19th-century Masurian and Warmian Periodical "Przyjaciel Ludu Łecki" Issued in Ełk

One of the first periodicals intended for the Polish people living in the area of Warmia and Masuria. The magazine had a religious and social character, and its aim was to raise the level of moral and religious life, including the fight against alcoholism. The issues included an extensive counselling section, providing both household advice, often in the form of a dialogue, and discussing health and hygiene matters. Fulfilling its educational function, the magazine opposed superstitious practices deeply rooted in society in many areas of life. The cultural part included stories on various subjects, poems and humorous texts, including works by Rej, Kochanowski and local folk artists. The magazine was meticulously edited in Polish and aimed at supporting the mother tongue. It was printed in the local typographical workshop in Blackletter typeface, as were almost all magazines of the Polish indigenous population living in the area of former East Prussia. Text in Polish.