This two-volume translation of Selected Works of Janusz Korczak, essential to the dissemination of Dr. Korczak’s legacy, is now available to English-speaking audiences in print and online. The content was selected by Dr. Olga Medvedeva-Nathoo, translated and published by the Janusz Korczak Association of Canada with the support of the Polish Book Institute, the Adam Mickiewicz Institute, and private donors.
Dr. Anna Maria Czernow, the content editor of this translation, completed her Ph.D. at the University of Warsaw. She specializes in the theory and history of literature for young readers, with Janusz Korczak’s literature and philosophy being one of the main fields among her academic interests.
Summary by the Host, Ari Barbalat, Ph.D.
How to Love a Child and Other Selected Works (Vallentine Mitchell, 2018) is the first comprehensive collection of Korczak’s works translated into English. It contains his most important pedagogical writings, journal articles, as well as private texts. Volume 2 starts with extensive excerpts from two pedagogical treatises written for young readers. These are: Rules of Life, which explains the intricacies of human relationships. Next follows a selection of journal articles presenting topics from social problems, pediatrics, developmental psychology and special pedagogy. This is followed by a collection of unpublished writing including private letters exchanged between him and his former wards. The final section is his diary – a unique documentation of Korczak’s last weeks of life. Korczak’s writing is characterized by uncompromising views, acute observations, subtle reflection, and, above all, love for children.
Ari Barbalat holds a PhD in International Relations from the University of California in Los Angeles. He is one of the hosts of the New Book Episodes.