Post by Jaga on Apr 4, 2007 8:30:25 GMT -7
this is really one of the best books I ever read about Poland. I did not notice that Hodorowicz even refer to this book 
Here is my review from amazon:
www.amazon.com/Song-Dance-Customs-Peasant-Poland/dp/0781804477/polishculture-20
++++
I was really impressed by this book. Frankly, I liked it better than "Polish Customs and Tradition" book by Hodorowicz, which is the most known book on the subject of Polish tradition.
The author has not only a deep and comprehensive knowledge of Polish peasant culture (since she was born in Poland) but she also writes about it in a very interesting way. She is a great observer and she is in love with Polish culture. I could feel it!
The book is divided into four major parts. It starts with the general information about Polish peasants and their culture, then it goes through the "Cycle of the Seasons" which describes life and festivities connected with different holidays through the year. The next part "The parts of the whole" explains regional differences, talks briefly about all Polish regions. The final fourth part "The home circle" talks about the events and celebrations which are not necessarily related to the seasons - like the birth, marriage, funerals etc.
The book deals with Poland before and after World War II when the majority of Poles lived still in villages. This makes it even more interesting since it relates to this time in the history where the peasants were still not spoiled by modern civilization!
I really recommend it!!!
Here is my review from amazon:
www.amazon.com/Song-Dance-Customs-Peasant-Poland/dp/0781804477/polishculture-20
++++
I was really impressed by this book. Frankly, I liked it better than "Polish Customs and Tradition" book by Hodorowicz, which is the most known book on the subject of Polish tradition.
The author has not only a deep and comprehensive knowledge of Polish peasant culture (since she was born in Poland) but she also writes about it in a very interesting way. She is a great observer and she is in love with Polish culture. I could feel it!
The book is divided into four major parts. It starts with the general information about Polish peasants and their culture, then it goes through the "Cycle of the Seasons" which describes life and festivities connected with different holidays through the year. The next part "The parts of the whole" explains regional differences, talks briefly about all Polish regions. The final fourth part "The home circle" talks about the events and celebrations which are not necessarily related to the seasons - like the birth, marriage, funerals etc.
The book deals with Poland before and after World War II when the majority of Poles lived still in villages. This makes it even more interesting since it relates to this time in the history where the peasants were still not spoiled by modern civilization!
I really recommend it!!!
