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Poland (1983)

by James A. Michener

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2,397246,550 (3.73)52
Fiction. Literature. Thriller. Historical Fiction. HTML:“A Michener epic is far more than a bedtime reader, it’s an experience. Poland is a monumental effort, a magnificent guide to a better understanding of the country’s tribulations.”—Chicago Tribune
In this sweeping novel, James A. Michener chronicles eight tumultuous centuries as three Polish families live out their destinies. The Counts Lubonski, the petty nobles Bukowksi, and the peasants Buk are at some times fiercely united, at others tragically divided. With an inspiring tradition of resistance to brutal invaders, from the barbarians to the Nazis, and a heritage of pride that burns through eras of romantic passion and courageous solidarity, their common story reaches a breathtaking culmination in the historic showdown between the ruthless Communists and rebellious farmers of the modern age. Like the heroic land that is its subject, Poland teems with vivid events, unforgettable characters, and the unfolding drama of an entire nation.
BONUS: This edition includes an excerpt from James A. Michener's Centennial.
 
Praise for Poland
 
“Engrossing . . . a page-turner in the grand Michener tradition.”The Washington Post
  
“Stunning . . . an unmatched overview of Polish history . . . The families themselves come very much alive, and through them, Poland itself.”USA Today
 
“A titanic documentary novel.”The Wall Street Journal.
… (more)
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Showing 1-5 of 24 (next | show all)
Poland is written in Michener's classic motif of a particular location from the start of time through to our current era. As a result, I'm never disappointed by any of his novels. ( )
  Huba.Library | Jun 30, 2022 |
Started this while sick with COVID/Pneumonia and found it interesting, but not compelling. As I got better so did the book. This is a great history of the Polish nation and its people. Often called upon to aid and even save Europe, they were all too often unable to save themselves. I will likely read this again when not suffering some ailment to pull it down. ( )
  282Mikado | Apr 13, 2022 |
Prompted by current events in Europe, I have been compelled to read up on history. I have read several of James A. Michener's books in the past and found all of them informative, historically accurate, and easy to read—this book did not disappoint. Through intriguing characters and often humorous legends, the author gives a glimpse into the world of resilient people that had to fight many, many wars just to exist. This epic story of Poland's tumultuous history covers seven centuries, from 1204 when Genghis Khan ruled Aisa to the Twentieth century when Poland was still under communist rule. Poland is now a unitary parliamentary representative democratic republic. As I watch the horrific carnage of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, I worry that since Ukraine and Poland were both parts of the Russian Empire at one time, Vladimir Putin might invade Poland next. As I learned from this book, the world's ruthless autocrats have a relentless habit of sacrificing innocents for their own gain. I hope this war ends soon. ( )
  PaulaGalvan | Mar 26, 2022 |
Remarkable detail, the amount of research is incredible. At times I struggled to continue, as it could be an awfully laborious read.

I began this book with an intention to go to Warsaw and Krakow this summer which is no longer possible. ( )
  chuff | Feb 28, 2022 |
Here's what I wrote when I read in 1985: "Since the 1100's Poland has been invaded by neighbors envious of its land and has been rebuilt by the people of its soil, the peasants. A disheartening history, brought alive by Mitchener's characterizations of magnates, gentry, and peasants. Why could the three not bind together and protect their homeland?" That final question seems naively simple and un-informed today. ( )
  MGADMJK | Dec 11, 2021 |
Showing 1-5 of 24 (next | show all)
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Canonical title
Original title
Alternative titles
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People/Characters
Important places
Important events
Related movies
Epigraph
Dedication
Christmas 1984
Love
to my son Eddie Ruiz Healy
Mom
Josephine Healy Ruiz
First words
In a small Polish farm community, during the fall planting season of 1981, events occurred which electrified the world, sending reverberations of magnitude to capitals as diverse as Washington, Peking and especially Moscow.
Quotations
Last words
(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)
Disambiguation notice
Buk means 'beech' (tree)
Szczek means 'bark' (of a tree)
Publisher's editors
Blurbers
Original language
Canonical DDC/MDS
Canonical LCC

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Wikipedia in English (1)

Fiction. Literature. Thriller. Historical Fiction. HTML:“A Michener epic is far more than a bedtime reader, it’s an experience. Poland is a monumental effort, a magnificent guide to a better understanding of the country’s tribulations.”—Chicago Tribune
In this sweeping novel, James A. Michener chronicles eight tumultuous centuries as three Polish families live out their destinies. The Counts Lubonski, the petty nobles Bukowksi, and the peasants Buk are at some times fiercely united, at others tragically divided. With an inspiring tradition of resistance to brutal invaders, from the barbarians to the Nazis, and a heritage of pride that burns through eras of romantic passion and courageous solidarity, their common story reaches a breathtaking culmination in the historic showdown between the ruthless Communists and rebellious farmers of the modern age. Like the heroic land that is its subject, Poland teems with vivid events, unforgettable characters, and the unfolding drama of an entire nation.
BONUS: This edition includes an excerpt from James A. Michener's Centennial.
 
Praise for Poland
 
“Engrossing . . . a page-turner in the grand Michener tradition.”The Washington Post
  
“Stunning . . . an unmatched overview of Polish history . . . The families themselves come very much alive, and through them, Poland itself.”USA Today
 
“A titanic documentary novel.”The Wall Street Journal.

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Book description
Like the heroic land that is its subject, James Michener's POLAND teems with vivid events and unforgettable characters. In the sweeping span of eight tumultuous centuries, three Polish families live out their destinies and the drama of a nation--in the grand tradition of a great James Michener saga.
"POLAND is a monumental effort, a magnificent guide to a better understanding of the country's tribulations."
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