“Polska Flota Napowietrzna” [Polish Aerial Fleet] (1919–1921) – the characteristics of the content and editorial form of the journal

Abstract

It is a lesser known fact that during the Greater Poland  Uprising there were three journals published by different agencies of the Greater Poland Army. This article presents an analysis of the aviation journal “Polska Flota  Napowietrzna” [Polish Aerial Fleet], focusing in particular on its illustrative artwork and graphical solutions. Prior to 1919, the whole history of Polish periodicals on aeronautics included only one title of the Warsaw-published “Lotnik i Automobilista” (1911–1914). Likewise, the list of military periodicals published in the Wielkopolska region during the fights for independence is rather short and includes, beside the mentioned periodical, the following journals: “Druh” (1918–1919), “Ku Chwale Ojczyzny” (1919–1920) and “Wiedza Techniczna” (1919–1920) only. “Polska Flota Napowietrzna” was published from July 1919 to June 1921. This article discusses the following issues: frequency of the publication, changes in the title and sub-title of the journal, its price, volume, location of the editor’s office, printing offices, and places of distribution. The periodical was aimed not only at members of the military, but also all interested in modern technology and inventiveness. The most important authors writing for the title are presented as well as the structure and subject area of the periodical. The analysis of the graphic aspects: paper, basic layout, fonts used, journal’s covers, photos and illustrations, as well as typographic ornaments and elements, complements the article.