Poland is commemorating two important anniversaries this year and the country’s calendar is full of very interesting lectures, readings, symposia and other related events. 2011 is the 100th anniversary of Marie Skłodowska-Curie’s second Nobel Prize as well as the 100th anniversary of Czesław Miłosz’s birth. Science and literature, celebrated all year.
So it follows that both Skłodowska-Curie and Miłosz should also be celebrated in this issue of CR. They both have strong links with the United States. Mme Curie established the Radium Institute in Warsaw with funding to buy radium donated in the United States and presented by President Harding. And Miłosz, as is well known, lived, and eventually loved, his adopted city of Berkeley, California.
We bring you a review of a beautiful new book about Sklodowska-Curie, "Radioactive," by Lauren Redniss. It’s a work of art, as well as a biography, and many of the images are printed using a process called cyanotype, which makes them glow in the dark. But don’t be misled: it’s not a common fluorescent glow but a deep, almost internal glow, as close as possible to the way Skłodowska-Curie described the glow of radium.
And for Miłosz, Joanna Szupinska reviews the latest book about him, "An Invisible Rope," a collection of remembrances by his friends. Since Miłosz famously defined his identity not by blood, or religion, or nationality, but by language, we are delighted to publish Isabelle Sokolnicka’s exuberant expression of love for the Polish language. We think Miłosz will enjoy it, and smile contentedly as he reads it and nods his head in agreement.
We bring news of three extraordinary books, published in Edinburgh, one academic, one a new edition of a book first published in 1941, and the third a new book – but all about the 500 years of Scottish-Polish relations. "Scotland and Poland," "Polish Invasion," and "Wojtek the Bear: Polish War Hero." If you didn’t know about this relationship – and few people do – these books are at once a surprise and a pleasure.
Also reviewed: "A Polish Book of Monsters," a great new translation of some wonderful eerie tales by contemporary writers, Doug Jacobson’s new novel, "The Katyń Order," and "This Way for the Gas," a thoughtful and beautifully printed study of art representing Tadeusz Borowski’s powerful book about Auschwitz.
Books need libraries and there is no more beautiful library than the new library at the University of Warsaw. Justine Jablonska was there, recently, and she brings us a photo essay of this stunning building, a collaboration of both architects and landscape designers. The rooftop gardens are so lovely, perfect for reading, thinking or just gazing at the view of the city and the Vistula.
Finally, the first two of a series of six discussions about Polish films by art historians, curators and academics from the San Francisco area who were brought together by Joanna Szupinska to introduce them to Polish cinema. The participants were asked to choose their own films, and then to present them. As one of them put it: “We’ve also been given an opportunity to think about a rich culture outside the usual stops of London or Paris, Rome, or New York. In other words, by creating this series, Joanna introduced a new set of issues and concerns into the conversation, as told through the voices of the presenters and filmmakers alike.” Sounds like a wonderful way to view familiar films through new eyes.
Before we sign off, we just want to let you know that in response to our poll about the challenges of spelling and pronunciation of Polish names, the overwhelming majority voted in favour of keeping the original spelling but not giving in on the pronunciation. Some suggested adding the phonetic spelling in brackets, but most gave no advice on how to teach the pronunciation.
That’s it for this issue. Please let us know what you think. Letters and suggestions are most welcome; you can email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
The above flower is a hybrid clematis, "John Paul II," cultivated by Polish monk Brother Stefan Francsak; the creamy white petals bloom with pink trails and reddish stamens (the parts of a flower that produce pollen). We felt this lovely bloom was perfect for our summer issue.
