Polish American History before 1939 Polish-American History from 1854 to 2004, Volume 1

"Adam Walaszek's latest book is an exceptional synthesis of the experience of migration and ethnicity based on the case of Polish immigrants in the USA. Far from examining the social processes via the great collectives, this work presents Polish American history mostly from the individual's perspective, neatly located within the context of the processes they were subjected to. Referring to personal documents, family stories, and letters the Author relies mostly on primary sources in which the immigrants and ethnics expressed themselves. This is an authentic narrative, far from hagiography, yet close to empathic compassion. We receive a vivid image of a community with the experience of migration, adaptation, integration, and assimilation, with the Author skillfully avoiding succumbing to "the tyranny of the national". The reader will appreciate the erudite writing style encompassing a lucid narrative flowing between the Polish, Italian, and Jewish diasporas and beyond. Within this popular description of the changes in the daily lives and experiences of individuals who have chosen to come to America, there are precious observations and research postulates that will be appreciated by experts. This is an important work, based on an excellent selection of literature, including the latest research. Far from repeating clichés or patterns, this book is innovative in method, style, and scope. Enhanced by genuine voices from the past, this scholarly work is a genuine page-turner." - Prof. Anna Mazurkiewicz, University of Gdansk, former president of the Polish American Historical Association.