Krzysztof Kowalski – On the essence of European heritage – deliberations

A multi-layered reflection on heritage, a term which at the beginning of this century appeared in the analytical scientific language and social experience, as well as in constructing and interpreting the past.

The author discusses the evolution of the term, writes about the origins of its strength and dynamics, underlying the relations between heritage and cultural goods, monument and tradition, individual and communal memory, lieux de mémoire and history. Deliberations include the political context in which heritage is to function and the role it plays in defining the symbolic basis of contemporary Europe.

The book is the third title in the Heritology series, edited by Prof. Jacek Pruchla.

Polish version.