"Mało znane, ciekawe, pociągające"? Patrząc na Wielkie Księstwo Litewskie z boku

ENAfter the changes in Europe post-1989, the history of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania has experienced a true boom. This raises the question of how historians have taken advantage of new research opportunities and chances. One should start with the general political framework. It is characterized, on one hand, by a lack of censorship, at least initially, and on the other hand, by the commercialization (internationalization or Americanization?) of the humanities. The publishing market and the ‘point system’ somewhat regulate the academic activities of younger historians, whose material situation rarely improved after 1989. However, conditions for international cooperation have improved, with better access not only to foreign grants but also to sources and literature. It is no surprise that after 1989, researchers were primarily attracted to areas that had been previously forbidden or severely restricted, which could fascinate a broader audience. Popular topics now include cities and urban life, the nobility and magnates, their courts and palaces, and their patronage activities. Studies related to culture have become a strong point in recent literature on the subject. Additionally, historians have begun filling research gaps in the history of the church. It is important to highlight multidisciplinary approaches and international collaboration, although it remains to be seen if there will be a renationalization of the history of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.However, there is a noticeable lack of reflection and theoretical approaches, especially since recent research seems to predominantly follow a ‘top-down’ perspective. It appears that the hero of the research, ‘the man as the main character, the agent of historical processes’, is sought more in palaces and courts rather than in cottages and townhouses. Is it possible to find him? According to the author, in any case, it is worthwhile to start the search from early source editions up to the latest opportunities in digital humanities.