MODRZEWSKI, ANDRZEJ

born c. 1503, , Wolborz, Pol. died 1572, Wolborz in full Andrzej Frycz-modrzewski considered the most eminent Polish writer in Latin of the 16th century. He studied at the Jagiellonian University in Krakw and later at Wittenberg and Nrnberg. Returning to Poland, he wrote De poena homicidii (1543; The Punishment for Homicide), a pamphlet urging repeal of the laws that provided heavy prison sentences, large fines, or even death. In a pamphlet of 1545 he sided with the burghers against the gentry, who were monopolizing agriculture. In his most important work, Commentariorum de republica emendanda libri quinque (155154; Commentary on Reforming the Republic in Five Books), he elaborated his bold utopian ideals. He also urged a religious reformation uniting the Roman Catholic and Protestant churches, with mass to be said in Polish and priests allowed to marry. His ideas antagonized both the church and the gentry, who attacked him bitterly and persecuted him, occasionally driving him into hiding.