The Polish Way: A Thousand-Year History of the Poles and Their Culture by Adam Zamoyski Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Polish Way: A Thousand-Year History of the Poles and Their Culture
Book Review: Excellent Introductory History
Summary: 5 Stars
In the Polish Way, Zamoyski sets out to create a "reasonable synthesis" of Polish history from what he describes as the body of patronizing foreign works and defensively nationalistic Polish ones. He succeeds reasonably well in this goal. If he does lean at times toward nationalism in describing the "Polish Way" - religious tolerance, reliance on legal protections, respect for human rights - it can be excused because of his strictly factual approach and because of the important role the Zamoyski family played in much of the history he describes.For me, though, there are two factors that make this such an excellent introductory history - one of the best one volume national histories I have read. First, the book skillfully weaves the history of ideas (primarily painting, music, architecture, literature and law) into the political and military narrative. I always found these sections both interesting and well integrated into the sweep of historical events. Second, the numerous maps, genealogies, photographs and other exhibits - including a Polish pronunciation guide - are invaluable to a reader, like me, with little or no prior knowledge of Polish history. I wish more authors and editors of so-called "popular histories" would pay as much attention to these important finishing touches.
True to his goal of producing a synthesis, Zamoyski describes the important themes in Polish history but stops short of providing analysis or conclusions. In describing changes in Poland's political system, he begs analysis of the eventual weakness of early Polish democracy in the absence of a "nation" based on ethnicity, religion, language or a common conception of a territorial homeland and of the strength of today's Poland partially, according to the author, because of its relative homogeneity.
This analysis would be important for a clear understanding of modern Poland and Europe (and other multi-ethnic, multi-lingual democracies). I plan to look for it in other books. The "Polish Way" does an excellent job at introducing the terrain.
Book Review: Superb and comprehensive history
Summary: 4 Stars
This is the best basic overview of Polish history for beginners that is available right now. If you are a more advanced student of Poland, you should check out the works by Norman Davies. Otherwise, for all you novices this is the place to start. The Polish Way covers all major aspects of the chosen subject and presents them in a clear intelligible fashion. Most importantly the writing is not incredibly boring so you can actually stand to read it straight through.Book Review: Excellent comprehensive history of Poland
Summary: 5 Stars
Zamoyski's book provides an excellent in-depth overview of the philosophies and leaders who shaped the Polish state from its founding in the dark ages through the end of Soviet Rule in the early 90's. Truly remarkable is the detail given on intracate aspects of Polish history, from kings and generals, to writers, poets, and musicians. After reading this, you can gain a true understanding of the basis of Polish thought and easily see why Poland became one of the first, if not THE first, country to break away from the Soviet influence. Also a good lesson for those who want to know the basis of of the strongbond between Catholicism and Polish culture. I only wish there had been more discussion of the lower levels of Polish culture, but hard to fit any more info in this tome. Probably the most endearing aspect of the book is for those of Polish heritage who want to learn about their history and not get caught in the stereotypes of "the dumb Pole". Highly reccomended for those intrigued by Central European history, development of American democracy (read and you'll see why), and those of Polish descent. A must for the bookshelves of any Polish-American. (...)Book Review: Comprehensive and authoritative
Summary: 4 Stars
Zamoyski's detailed history can be ponderous at times. His choice of phrases and sentence structure can make for some slow going. The book's major weakness, in terms of what I'd like to know more about, is it's lack of discussion about the daily lives of Polish people of various classes throughout history. It tends, like most histories, to focus on the lives and activities of the "movers and shakers," the aristocrats who shaped Polish history until the 20th century. It is long on fact, somewhat short on color and soul. But... having said that, it is an excellent work of history. The detail is rich, and it opens many windows on the Polish nation. It is, on balance, and excellent work, if not always an easy read. There may be more that can be known about Poland than this book presents, but once the reader has digested this volume, his knowledge will indeed be comprehensive. Highly recommended.Book Review: More than a history lesson
Summary: 5 Stars
Although it is a number of years since I have read this book, I remember the author tells the history of this once great nation with so much enthusiasm that reading it you will rarely feel as if you are being lectured to and it will always be enjoyable. I'll probably read it again. Most US readers will probably be surprised by what a powerhouse of forward thinking Poland was, and in many ways, how it's systems were prototypes for those which created the USA. This is certainly the case in the way Polish rulers made possible a tolerant multi-racial society when Europe was doing the opposite, in the way freedom to vote was seen as a virtue and in the way it organised itself along its own model rather than allow itself to be influenced. The way the Commonwealth with Lithuania was governed was very advanced for its time, it was far removed from the more typical conquer-and-rule way of expanding borders, bringing advantages to both sides through co-operation. In the end the country fought for its right to survive and lost when its three larger neighbours conspired to divide and plunder it. The dynamics involved in Poland's fall, from memory, were also well explained and interesting in the way the it becomes clear that the virtues of the Polish way, were also the source of its weaknesses when confronted with more belligerent neighbours. The events after WWII created an artificially divided Europe commonly referred to East and West. This is being corrected now that the EU is poised to expand its borders to include Central Europe. This book is essential reading for those that want these current day events put into a clear historical context. 1000 years of history can never be adequately covered in one small volume, the main faults are of omission, nevertheless I suspect this book is the nearest to describing the essence of Poland that is available in the English language.