Poland

Until World War II, Poland was characteristically multi-cultural, with about one-third of its population belonging to minority communities. Today it stands out as relatively homogenous culturally. This book does not seek to provide a simple narrative account of Polish history and the nation-building process. It will highlight those historical moments that have had a lasting impact on Polish identity debates and on the self-definition of the nation in various historical-political narratives. The book will also offer a juxtaposition of the nation-building ideas espoused and symbolized by two key modern leaders: Jozef Pilsudski and Roman Dmowski; as well as a comparison of the national identity construction processes in Poland and other countries. It will be essential reading for students of Polish history and Eastern European history seeking to understand Poland today.