Brückner’s book combines the characteristics of an academic dissertation and an anthology of source texts. It consists of two main parts:
An extensive critical introduction: In it, Brückner provides a detailed analysis of the development of Polish religious song, its cultural context, Western influences (especially Latin and Czech), and the linguistic evolution of the oldest extant literary sources.
A collection of songs: The publication contains carefully edited texts of the most important medieval Polish religious works. Among them are, among others:
“Bogurodzica” (the oldest Polish religious song).
The Świętokrzyski Lament (also known as *Posłuchajcie, bracia miła*).
The Song of Sandomierz, as well as numerous Passion songs, Easter songs, Christmas carols, and songs about saints.
Aleksander Brückner (1856–1939)—an outstanding Polish Slavist, linguist, and literary historian.
173 pages, hardcover with bookbinder’s binding.
