Rare early printed books from the 17th and 18th centuries containing references to Ukraine, its people, and their struggle for independence have been acquired by the Vernadsky National Library of Ukraine. These editions were found abroad with private collectors, purchased by Visa, and transferred to the library's collections.

Voltaire on "Muscovy" and the Ukrainian Struggle for Freedom

One of the most valuable acquisitions is a two-volume 1731 edition of "The History of Charles XII, King of Sweden" by the French philosopher Voltaire. The work describes the events of the Great Northern War, the alliance between Hetman Ivan Mazepa and the Swedish king, and the Battle of Poltava.

Voltaire referred to Russia as "Muscovy" and clearly distinguished it from Ukraine. The philosopher wrote about the Ukrainians' desire for independence, noting: "Ukraine always had the inspiration to be free".

Researchers emphasize that this book shaped Europeans' perception of Ukraine in the 18th century and confirmed its existence as a separate political force on the map of Europe.

Pierre Chevalier: Cossacks — A Separate People

The collection also includes a work by the French officer and diplomat Pierre Chevalier, published in 1663. The author observed events during the time of Bohdan Khmelnytsky for many years and described in detail the lifestyle, customs, military organization, and political life of the Cossacks.

Historians see particular value in the fact that Chevalier did not equate Ukrainians with Muscovites but regarded them as a separate people with their own land, language, and political ambitions. In his notes, he called Kyiv, Chernihiv, Pereiaslav, Chyhyryn, Cherkasy, and other Ukrainian cities important centers of the Cossack state.

Joseph Marshall: Ukraine — Like the Best Provinces of England

The collection was also supplemented by a four-volume work by the English traveler Joseph Marshall, who visited Ukraine in 1770. During his journey, he visited Chernihiv, Kyiv, and Ochakiv, and upon his return, published a book about his impressions.

Marshall described the Ukrainian lands as fertile, well-managed, and safe. He called Kyiv one of the most outstanding cities he had seen in the Russian Empire, and compared Ukraine itself to the best provinces of England: "I have not yet seen a country that is so very much like the best provinces of England, as I noticed in Ukraine".

Access for Researchers and Readers

The Vernadsky National Library stated that users will be able to examine the early printed books in the reading room of the Rare Editions Department. The library also plans to digitize the books and make them available to researchers and readers from around the world.

According to library representatives, these editions help us understand how Europeans saw Ukraine several centuries ago and how its image was formed in world history.

Digitalization and Preservation of Heritage

Previously, RBK-Ukraine reported that Ukrainian libraries continue to digitize their collections and are creating a Unified National Bibliographic Database and a National Electronic Library. At the same time, libraries note that electronic resources will not replace printed books but will only supplement them.

We also reported on how many libraries Russians destroyed in Ukraine during the war.