Poland A Modern History - Softcover

'A clear picture of the recent political evolution of this important East-Central European state' P.W. Knoll, CHOICE 'A lively and compelling chronicle of Polish political history from the partitions of the late eighteenth century through to Poland's recent accession to NATO and the European Union' Matthew Kelly, English Historical Review 'Anita Prazmowska is among the most distinguished historians of Poland in the English-speaking world - This volume - will be useful not only for general readers, but also as an aid in stimulating undergraduates and supporting professors as they explore Poland's development' John Stanley, Canadian Slavonic Papers

Polish independence following the end of World War I marked a new era for a nation that had endured centuries of foreign partition. But the spirit of Polish nationalism - forged during this long period of external domination - has frequently been at odds with the modernising drives of democracy and communism. How can the ideals of nationalism survive in a modern nation-state? Anita Prazmowska traces this conflict from the emergence of an independent Poland in 1918; through World War II, communism and the democratic victories of Solidarity; to the present day, when Polish membership of the EU is changing perceptions both within Poland and in the wider world. Poland: A Modern History presents a vivid and accessible portrait of Poland's tumultuous history over the past century. It is a clear and concise introduction to a nation which, often at the epicentre of European political history, has nevertheless sometimes struggled to define its national identity.