The Polish Way: A Thousand-Year History of the Poles and Their Culture

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Customer Reviews:

AN ELEGANT AND SATISFYING INSIGHT INTO POLISH NATIONAL CONSCIOUSNESS [Posted on 2005-09-10]
Oxford-educated and American-born, Adam Zamoyski's "The Polish Way" is a penetrating overview and anaylsis of Poland's history. The author's unique approach to an examination of a land where his own ancestors fulfilled a remarkable contributory role results in 22 chapters that I can only describe as brilliantly-conceived essays on some facet of Poland's unique character as illustrated in each successive epoch. In essence, each "essay", after a complete reading of this volume, can stand alone for return study and relishing. Zamoyski's examination of "Sarmatism" -- the unique mind-set of the Polish people -- is the most valuable gem in this jewel of a book!

Thorough history [Posted on 2006-08-07]
I purchased this book before my recent trip to Poland in order to understand the history of the country before arriving. I am not much of a history fan, but this interested me. The book was thorough about not only the history but also the culture, literature, etc., of what we now call Poland. The book was a little dry for me, but that's how I view most history books. The book does not go into every detail, but it will give you a good general idea of what happened when and to whom.

Well researched and comprehensive [Posted on 2006-11-11]
This book has by far exceeded my expectactions. As a person who was born and raised in Poland, I was somewhat surprised when I realized I was learning quite a few new things about my country's history, as well as having been reminded of a few facts and details that I had forgotten over the years. I was very impressed with Mr. Zamoyski's attention to detail and wealth of knowledge. I would definitely recommend this tome to anyone interested in this beautiful country's rich history and customs.

WELL RESEARCHED; A GREAT READ! [Posted on 2007-06-28]
Zamoyski dosen't waste any words in the Polish Way. His writing is to the point and flows nicely. All chapters made for great reading, however, chapter 21 was to our book club, the most touching. Chapter 21 gives an amazing assessment of the tragedies endured by the Polish People/Nation during WWII. It makes a very strong case that "Poland" lost WWII...think about it.... Amazing Book!; I'm thinking about re-reading it. Just Excellent!!!

Wonderful travel companion [Posted on 2007-11-11]
I read this book on a trip to Poland and it enhanced the experience tremendously. Another reviewer wrote dismissively of this book, suggesting no one with any discernment need bother with it since they can read the far better work of Norman Davies instead. That sort of snobbery is undeserved. This book does not purport to be a definitive and exhaustive history of Poland, but it is an outstanding introductory work. Zamoyski's prose moves along as briskly as if the book were a novel, and yet he maintains rigorous academic standards.

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