Abstract

Four Polish printed matters from the end of 16th century were highlighted in the article. Three of them, The Life and Death of a Princess from Parma ; Republic ; Joseph the Righteous refer to Lives of the Saints by Piotr Skarga. This is proof that the book was highly appreciated by the author’s contemporaries as a counter-reformation speculum, outstanding reading for women, and a point of reference for clergymen who wanted to prepare their own speeches. The forth printed matter is another sign of The Lives of Saints popularity. What we find there is a slightly altered version of St. Benedict’s life, which does not mention the name of Piotr Skarga.