God's Playground: A History of Poland, Vol. 1: The Origins to 1795

It's difficult to find good sources in English on the complete history of Poland. Either they are short and elementary, or they are scholarly enough, but concentrate on a detail of Polish history - not tying the fabric of the entire cloth. This wonderful work seems to do so. Seems? I haven't yet read the whole thing and indeed cheated and went to a part that I was particularly interested in, the Siege of Vienna. There I found plenty of great information new to me, which is after all, why we read history anyway, right? Anyway. Now on Chapter 4 of Volume 1....I'll let you know more when I finish this monster.

A fascinating expertly researched and written study of the growth of a culture and nation much ignored and unknown to Western readers. In many ways the Godparent of the American Democracy, Poland failed to achieve what the U.S.A. has for many reasons. A melting pot culture with the basic Political concept of a free society for many of it's citizens, Poland reached the high water mark in the mid 17th Century. Its decline and fall is told in great detail by Mr. Davies and should probably be required reading all U.S. schools.

This is a fantastic book on a very difficult subject. It's a joy for a longtime reader of history. Sometimes I laugh out loud, which seems appropriate to Polish mindset and endurance. Warning: it's a slow read if you're trying to sort out all the important personages.

The details were exceptional. It covered all of Europes history. This book was purchased for my brother and he really enjoyed it. A history buff.

Davies provides a detailed and extensive history of Poland. Definitely a must for serious "students" of Polish history. Might be a bit much for a casual interest reader. Still, would give it a try if you want to learn more about Poland.

This is a large volume and have begun the read of Polish history. Alas not finished, it's the kind if book for me that I will read from time to time until I finish .

Thank you! 100% recommend and will definitely buy again.

Dr. Davies, Gods Playground is a definitive history of the most overlooked & under appreciated nation in Europe. He traces the origins and development of Poland with academic integrity and excellent prose. A must read for anyone interested in European & Polish history.

As a Brit living in Poland I consider this the definitive history anyone with the slightest connection to Poland should read, but you must buy both Volume 1 and volume 2 for the complete 1000 year story of a stoic and valiant people who country in the middle of Europe that has been overrun by Swedes, Mongols, Tartars, Russians, Austrians, Germans and more, and in fact disappeared for 150 years.

We have to know our history ! Maria

good

Davies doesn't strictly organize the book chronologically. While that is how it is set up for good portions of the books, he also has chapters on specific themes (religion, nobility, peasantry, politics, etc). This works really well in helping to give context to events, and allows for a broader look at Poland. He writes really well, and makes good use of primary sources throughout (including Polish originals, which is nice). I will critique the publisher though, as the text was not that clear, and the maps and diagrams were all but useless as a result, but having seen the 1980 version I know that was an issue with this printing.

good book fast delivery