Historical Dictionary of Poland (Historical Dictionaries of Europe)

Historical Dictionary of Poland (Historical Dictionaries of Europe)

Poland has had an exceptionally turbulent thousand-year history marked by extremes of national greatness and decline including patrition and foreign occupation. Currently undergoing another dramatic transformation, Poland has been building a democratic and market system since the fall of communism. The largest and most important nation in Eastern Europe, outside the ex-Soviet Union, is now returning to the European mainstream from which she was for long periods isolated politically and economically, although not culturally. Although Poland has been widely popularized in journalistic clichés in recent years because of Solidarity, the "Polish Pope" and the like, there is still much to be learned about the particular individuals and specific factors which have shaped her history in the past and which are molding her present development. The dictionary strikes a judicious balance in covering past and contemporary figures as well as Poland's richly-textured political, social, and cultural dimensions. The Dictionary has more than four hundred entries and a most comprehensive and up-to-date bibliography. It provides a stimulating and knowledgeable introduction for students, scholars, and librarians as well as a helpful overview-guide for tourists and for those involved in teaching, business, politics, journalism, and public service. “On the whole, this is an objective and highly recommended reference source, useful for all libraries - university, college, public, and for businesses that are engaged in Central Europe.” ― American Reference Books Annual “...[includes] a chronology, bibliography, maps, appendices, and dictionary section with short entries on important persons, places, events, and institutions from the earliest time to the present.” ― Association for Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies “...now covers more of the post-Communist period, including Poland's entry into the European Union in 2002.” ― Booklist “Well researched and written, the second edition remains a valuable reference source for students and faculty. Recommended.” ― Choice Reviews George Sanford is a Reader in the Politics Department of Bristol University, United Kingdom. He is a specialist in Eastern European Studies who has published widely on the history and politics of modern Poland. Used Book in Good Condition