Prof. Ign. Chrzanowski on Romer's atlas

Summary

Ignacy Chrzanowski reviews the second edition of Eugeniusz Romer's Geographical-Statistical Atlas of Poland, published by Książnica Polska. He presents it as a resource for those seeking Poland's liberation and those governing the restored state. He recounts German censorship's confiscation of its second fascicle during the First World War and legal proceedings over attempts to send the atlas abroad; only two copies crossed the Central Powers' cordon before November 1918. Chrzanowski credits the atlas with a substantial role at the 1919 peace conference, while acknowledging that the resulting borders did not fully follow what he regarded as its evidence of truth and justice. He praises its 34 plates for depicting Poland's territory, nature, population and cultural life, illustrating their detail through education, publishing, the press and savings statistics. Specialists contributed language, geology, mining, landed property, history, flora, transport and press data; Romer prepared most plates. Chrzanowski concludes that knowledge of the atlas is a patriotic duty for educated Poles and a practical foundation for governing and building the country's future.