One of the most vibrant and influential ethnic groups in Michigan; Poles have a long history of migration and settlement in the Great Lakes State. From Michigan’s earliest Polish marriage (in 1762) to the most recent post-Cold War migrations; each successive wave of settlement has enriched and enlivened Michigan culture. Yet; Paczki Day and Polish festivals represent a relatively small portion of the Polish experience. Commitments both to religious and ethnic identity; and a belief in the American vision of landownership and success; have combined to create a mainstream ethnic community abundant in ethnic pride. Poles’ success in Michigan continues to attract Polish immigrants from Europe; just as Polonia continues to make its mark on Michigan’s culture.
#569160 in Books 2010-11-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 10.00 x 1.13 x 8.00l; 2.91 #File Name: 0865652635248 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Very moving storiesBy TaltaltulaI bought this book because I saw a movie and by reading about it I came across these two ladies who put the book together. I did a very good purchase. The stories are heart wrenching and I was moved to tears on the atrocities committed against prominent people who collected the most refined art and were stripped from everything they owed; mainly art; because it was so valuable. I hope more readers can see and learn about what happened; it is so shameful that humanity can become like this. There are some pieces recuperated but on the whole; it's almost all lost. Yet the hardest part is about knowing the lost lives; as they were such great people. Don't miss this opportunity and read a great piece in history.15 of 16 people found the following review helpful. Marvelous book!By David in Telluride; ColoradoThis is a wonderful book covering 15 separate stories involving people and places connected with Nazi-looted art. The authors; Melissa Mueller and Dr. Monica Tatzkow; are from Germany; and the first version of the book was published in Germany. This is a recent English version from Vendome Press; and it couldn't be more interesting; or the photos more beautiful; even haunting.On the cover; the "Golden Adele" purchased for $135 million dollars by Ronald Lauder for his Neue Gallery in NYC of German and Austrian art. (Worth a stop when you're in New York!) At the time; the most paid for a single painting ever. This was part of a series of Gustav Klimt paintings recovered from Austria for the late Maria Altmann in Los Angeles; who was the heir to these treasures; stolen by the Nazis in WWII. Maria's attorney; Randolph Schoenberg of Los Angeles; in recovering her art from Austria; set an important precedent at the U.S. Supreme Court with this case. Interestingly; Mr. Schoenberg is the grandson or great-grandson of Arnold Schoenberg; renowned music composer; and visual artist. The several Klimts recovered by Mr. Schoenberg for Mrs. Altmann brought over $300 million at auction when they were sold after their recovery. In the world of fine art and Holocaust Era claims; the Altmann case set a major precedent; allowing a U.S. citizen to bring an action against a foreign sovereign gov't.; as an exception to the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA); here in the U.S. federal courts; for hording Nazi-looted art.Also covered; the high profile Cassirer v. Kingdom of Spain case; where a family in California is trying to recover a priceless Impressionist masterpiece by Camille Pissarro; currently hanging at the Thyssen Museum in Madrid; Spain. (You can easily Google these cases; and read more about them -- fascinating.) The Cassirer's Pissarro was stolen by the Nazis from the Cassirer family in Germany in 1939; just before war broke out in Europe. Wonderful story; wonderful pictures. The Supreme Court in Washington recently ruled in favor of the Cassirer claim by denying review of a recent 9-2 "en banc" ruling at the Ninth Cir. Ct. of Appeals; allowing the case to finally proceed to trial at the U.S. District Court in Los Angeles. Trial is currently scheduled for July 3; 2012. The Seattle-based law firm Davis Wright Tremaine represents the Cassirers in that case.This is an unusually beautiful and well-written book; an oversized hardback with stunning cover art on the sleeve; and filled with wonderful photos of people; places and Nazi-looted art; something you could easily have as a conversation starter on your coffee table. Highly recommend.David in Telluride2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Deeply affectingBy Harvey S. LisztBeautifully written and illustrated; poignant stories of extraordinary Jewish families and the spoliation and occasional long-delayed partial recovery of their estates. A paean to the Washington Convention of 1998 and a visceral condemnation of the ongoing mendacity of European administrations and their museums.The foreword is by Ronald Lauder; not; as the description says; Elie Wiesel. There is some missing text between pages 226 and 228; dunno how much.
