The Eagle Unbowed

Halik Kochanski’s The Eagle Unbowed took western scholars and media by storm, garnering rave reviews. Mikolaj Kunicki of Notre Dame University weighs in with his thoughts.

Opening the “Iron Curtain”

There are some things that Poles have always known, but Western readers are only now finding out. Anne Applebaum’s book, Iron Curtain, suggests Piotr Wróbel, makes people think and ask questions. About time.

Róża

A grainy lens, drab colours, grim content, and yet, “Róża is one of the prettiest films I’ve seen in some time,” says reviewer Jodi Greig. It’s the award-winning genius of director Wojciech Smarzowski.

Quo Vadis, Wisława?

Where is Szymborska going?

Benjamin Paloff suggests that she is, in fact, staying; she has a lasting place in our literature, her poems have that special quality that enables them to unfold into variations of themselves.

How I Survived Socialism: a self-help guide for worried Americans

The regime was harsh, the system absurd but rules made up in Moscow were no match for the individualistic Poles. Magda Romanska’s delightful piece shows us how it was done. Elegantly, of course.

A Great American with a Polish Heart: General Edward L. Rowny

General Edward Rowny, at 96, continues his life of service to his own country while honoring the life and legacy of a great Pole, Ignacy Jan Paderewski.

The Death of Captain Pilecki and Dealing with the Communist Past

Poland’s magnificent, 10-million strong opposition movement to communism, Solidarity, was not only successful, but it was peaceful. No matter the provocation, Solidarity never resorted to violence. When it achieved victory, it remained true to its commitment to peace. There were no reprisals, no show trials, no riots; some hated monuments [...]

Pilecki, Poland and Hollywood: A Conversation with Marek Probosz

In a conversation with Justine Jablonska, the multi-talented actor/writer/director speaks of the honor and responsibility of playing Witold Pilecki, a hero whose story could not be suppressed.

Europe, bicycles and me


She learned a lot while studying in Europe, says Kinia Adamczyk, one of the most important being the mastery of urban cycling skills.

Freedom Climbers

Patrice Dabrowski reviews Bernadette McDonald’s gripping and heart-wrenching chronicle of the greatest Himalayan climbers of the 20th century. Winner of the American Alpine Association’s Literary Award, the Grand Prize at the Banff Mountain Book Festival, and Britain’s Boardman Tasker Prize.

Kukuczka

Jerzy Kukuczka climbed the Himalayan crown – all 14 of the 8000-meter peaks – discovering new routes and ascents along the way, because as he said: “I like very much taking the undiscovered paths.”

The Idea of Galicia: History and Fantasy in Habsburg Political Culture

Larry Wolff’s rich and engaging tale about Galicia and its four ethnic groups – Poles, Austrian Germans, Ruthenians and Jews – all of whom assigned a different meaning to the “idea” of Galicia. Reviewed by Lukasz Wodzynski.

Chopin: Prince of the Romantics

Historian Adam Zamoyski has updated his biography of Chopin, giving us a comprehensive portrait of the composer, the man, the patriot, and the lover. At once scholarly and sensitive.

Polish Movie Nite presents Julian Myers: Introduction to Possession

Polish cinema, viewed and reviewed by Americans, leads them to a better understanding of “the complexities of contemporary Poland.”

Polish Movie Nite presents Marcella Faustini: An Introduction to The Theatre of Tadeusz Kantor

Polish cinema, viewed and reviewed by Americans, leads them to a better understanding of “the complexities of contemporary Poland.”