuzë'', ''Kartëzë'', or ''Kartuzé''; formerly german: Karthaus) is a town in northern Poland, located in the historic Eastern Pomerania (Pomerelia) region. It is the capital of Kartuzy County in Pomeranian Voivodesh ...
. His coffin were escorted by the railroad workers whom he had tended to and the young Kashubian activists who vowed to continue his work.
A few months after Majkowski's death, his ''Historia Kaszubów'' and the entire novel ''Żëcé i przigodë Remusa
were published. After the war, ''Żëcé i przigodë Remusa'' reappeared on a few occasions and in 1964, was translated into Polish by the Kashubian-Polish writer and activist,
Lech Bądkowski. ''Historia Kaszubów'' was published with a foreword by the Kaszubian scholar Gerard Labuda. Many of Majkowski's other, less known, writings were also published or republished. For example, his recollections, letters and the war diary were jointly published under a title of ''Pamiętnik z wojny europejskiej roku 1914'' ("The Diary from the European War of the Year 1914").
Aleksander Majkowski is regarded as the leading figure in the Kashubian movement and the founder of its historic and
intellectual
An intellectual is a person who engages in critical thinking, research, and reflection about the reality of society, and who proposes solutions for the normative problems of society. Coming from the world of culture, either as a creator or a ...
base. By design, he captured the Kashubian cultural
ideology
An ideology is a set of beliefs or philosophies attributed to a person or group of persons, especially those held for reasons that are not purely epistemic, in which "practical elements are as prominent as theoretical ones." Formerly applied pri ...
in the literary figure of the humble Kashubian farm laborer Remus (who is not to be confused with the Roman mythological or the American literary figure of the same name). Majkowski also worked to define Kashubian grammar and spelling, promoted protection of historical monuments and regional folklore, set up social and economical Kashubian-Pomeranian institutions, represented the
Kashubes
The Kashubians ( csb, Kaszëbi; pl, Kaszubi; german: Kaschuben), also known as Cassubians or Kashubs, are a Lechitic ( West Slavic) ethnic group native to the historical region of Pomerania, including its eastern part called Pomerelia, in nor ...
on the country's forum and the Slavonic scene. Majkowski was also a translator of
German
German(s) may refer to:
* Germany (of or related to)
**Germania (historical use)
* Germans, citizens of Germany, people of German ancestry, or native speakers of the German language
** For citizens of Germany, see also German nationality law
**Ger ...
texts into
Kashubian language
Kashubian or Cassubian (Kashubian: ', pl, język kaszubski) is a West Slavic language belonging to the Lechitic subgroup along with Polish and Silesian.Stephen Barbour, Cathie Carmichael, ''Language and Nationalism in Europe'', Oxford Univers ...
. His multifaceted activity covered all sides of the social life of
Kashubia pl, Kaszuby
, native_name_lang = csb, de, csb
, settlement_type = Historical region
, anthem = Zemia Rodnô
, image_map = Kashubians in Poland.png
, image_flag ...
and its impact continues to this day. In Poland, 2008 was declared the year of Aleksander Majkowski.
An English translation of ''Żëcé i przigodë Remusa,'' by Blanche Krbechek and Katarzyna Gawlik-Luiken, was published in 2008 by the Kashubian Institute in Gdansk as "Life and Adventures of Remus." The translation "Life and Adventures of Remus" was accomplished under the aegis of th
Kashubian Association of North Americaand can be purchased through the Kashubian Association's website.
There is a street named for his in e.g.
Gdańsk
Gdańsk ( , also ; ; csb, Gduńsk;Stefan Ramułt, ''Słownik języka pomorskiego, czyli kaszubskiego'', Kraków 1893, Gdańsk 2003, ISBN 83-87408-64-6. , Johann Georg Theodor Grässe, ''Orbis latinus oder Verzeichniss der lateinischen Benen ...
.
See also
*
Kashubians
The Kashubians ( csb, Kaszëbi; pl, Kaszubi; german: Kaschuben), also known as Cassubians or Kashubs, are a Lechitic ( West Slavic) ethnic group native to the historical region of Pomerania, including its eastern part called Pomerelia, in nort ...
*
Kashubian language
Kashubian or Cassubian (Kashubian: ', pl, język kaszubski) is a West Slavic language belonging to the Lechitic subgroup along with Polish and Silesian.Stephen Barbour, Cathie Carmichael, ''Language and Nationalism in Europe'', Oxford Univers ...
*
Slovincian Slovincian may refer to:
* Slovincian language
* Slovincians Slovincians, also known as Łeba Kashubians, is a near-extinct ethnic subgroup of the Kashubian people, who originated from the north western Kashubia, located in the Pomeranian Voivodes ...
*
Pomerania
Pomerania ( pl, Pomorze; german: Pommern; Kashubian: ''Pòmòrskô''; sv, Pommern) is a historical region on the southern shore of the Baltic Sea in Central Europe, split between Poland and Germany. The western part of Pomerania belongs to ...
References
Worldcat
Bibliography
* J. Borzyszkowski, J. Mordawski, J. Treder: Historia, geografia, język i piśmiennictwo Kaszubów; J. Bòrzëszkòwsczi, J. Mòrdawsczi, J. Tréder: Historia, geògrafia, jãzëk i pismienizna Kaszëbów,; pòd red. Jana Mòrdawsczégò, tołmaczënk Jerzi Tréder, Wëdowizna M. Rôżok przë wespółrobòce z Institutã Kaszëbsczim,
Gduńsk 1999, .
* Czajkowski M.: Powiat Kartuski : Szwajcaria Kaszubska / Kaszëbskô Szwajcarëjô. Bydgoszcz 2003
* J. Drzeżdżon, "Współczesna literatura kaszubska 1945-1980", Warszawa 1986,
* G. Stone, Slav outposts in Central European history : the Wends, Sorbs and Kashubs, London, UK : Bloomsbury Academic, an imprint of Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, 2016.
* F. Neureiter: Geschichte der kaschubischen Literatur : Versuch einer zusammenfassenden Darstellung, 2. verb. u. erw. Auflage, Sagner, München 1991, .
* F. Neureiter: Historia literatury kaszubskiej : próba zarysu, przełożyła Maria Boduszyńska-Borowikowa ; wstępem opatrzył Tadeusz Bolduan, Zrzeszenie Kaszubsko-Pomorskie, Oddział Miejski, Gdańsk 1982, .
* C. Obracht-Prondzyński, T. Wicherkiewicz, (eds) 2011. ''The
Kashubs
The Kashubians ( csb, Kaszëbi; pl, Kaszubi; german: Kaschuben), also known as Cassubians or Kashubs, are a Lechitic ( West Slavic) ethnic group native to the historical region of Pomerania, including its eastern part called Pomerelia, in nort ...
: Past and Present''. , (eBook).
{{DEFAULTSORT:Majkowski, Aleksander
1876 births
1938 deaths
People from Kościerzyna
Kashubian culture
Kashubian language
Kashubian poets
Kashubian literature
Kashubian translators
Polish male writers
Polish medical writers
Kashubian-language writers
People from West Prussia