Anniversary - 100 years ago, in 1923, Janusz Korczak's novel "Król Maciuś Pierwszy” - "King Matt the First" was published for the first time. The introduction with the photo of Korczak as a child and the last page describes that Maciuś is sentenced to death by shooting, but at the last minute, the punishment is changed to exile to a desert island.
Anniversary
100 years ago, in 1923, Janusz Korczak's novel "Król Maciuś Pierwszy” - "King Matt the First" was published for the first time.
Janusz Korczak's novel "King Matt the First" was first published in 1923. Janusz Korczak tried to explain to children in an accessible way the mechanisms of exercising power and the great responsibility that comes with running a state. This is the story of a little boy, the king's son. After his father's death (his mother had already died), Matt (parentless), becomes king. In the beginning, addicted to ministers and etiquette, he is treated like a spoiled toddler. However, he wants to show that he is brave like his ancestors. When war breaks out in the country, Maciuś and his friend Felek disguise themselves as ordinary soldiers and go to the front. There he learns humility, respect for life, and at the same time being persistent and composed in every situation. Maciuś is breaking away from the label more and more and introducing many reforms. He befriends the cannibal king Bum-Drum. Creates a children's council. The confusion created by equating children with adults weakens Matt's country, which is once again invaded by all its neighbors. This time, despite his brave defense, Maciuś is defeated and judged due to the cowardice of his subjects. He is sentenced to death by shooting, but at the last minute, the punishment is changed to exile to a desert island.
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| The very first Polish postwar edition of Janusz Korczak's novel "Król Maciuś Pierwszy” was published in 1955. |
