The Battle of Warsaw is considered to be one of the most important events in Polish history. It not only saved Polish independence and led to a more serious defeat of the Red Army, but also saved Europe from the spill-over of the Bolshevik revolution. Here are the top 10 books worth reading to better understand this fascinating battle.
The Battle of Warsaw awakens the imagination to this day. New studies are created, thanks to which we can deepen the knowledge about this fundamental event in Polish history. We invite you to familiarize yourself with 10 books, which are the most interesting - in our subjective opinion - items on the market.
Joanna Rolińska, "Summer 1920"
This novelty is undoubtedly an extremely interesting position on the market. Joanna Rolińska analyzed what lived the Warsaw newspapers (and therefore ordinary people!) Of the memorable summer of 1920. So we can trace how the content of the articles changed day by day as the front approached the capital, and with what problems the inhabitants faced.
Joanna Rolińska's book Lato 1920 has just been released on the market by the Bellona publishing house
In the background of the monumental war, we read about workers' strikes, criminal scandals, we get to know "classified ads" or premieres at the theater. And then we feel the spirit of mobilization, we accompany the first units sent to the front, we meet the first victims of the war.
Joanna Rolińska's book creates an interesting background for military struggles and shows that history is primarily about people. On our website you can read an excerpt from the book Memorable summer 1920. What happened in Warsaw on the eve of the "miracle on the Vistula"? and an article based on the book The Hero in a Cassock. The death of this priest became a romantic symbol of the Miracle on the Vistula River. Is it right?
Kacper Śledziński, The Polish-Bolshevik War. A Conflict That Changed History ”
Kacper Śledziński's book is another interesting novelty on the market. The author analyzed Polish history from the end of 1917, showed why Europe did not care about independent Poland at that time, and very well outlined the political background of the end of World War I. He recalled Polish internal disputes, but also described the strength and determination of a Polish soldier who undertook an unequal fight with the Red Army.
The book Polish-Bolshevik war. Konflikt That Changed History has just been released on the market by Znak Horyzont
This is a must for all fans of the history of this period!
Norman Davies, "White Eagle, Red Star"
Despite the flood of novelties, it is still believed that one of the best and comprehensive studies on the Battle of Warsaw is Norman Davies' book "White Eagle, Red Star". It is a truly insightful study of hostilities with a rich political background.
The white eagle, the red star of Norman Davies is currently a classic
We refer to the pages of the book about the reasons for one of the most famous Polish victories. Norman Davies is praised primarily for the fact that his scientific studies are read like sensational novels. If you haven't had a chance to read this book yet, a special anniversary might be the perfect excuse to catch up.
The Karta center, "Battle of Warsaw. How did Poland stop the Bolsheviks? ”
New from the Ośrodek Karta publishing house. The authors give the floor to witnesses and participants of the events of the memorable summer of 1920. So we can get acquainted with the memories of politicians, commanders, rank and file soldiers, but also residents of Warsaw or peasants from villages near Warsaw who share their thoughts on one of the most important battles in Polish history.
Battle of Warsaw. How Poland stopped the Bolsheviks is another novelty on the market
An additional advantage of this item are inserts with photos and posters from the period of the Polish-Bolshevik war. We invite you to read an excerpt from the book on our website: Battle of Warsaw or a miracle on the Vistula? The dust after the fight has not settled yet, and the Poles have already argued about its result
Grzegorz Nowik, "Before ENIGMA was broken, the REVOLUTION of Polish radio intelligence during the war with Bolshevik Russia 1918-1920 was deciphered"
This book is a cult item about the Battle of Warsaw and, unfortunately, a real "white crow". If you are able to get it somewhere - we heartily recommend it!
Grzegorz Nowik's book is an excellent study of Polish radio intelligence and cryptology, which played a significant role in the Battle of Warsaw. Jan Kowalewski, the head of Polish radio intelligence, wrote after several decades:The Polish side had in 1920 (...) excellent information about the enemy's plans and situation, obtained through well-organized radio-telegraph wiretapping and efficient resolution of his secret codes (...) Thanks to the information received in this way, the staff Polish was better aware of the enemy's movements, forces and intentions than the commanders of individual Soviet groups.
Before the ENIGMA was broken, the REVOLUTION was deciphered Polish radio intelligence during the war with Bolshevik Russia 1918-1920 is a cult book
We mentioned the forgotten role of Polish cryptologists in the article Battle of Warsaw - 5 facts you (probably) had no idea about!
Center KARTA. "War for Freedom 1920, vol. 2:Battle of Warsaw"
Undoubtedly, an interesting novelty on the market is the richly illustrated album just published by Ośrodek KARTA. Also in this position, the authors gave the floor to the participants and witnesses of the events on both sides of the barricade. We can see many photos, posters, reprints of documents and appeals from the hot summer of 1920. It is a real treat for history lovers!
Recently, the album War for Freedom 1920 has also been released. Volume 2 Bitwa Warszawska
The album also includes many quotes, memories and short biographies, all included in an interesting calendar, presenting the struggles day after day. A must see for those who love the history of the Second Polish Republic.
Adam Zamoyski, "Warsaw 1920 Failed conquest of Europe. The defeat of Lenin ”
The 100th anniversary of the Battle of Warsaw has become a pretext for the reissue of the classic book by Adam Zamoyski. This is a unique, well-written book, thanks to which we get to know the most important profiles of the participants and heroes of the battle, but also feel its atmosphere.
Warsaw 1920 Failed conquest of Europe. Lenin's defeat is one of the most interesting recent renewals
Quickly written and well illustrated, it is undoubtedly a treat for many readers. Especially that it draws you like fiction without losing its scientific chic.
Janusz Osica, "The Battle of Warsaw 1920. An extraordinary year. Ordinary Year ”
For those who are particularly interested in the history of the Polish-Bolshevik war, the calendar describing each day of this exceptional period will be a real treat.
The Battle of Warsaw 1920 is a unique calendar of the events of the Polish-Bolshevik war
The book is enriched with press clippings and commentaries that help to understand the events of the hot summer of 1920.
Andrzej Chwalba, "A lost victory. The Polish-Soviet War 1918-1920 ”
Recently, a book by professor Andrzej Chwalba, who thoroughly analyzed the processes of the conflict, had its premiere. He also dealt with the analysis of social processes - an issue quite often overlooked in discussions about war.
A lost victory. The Polish-Soviet War 1918-1920 is a novelty on the market
Therefore, in the pages of the book we read about the most important military and diplomatic events, we get to know the profiles of the most important heroes and participants of the conflict.
Joanna Jax, "The Other Shore"
Finally, we present a book completely different from the others. It turns out that the Polish-Bolshevik war and the Battle of Warsaw can be an excellent background for… a novel! "Drugi Shore" is a daring, well-written family story, whose fates are interwoven with fundamental events in Polish history.
"Drugi shore" is a thrilling moral novel, set in the realities of the Polish-Bolshevik war
The pages of the novel reveal the image of Poland of the interwar period, tormented by internal disputes, and finally the turmoil of war and the struggle to maintain a fragile independence.
And what books do our readers recommend? We invite you to the discussion!