Zygmunt Fortunat Miłkowski (pseudonyms: Teodor Tomasz Jeż, Władysław Bonar, Fortunat Metko) was a Polish writer, publicist, and ethnographer, one of the most prolific Polish authors of the 19th century. He left behind a significant literary legacy that includes novels, ethnographic descriptions, journalistic works, and translations devoted to the culture and everyday life of the Ukrainian and Polish lands.

Early Years and Education
Miłkowski studied in Nemyriv and at the Richelieu Lyceum in Odesa, graduating in 1846. During his studies he developed a great interest in the city’s cultural life, regularly attending theaters and the opera. In the memoirs preserved in his book From Odesa Memories, he vividly described his theatrical fascinations, particularly the performances of the young singer Scaleze, whom he admired:

“I went to the theater with great pleasure. The Italian opera fascinated me with its singing and performers, two of whom caused a sensation in Odesa and divided society into two opposing camps: the Sechi-Corsi supporters and the Scaleze supporters. Some admired Sechi-Corsi, an older woman said to possess a perfect technique. Others favored Scaleze, a charming young soprano who performed alongside her father, a bass. I joined the latter. I went to the theater as often as her name appeared on the posters, and applauded so vigorously that my hands hurt. Many were captivated by her, including a wealthy nobleman from Podillia, who married her and, as I heard, she bore him many children. She was wonderful in The Barber of Seville as Rosina, while her father played Figaro. How surprised I was when, twenty-four years later, I saw old Scaleze again on the Paris stage, in the same role! I remembered his daughter, and the bouquets I used to present to her. Those expenses—unexpected in my budget—along with other spontaneous costs, significantly drained my finances.”

Odesa also became an important reference point for his literary interests and ethnographic observations. Miłkowski’s later works reflect his keen attention to the life of Ukrainian and Polish peasants, the customs of the urban intelligentsia, and the social dynamics he witnessed during his early years in the city.

Literary Activity
Miłkowski was among the most productive Polish writers of his era. He authored more than 80 novels, numerous ethnographic and journalistic texts, translations from several European languages, and literary essays. His debut novel Vasyl Holub (1858) portrayed Ukrainian village life and relations between peasants and the nobility, highlighting social tensions but also showing the possibility of harmonious coexistence.

His works span multiple genres: historical novels, family sagas, social journalism, and ethnographic sketches. Miłkowski paid close attention to traditions, crafts, architecture, and everyday life — especially on Ukrainian territories. In his novel The History of the Fore-Fore-Fore..., he blended elements of a village tale, historical panorama, and educational narrative, demonstrating remarkable ethnographic detail and observational depth.

Travels and Influence on His Work
Miłkowski traveled widely across Europe, visiting Ukraine, Moldova, France, Switzerland, and Belgium. His journeys provided abundant material for ethnographic notes, travel essays, and fiction. In his travel diaries, he meticulously recorded cities, villages, cultural customs, and daily life.

Later Years and Legacy
Zygmunt Miłkowski spent his final years in Switzerland, living in Lausanne, Geneva, and Zurich, where he continued writing and publishing. He died on January 11, 1915, in Lausanne, where his funeral became a major event for the Polish literary community. Miłkowski left behind an immense body of work—novels, ethnographic studies, journalism, and translations—which remains an important source for understanding the culture and daily life of the 19th century in Poland, Ukraine, and neighboring regions.