Ivan Franko on the pages of the bukovynian press (the end of the 80s of the 19th century – the beginning of the 20th century)

Abstract

The article deals with the identification, translation, content clarification and brief analysis of Bukovynian press materials of the late 80s of the 19th and early 20th centuries, about the outstanding Ukrainian writer and public figure Ivan Franko, his views on the public, socio-political and national-cultural life of Ukrainians, in particular those of Bukovyna, and the latter’s attitude towards I. Franko, his work and as a politician.
In particular, on the basis of discovered issues of newspapers in local (Chernivtsi) funds, where something is mentioned about I. Franko’s reside in Bukovyna there is information about his publishing and editorial activities. Out of 9 funds of processed Bukovynian newspapers and funds of Bukovynian calendars, 59 numbers were found, which, to a different extent, write about the life and work of the outstanding Ukrainian writer, scientist, public and political figure. The absolute majority of the identified numbers are from the Ukrainian press, especially from the newspaper «Bukovyna», in particular, when it was edited by a talented native of Galicia, Osyp Makovei.
A certain amount of newspaper material testifies to his active social and especially political activity as one of the founders and leaders of the «Ruthenian-Ukrainian Radical Party». Separate issues of the newspapers contain information about I. Franko’s scientific activities, in particular, about social and economic relations in Galicia and Bukovyna in the 18th – 19th centuries.
Information about the celebration of the anniversaries of his literary activity: 25-year, 30-year, 40-year is widely presented in Bukovyna newspapers. The Bukovyna press did not ignore the unpleasant facts of government restriction and persecution of I. Franko for his political views. Appropriate conclusions have been drawn.