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Columbia University Press

God's Playground: A History of Poland, Vol. 1: The Origins to 1795

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Description

The most comprehensive survey of Polish history available in English, God's Playground demonstrates Poland's importance in European history from medieval times to the present. Abandoning the traditional nationalist approach to Polish history, Norman Davies instead stresses the country's rich multinational heritage and places the development of the Jewish German, Ukrainian, and Lithuanian communities firmly within the Polish context. Davies emphasizes the cultural history of Poland through a presentation of extensive poetical, literary, and documentary texts in English translation. In each volume, chronological chapters of political narrative are interspersed with essays on religious, social, economic, constitutional, philosophical, and diplomatic themes. This new edition has been revised and fully updated with two new chapters to bring the story to the end of the twentieth century. Read more

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Columbia University Press


Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 31, 2005


Edition ‏ : ‎ Revised


Language ‏ : ‎ English


Print length ‏ : ‎ 638 pages


ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0231128177


ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 79


Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.53 pounds


Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.2 x 1.25 x 9.25 inches


Best Sellers Rank: #650,350 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #10,045 in European History (Books)


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Top Amazon Reviews

    • Most complete work on the complete history of Poland to the present
Format: Paperback
It's difficult to find good sources in English on the complete history of Poland. Either they are short and elementary, or they are scholarly enough, but concentrate on a detail of Polish history - not tying the fabric of the entire cloth. This wonderful work seems to do so. Seems? I haven't yet read the whole thing and indeed cheated and went to a part that I was particularly interested in, the Siege of Vienna. There I found plenty of great information new to me, which is after all, why we read history anyway, right? Anyway. Now on Chapter 4 of Volume 1....I'll let you know more when I finish this monster. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2026 by Jerome Petruk
    • What might have been...
Format: Paperback
A fascinating expertly researched and written study of the growth of a culture and nation much ignored and unknown to Western readers. In many ways the Godparent of the American Democracy, Poland failed to achieve what the U.S.A. has for many reasons. A melting pot culture with the basic Political concept of a free society for many of it's citizens, Poland reached the high water mark in the mid 17th Century. Its decline and fall is told in great detail by Mr. Davies and should probably be required reading all U.S. schools. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on November 4, 2010 by Judy
    • The best book on Polish history
Format: Paperback
This is a fantastic book on a very difficult subject. It's a joy for a longtime reader of history. Sometimes I laugh out loud, which seems appropriate to Polish mindset and endurance. Warning: it's a slow read if you're trying to sort out all the important personages.
Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2013 by VWitmer
    • This book was purchased for my brother and he really enjoyed it. A history buff
Format: Paperback
The details were exceptional. It covered all of Europes history. This book was purchased for my brother and he really enjoyed it. A history buff.
Reviewed in the United States on February 16, 2018 by Josie Belinsky
    • Extensive History
Format: Paperback
Davies provides a detailed and extensive history of Poland. Definitely a must for serious "students" of Polish history. Might be a bit much for a casual interest reader. Still, would give it a try if you want to learn more about Poland.
Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2013 by Connie H. Cherry
    • This is a large volume and have begun the read ...
Format: Paperback
This is a large volume and have begun the read of Polish history. Alas not finished, it's the kind if book for me that I will read from time to time until I finish .
Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2014 by Monkeyjewelry
    • great condition, great packaging
Format: Paperback
Thank you! 100% recommend and will definitely buy again.
Reviewed in the United States on June 24, 2020 by Olga Gromadzka
    • Outstanding
Format: Paperback
Dr. Davies, Gods Playground is a definitive history of the most overlooked & under appreciated nation in Europe. He traces the origins and development of Poland with academic integrity and excellent prose. A must read for anyone interested in European & Polish history.
Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2010 by Gregory Lauren Meyer

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