Školstvo Blata : Blato, skule i skulani

The book Školstvo Blata: Blato, skule i skulani ("Education in Blato: Blato, Schools, and Pupils"), authored by Vladimir Cetinić Pensa and published in 2000, is a thorough and valuable work of local history dedicated to the rich tradition of upbringing and education in the town of Blato on the island of Korčula. In this extensive monograph, the author provides a detailed chronological overview of the origins, establishment, and functioning of the school system, tracing its development from the earliest beginnings of literacy up to the modern era. Drawing on a wealth of archival material, old photographs, and documents, the book covers all key phases in the development of local schools—ranging from elementary and vocational institutions to gimnazijas (grammar schools). A particular strength of the work lies in its focus on the people—teachers, professors, and generations of pupils—who shaped the social and cultural life of Blato. With profound respect, Cetinić Pensa describes the role of educators in preserving the town's identity, language, and local customs. This 2000 edition serves as an essential resource for studying the history of the Croatian school system and the micro-history of the island of Korčula, as well as for the preservation of the local community's rich cultural heritage and collective memory.