Norman Davies - the Brit who loves Poland and becomes one of Us

What is problem in differences between points of view of Poland and our neighbours.

We were under occupation and it was realy hard to show our history in way we see it, lat time it changes, but the fact is that better known is Russian or German point of view.

Examples

Poles charging tanks using sobers

Polish dead camps (totaly extrem)

our intervention in Russia in XVII century (the fact is that Russian nobels asked for the same laws as Poles and Lithuenias had and it was only one event in Russian history when they had a chance for less authorative system ... )

I disagree. I heard Davies speak a few times in a manner that some Poles might not necessarily appreciate. For instance Davies thinks that some Polish historians (and many Poles in general) over-romanticize Poland and Polish history along with various events it lead to, or resulted from. (btw. I agree with him)


Is there really a lot of good to say about Soviet policies toward Poland between 1919 and now? If things appear one side in his books, could that be that he is actually telling the truth as closely as it is possible? Remember, for a big chunk of that period we're talking about Stalin, then Khruschev and their followers - not much nicer fellas.

On the level I belive you can reach on a forum( I prefer debating history in person,more give and take involved) I would have to agree with your last paragraph darius,lenin,stalin,nikita et al dont engender many sympathetic feelings in anyone other than the odd mad russian or cambridge graduate.
As too his coments (which,from what Ive experianced in life and definatly on this forum)that some Polish historians and Poles in the street(lamp Poles? ;) ) over romantises ,I would agree but add thats not just a Polish trait:)

I was being very polite towards the fore mentioned personalities when I wrote that. To be more truthful, mine and my family's experience, as well as the experience of millions of other Poles don't much room for a separation of Russian approach towards Poland from that which lead Nazi Germany to exterminating so many Poles. To many Poles (especially those who are old enough to remember) Russia ~ Nazi Germany

Russia is to be feared. At least in the foreseeable future, so I think the only correct policy Poland can have towards the bear is one suggested by a not so nice Polish saying: don't stir **** so it won't stink. (jak gówna nie ruszać to nie śmierdzi)

thanks for the phrase,Im now dying to use it :)
BTW,on a tangenet,and reducing things to Pop Culture. Me and my British mates,as kids,always saw the baddies in Star Wars as the "Space Nazis" since getting to know many more Polish people Ive found they tend to see them as the "Space Commintern" :)

I love the Tie Fighter Pilot on a mobility scooter,nice touch :) Bad guys have all the fun ;)

"History of Europe"...I do not know how it sounds originally, but in russian translation it sounds exactly so.

Dear forum posters,

For an absolutely horrible set of fables and general assertions re the alleged contribution of Poland toward the Holocaust, I urge you all to read "In the Shadow of the Polish Eagle" by Leo Cooper (2000).

I have part read it and find the book appaling in an academic sense. If you think the line (paraphrased) "Poles were poisoned from an early age to hate the jews" is a bit far fetched, you will enjoy picking this book apart. The tragedy is it was written by a Dr from Melbourne University.

Please let me know if you need further info and I can provide my email address. I have just found this forum and I will likely join. Regards to all, Daniel