The private book collection of Basilian proto-hegumen Anthonius Kotsak in 1781

Abstract

The Mukachevo uniate eparchy in the XVIII century experienced extensive transformations in administrative and cultural evolution. The assertion here the post-Trent cultural and intellectual trends actively reflect the preferences of the clerical elite. The article analyzes the thematic repertoire of the private book collection of Anthonius Kotsak – proto-hegumen of Basilian monasteries, doctor of dogmatic theology, teacher and intellectual of the Mukachevo eparchy of the second half of the XVIII century. Before analyzing the book collection, the main conditions that influenced the formation of the eparchy’s clergy in general and Anthonius Kotsak, in particular, are considered. Statistical data collected during archival survay and its comparison with the old books preserved so far allowed the analysis of quantitative indicators of the book collection. The Interdisciplinary approach made possible the analysis of the thematic repertoire of the private book collection and made it possible to determine the direction of Anthonius Kotsak’s reading preferences. The monk’s book collection includes theological, philosophical, historical, philological, preaching, geographical and other works that fully correspond to the scholastic discourse of Jesuit education. The vast majority of texts are in Latin, but there are a few books in Hungarian. The presence of the works of the Eastern Fathers of the Church and the absence of Western ones clearly articulate the monk’s Eastern Christian Basilian piety. Nevertheless, Anthonius Kotsak sought to remain in the discourse of modern for thar times Western theology. The practical need for a multi-confessional region explains an essential emphasis in the repertoire of theological literature in its anti-Protestant orientation. The main principle in the selection of books of Anthonius Kotsak was determined by his professional activity. The expansion of research in the discourse of cultural history and book culture of the Mukachevo eparchy contributes to deeper understanding of the specifics of the diocese and its involvement in the cultural discourse of early modern Europe.