Publications

With this book - an international collection of 25 scientific articles - the classic of Lithuanian historiography, one of the most eminent researchers of the history of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, is honoured and warmly congratulated by the Professor's colleagues, friends and pupils, as well as by nearly 250 scholars, culturologists, cultural workers and statesmen, not only from Lithuania, but also from many other European countries and the United States.

The study by Mečislovas Jučas, a long-time professor at the Faculty of History of Vilnius University and a habilitated doctor of humanities, discusses the most important features of the history of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. The Lithuanian state defended the nation against foreign enemies, formed legal and administrative structures, protected the Roman Catholic faith professed by the majority, protected the economy and culture, and was the home of the Lithuanian nation. The most important task of this book is to show how the old Lithuanian state came into being, how it flourished, then declined, decayed and was destroyed by foreign powers. 

This publication continues the tradition started by the National Musuem – Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, the Castle Research Centre “Lietuvos pilys” and the Lithuanian Art Museum – that is, to publish early texts and visual sources about which there is no or too little information in the field of Lithuanian history research, that are important both in terms of learning about the state᾿s political history and international relations, and in contributing to the knowledge of our culture and art.

A collection of scholarly articles based on papers read at the International Conference Lithuania–Poland–Sweden: European Dynastic Unions and Historical-Cultural Ties, which was dedicated to the 450th anniversary of wedding of John Vasa and Catherine Jagiellon (1562–2012), and which took place on 4–5 October 2012 at National Museum – Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania.

The monograph focuses on the life and work of Ioannes Breutelt, the most famous foundryman of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, who worked in Vilnius for two decades, casting heavy guns (cannons) and special musical instruments (bells). The publication provides an overview of his works, either extant or recorded in written sources. It is the first study of its kind and scope to focus on foundry.

This is a book presenting, in Lithuanian, Italian and English, “La Gara” (The Competition), an example of the rare tourney opera genre, that was created in 1652 by the famous Italian diplomat and priest Michele Bianchi, going by the pseudonym Alberto Vimina, which was premiered at a theatre in Vienna in the presence of Ferdinand III. Facsimile copies of the libretto are given in Italian and German, along with the authentic scene descriptions. Philologist Birutė Žindžiūtė-Michelini prepared the Lithuanian translation of the Italian original. Professor Guido Michelini of Parma University wrote the contextual introduction that is featured here in Lithuanian, Italian and English. The foreword is by the well-known Lithuanian theatre director Eimuntas Nekrošius.

This scholarly monograph by the long-time professor of history at Vilnius University’s History Department, Dr. habil. Mečislovas Jučas, outlines the major historical features of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. The Lithuanian state protected the nation against foreign enemies, created a legal and administrative infrastructure, protected the Roman Catholic faith, watched over the economy and culture, and provided a home for the Lithuanian people. The most important aim of this book is to show how the old Lithuanian state came into being, how it flourished, how it later grew weaker and became diminished, and finally was destroyed by foreign powers. The book is based on the professor’s lectures at Vilnius University, but it also takes into account recent scholarly research, and attempts to look at many questions in a new and original way. The greatest attention is paid to various aspects of state development.

The book presents a brief history of the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania in Vilnius Lower Castle and the reconstruction of this important residence of the rulers of Lithuania.  It also presents highlights from its very large, varied, and valuable archeological collections and some of the most significant acquisitions for its interior displays, reflecting Lithuania’s historical ties with Europe. The book provides floor plans for planned exhibitions, a chronology of the most important dates in the history of the palace, and information about new objects from abroad relating to Lithuanian history.

The book presents a brief history of the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania in Vilnius Lower Castle and the reconstruction of this important residence of the rulers of Lithuania.  It also presents highlights from its very large, varied, and valuable archeological collections and some of the most significant acquisitions for its interior displays, reflecting Lithuania’s historical ties with Europe. The book provides floor plans for planned exhibitions, a chronology of the most important dates in the history of the palace, and information about new objects from abroad relating to Lithuanian history.