"Throughout history, the Central European area now known as Poland has seen times of amazing achievements but also times of conquest and struggle. Readers are given a comprehensive look at the many ways politics, war, economics, natural resources, religion, and other factors have shaped Polish culture for centuries. The up-to-date main text features important discussions of current events to encourage critical thinking, and sidebars, fact boxes, and maps provide even more essential information about life in Poland. Recipes are included for beloved Polish foods, and full-color photographs show the people, natural world, and urban centers of Poland in impressive detail"--.