Marja Boršnik First Lady of Slovenian Slavic Studies

A book by Dr. Eva Premk Bogataj and Ddr. Francka Premk

Marja Boršnik was a true pioneer of Slavic Studies — a visionary scholar who devoted her life to the advancement of a field that was still finding its form.

When she entered the discipline more than a quarter of a century ago, her program was revolutionary: it went beyond traditional boundaries and aimed to revise outdated evaluations of modern literature while systematically exploring the still-fragmentary literary landscape of the twentieth century.

Her vision was clear and courageous. Boršnik sought to bring together experts of all ages and backgrounds, creating a carefully structured plan to study every period of Slovenian literature. Her goal was to build a foundation for a future Institute of Literary History — a place where diverse talents could contribute to a comprehensive and balanced understanding of literary phenomena.

Despite enormous challenges, she made groundbreaking contributions. She edited and published selected works of Vida Jerajeva, Zofka Kveder, Tavčar, and Aškerac, investing immense time and precision in each volume. She also co-edited the literary journal Klasje up to its 17th issue and initiated the Slavic Library series, which included her book on Dr. Fran Celestin.

Integrity and Resistance

Boršnik’s life was marked by both resilience and moral strength. She remained steadfast in her principles, refusing to compromise her values or accept favors. During the war, she was arrested while pregnant — and later imprisoned again when her child was only four months old. Her words convey both the courage and pain of that time:

“In a room for seven or eight mothers with seven or eight babies, life was difficult. I will not speak of those horrors.”

Her post-war letters reveal the cost of her integrity:

“My published work represents twenty years of rigorous research and preparation, of which only fragments were allowed by censorship… For years I was forced to teach at the lowest levels despite my qualifications, branded as both Marxist and Democrat.”

The Speech That Defined Her Legacy (1959)

When elected head of her department in 1959, Boršnik delivered a speech that remains as relevant today as it was radical then:

“Today, no Superman can lead — only an All-man. I will not be a diplomat; I will play with open cards. I have never accepted even an empty tin as a gift, nor a reward. I value an honest fight with honest weapons: criticism and discussion. I love open, honest enemies and despise treacherous, ignorant friends. Even a true enemy is part of me — my contradiction, my corrective.”

She continued:

“The Institute is no kingdom — it is a republic. I am no queen, only a minister, elected by the will of the people. Every one of you shares responsibility and should bring your criticism directly to my face. We build — we do not destroy. Work, not sabotage. I will always fight for excellence and talent.”

Her Contribution to Slavic Studies

Boršnik’s program for Slavic Studies was ambitious, methodical, and deeply humanistic:

“When I began my studies in Slavic literature more than twenty-five years ago, my goal was to revise old judgments and to map the still uncharted terrain of our century’s literature. I wanted to include specialists of every kind, to form expert groups for every literary epoch — to build a balanced and qualitative understanding of each phenomenon, and ultimately, the foundation for a literary-historical institute.”

She also recognized the injustices of her academic environment:

“Many climb at the expense of others — often those who are talented but less assertive. True talents are lost in the commercial grind, unable to fulfill their vocation. Every such loss feels as if part of me has gone numb.”

Collected Works

Her editorial achievements were immense:

“I published the first collected works of poet Vida Jerajeva, seven volumes of Zofka Kveder (an eighth was ready but never printed due to the war), two volumes of Aškerac, and eleven volumes of Tavčar — detailed, annotated, and painstakingly prepared. The first selection of Tavčar’s works appeared in Klasje, which I edited through its seventeenth issue. I also initiated the Slavic Library series, including my book on Dr. Fran Celestin. Despite my efforts to involve colleagues, I found little success — yet I managed to secure important works such as Silva Trdinova’s Verbal Art and several bibliographical catalogues.”

Through hardship, intellect, and conviction, Marja Boršnik shaped not only the foundations of Slovenian Slavic Studies but also a model of integrity and courage that continues to inspire scholars today.