Hungarian Heritage Review, 1987 (16. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1987-01-01 / 1. szám
JWk ^Relríefti of 3Montl]: JOURNEY IN NORTH AMERICA (1834) — by -ALEXANDER BOLONI-FARKAS American Philosophical Society Translated and Edited by Theodore and Helen Benedek Schoenman 228 pages $10.00 Here is a book that simply must be read by every person even slightly interested in the relationship between Hungary and the United States. For one who is really determined to learn something of the reasons for the earliest journeys to this country by various Hungarian writers, politicians, and entrepreneurs, this is an amazing and wonderful eye-opener. Just consider this: in 1831, at the very same time that Alexis de Tocqueville was travelling through the United States gathering material for his soon-to-be world famous book, “Democracy in America," the Hungarian, Alexander Farkas was also in America, studying many of the same institutions visited by the Frenchman. Indeed, the two men met while going through the Massachusetts State Prison in Charlestown. In the journal of the Deputy Warden, Charles Lincoln, Jr., appears this entry: “Friday Sept. 16 Hon. F.C. Gray and the French Commissioners (de Tocqueville and his friend Beaumont) — with two German (sic) Noblemen from Transylvania visited and inspected the Prison. (Note that here, too, the constant confusion of Hungarians with Germans or Austrians completely hid their true nationality and identity!). De Tocqueville’s great work became a classic, studied and commented upon throughout the world; it still remains as one of the greatest analyses of the American character and governmental and social systems. Farkas' book, sadly but almost inevitably (given the fate of so much of Hungary's literary, artistic and scientific achievement) had a great spurt of fame and importance — almost entirely within Hungary itself — and then simply faded into oblivion. The reprinting of this classic by the American Philosophical Society is a splendid and wise step. Farkas was born, in 1795, in the Transylvanian village of Bolon. His father was a deeply religious member of the old Szekely nobility. In order to escape being drafted into Maria Theresa’s army, young Farkas became a student of philosophy and divinity at the Royal College at Kolozsvár. After graduation, Farkas continued the study of law. But he was lured away from this by his contact with early Hungarian theatrical productions, and he attempted for a while to find a career in the theater. In the years between 1827 and 1830 he became involved in the broil of politics, turning his thought and writing to political reform. He became an ardent supporter of Széchényi and later of Wesselényi. And it was through the friendship with Wesselényi that Farkas formed the connection that led him to his historic visit to North America*. Farkas' book — Journey in North America — the chief product of his journey, became like a beacon in Hungary’s struggle for reform and freedom. Through its pages Hungarians were able to read — for the first time in their entirety — the American Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution. The effect of these documents upon Hungarian politics was immense. One writer of the time, commenting upon the book, called its effect, . .like lightning and thunder running through the two fatherlands, Hungary and Transylvania, shaking marrow and bone.” Széchényi, writing to Farkas, said, “...no one has honored the fatherland and kingdoiíi with a more useful and beautiful gift.” Of course, the great success of the book among the Hungarian patriots caused immediate fear and concern on the part of the Austrian rulers of the land. The book was forbidden in 1835, and all copies were confiscated. Farkas himself was hounded and driven from place to place. He became ill and lonely and disillusioned. When he died on February 2, 1842, at the age of fortyseven, he was buried in Kolozsvár under the simple inscription: “Here rests Alexander Boloni Farkas, North American traveler.” Fortunately for us, however, here is the remarkable volume, reprinted and available. It is not an exaggeration to say again that all who are interested in things Hungarian, American and human should avail themselves of the opportunity to secure and read this remarkable volume. It is particularly recommended to those too young to have close direct ties to the homeland, for it will bring to life something of the struggle and the dream of Hungarian patriots and lovers of liberty throughout the world. It will also provide an amazing view of the early development of the United States itself in its early years. [NOTE: To order this book, see page 12] JANUARY 1987 HUNGARIAN HERITAGE REVIEW 11
