Snapshots from the biography of Jadwiga Prendowska (1832-1915) : everyday life through the extraordinary lens of the January Uprising

Bibliogr. s. 71-72

The January Uprising, a well-researched topic in historiography already, is still marred by "blank spots" that need to be filled. One of such "blank spots" that is still insufficiently researched are women's activities during this national uprising. Another issue worth attention is the everyday life in January 1863. The selection of sources for such research topics remains an open question. The article uses an ego-document, which is the diary of a woman highly involved in the uprising - Jadwiga Prendowska, a courier who worked closely with the dictator Marian Langiewicz. Her memories were analyzed in biographical terms of a woman living in the 19th century, who actively participated in the national uprising, going far beyond the stereotype of the "good Samaritan" caring for the wounded insurgents. A woman whose new role was de facto traditionally carried outby men. An ambitious woman and a patriot through and through, who often felt discouraged or tired while fulfilling her courier duties. A daughter, a wife and a mother, but also a Pole who dreamt of an independent homeland. This multiplicity of roles and a number of various responsibilities were incorporated into her everyday life during the unusual times of the January Uprising.