Abstract

The article delves into various facets of Izydora Dąmbska’s scholarly pursuits amidst the backdrop of World War II, with a focus on her literary explorations at the Ossolineum library in Lviv between 1941 and 1943. Beginning with an overview of Dąmbska’s wartime experiences and her connection to the Ossolineum, as well as the historical context of the library’s collections, the introductory section sets the stage for a deeper analysis. The core of the article revolves around an examination of archival records detailing access to the Ossolineum’s holdings from 1939 to 1945. Through meticulous scrutiny of inventory logs, the study identifies the specific volumes associated with Dąmbska’s scholarly inquiries, shedding light on her intellectual pursuits. Furthermore, it elucidates how these revelations contribute to advancing our understanding of Dąmbska’s scholarly endeavors in intellectual history during this tumultuous period. Particularly noteworthy is the impact of these findings on her seminal work „Plato in Poland”, as well as her broader investigations into the early modern era. Additionally, the article investigates the influence of Stanisław Łempicki on Dąmbska’s scholarly trajectory, illuminating his role in guiding her towards novel research pathways.