Poland is written in Michener's classic motif of a particular location from the start of time through to our current era. As a result, I'm never disappointed by any of his novels. ( )

Started this while sick with COVID/Pneumonia and found it interesting, but not compelling. As I got better so did the book. This is a great history of the Polish nation and its people. Often called upon to aid and even save Europe, they were all too often unable to save themselves. I will likely read this again when not suffering some ailment to pull it down. ( )

Prompted by current events in Europe, I have been compelled to read up on history. I have read several of James A. Michener's books in the past and found all of them informative, historically accurate, and easy to read—this book did not disappoint. Through intriguing characters and often humorous legends, the author gives a glimpse into the world of resilient people that had to fight many, many wars just to exist. This epic story of Poland's tumultuous history covers seven centuries, from 1204 when Genghis Khan ruled Aisa to the Twentieth century when Poland was still under communist rule. Poland is now a unitary parliamentary representative democratic republic. As I watch the horrific carnage of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, I worry that since Ukraine and Poland were both parts of the Russian Empire at one time, Vladimir Putin might invade Poland next. As I learned from this book, the world's ruthless autocrats have a relentless habit of sacrificing innocents for their own gain. I hope this war ends soon. ( )

Remarkable detail, the amount of research is incredible. At times I struggled to continue, as it could be an awfully laborious read.

I began this book with an intention to go to Warsaw and Krakow this summer which is no longer possible. ( )

Here's what I wrote when I read in 1985: "Since the 1100's Poland has been invaded by neighbors envious of its land and has been rebuilt by the people of its soil, the peasants. A disheartening history, brought alive by Mitchener's characterizations of magnates, gentry, and peasants. Why could the three not bind together and protect their homeland?" That final question seems naively simple and un-informed today. ( )