Dictionary of Polish Literature

(Hardback)

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Description

Polish literature has a long and rich history. But only in recent years, with the decline of communism and censorship, have scholars been able to give full and objective attention to all works and authors in Poland. As the first English-language dictionary of Polish literature, this volume is the first scholarly work to give extensive attention to literature after the downfall of communism. It highlights the work of the newest Polish writers. The dictionary includes alphabetically arranged entries for authors, literary periods, individual literary works, major publications and organisations related to Polish literature. Each biographical entry provides basic information about the author, an overview of the author's literary output, a detailed discussion of the author's most important and most representative work, a discussion of the author's development and use of themes, and a statement of the authors's place in the Polish literary tradition. Entry bibliographies list primary and secondary sources, and a general bibliography of the most important works on Polish literature concludes the book.

Reviews

The opening of Eastern Europe and subsequent end to widespread suppression of information had much to do with the appearance of this welcome work, the first English-language lexicon of Polish literature. Aided by scholars in Poland, Czerwinski has produced a compendium aimed at researcher and layperson alike. Articles are informative and thorough, listing details of their subjects' lives, works, and important literary influences. Greatly facilitates access for English-speaking readers. Strongly recommended for academic libraries.-ARBA 95
This reviewer is grateful to Czerwinski for making Polish literature available to the American reader. This important pioneering venture is highly recommended to college and university libraries. Upper-division undergraduate and above.-Choice
"This reviewer is grateful to Czerwinski for making Polish literature available to the American reader. This important pioneering venture is highly recommended to college and university libraries. Upper-division undergraduate and above."-Choice
"The opening of Eastern Europe and subsequent end to widespread suppression of information had much to do with the appearance of this welcome work, the first English-language lexicon of Polish literature. Aided by scholars in Poland, Czerwinski has produced a compendium aimed at researcher and layperson alike. Articles are informative and thorough, listing details of their subjects' lives, works, and important literary influences. Greatly facilitates access for English-speaking readers. Strongly recommended for academic libraries."-ARBA 95

Author Bio

E. J. CZERWINSKI is Professor Emeritus of Slavic and Comparative Literature at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. His many articles have appeared in journals such as The Polish Review, Comparative Drama, Modern Drama, and World Literature Today. His books include Contemporary Polish Theatre and Drama, 1956-1984 (Greenwood Press, 1988).