The Polish Revolution: Solidarity (Third Edition)
by Mr. Timothy Garton Ash, Timothy Garton Ash
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Book Summary Information
Author: Mr. Timothy Garton Ash, Timothy Garton AshEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2002-09-01
ISBN: 0300095686
Number of pages: 448
Publisher: Yale University Press
Book Reviews of The Polish Revolution: Solidarity (Third Edition)
Book Review: Chronicle of Solidarity movement
Summary: 5 Stars
This book, as far as I can tell, remains to this day one of the best written and most comprehensive reports on what was happening during the 18 or so months from the creation of Solidarity movement in Poland in August 1980 to the imposition of martial law on December 13, 1981. And the library of books on this subject, as far as English language is concerned, isn't big anyway.
First reason - the author was right where the action was, literally. And, unlike many other foreign correspondents, he did not limit himself to shallow, superficial observations calculated for fast print; he went further. He managed to get in touch with many Solidarity activists, on various levels, and through participation (as an observer) in meetings as well as conversations and interviews succeeded in getting more in depth description of what exactly was happening and explanation why and for what purpose.
Reporting of events, as important as it is in itself, was not the only feature of this book. Timothy Garton Ash also offers quite in depth, even if at times controversial, analysis of events and critical portraits of some key players in the political events - on both sides of the political 'barricade'. The characteristic of Wojciech Jaruzelski, the head of Polish government at the time (both Prime Minister and First Secretary of "PZPR" the Communist Party), particularly stands out as original and convincing.
I myself was actively involved in the Solidarity movement at that time and I can testify to the general accuracy of the statements contained in this book. No particular story, account of an event or critical analysis strikes me as improbable or outright false. Last but not least what also helps the book considerably is its lively, captivating narrative. It is, simply, a good read.
If the aim of the author was to bring Poland, its contemporary history and predicament closer to an English speaking reader, he graciously succeeded. I deem this book an essential reading for anyone who wants to get closer understanding of contemporary Poland and also some understanding of how it was like to live under the Communist rule in those years. Very highly recommended.
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