JÓZEF IGNACY KRASZEWSKI (1812–1887)

A Polish writer, historian and publisher. In 1829–1830, he studied literature and history at Vilnius University. He chaired the secret student Thinkers’ Society. Having been accused of organising the uprising, he was imprisoned by the Russian government in 1830–1832. He lived at 24 Pilies Street in 1832–1835, later on, he lived in Belarus, Ukraine and Poland. After the uprising of 1863 he fled to Germany, lived in Italy and Switzerland, which is where he died. He was one of the most prolific Polish writers, his literary legacy comprises of around 400 volumes. He collaborated on the Vilnius periodical press, releasing the magazine Athenaeum in 1841–1851, which went on to become the centre of intellectual life in Vilnius. He was interested in Lithuanian history, folklore and Lithuanian cultural life, and maintained contact with Lithuanian cultural figures. He wrote historical works analysing Lithuanian culture, nature and customs.