For those seeking an introduction to Polish Culture in music and song this book and attached music CD is an invaluable experience that should not be missed. The music and production of this book, with song translations, provides a beautiful insight to Polish folk culture from simple childrens songs and dances to a celebration of the harvest and the family. Songs and melodies are presented in simple yet concise arrangements which can be played with the attached CD. The performances are joyous and sung with a simple clarity that has a virtue all of its own. This book & CD will inspire both young and old to rediscover or meet for the first time a beautiful culture and people. ....Well done....

This is the first time I've read any text on this topic, so I'm no scholar on the subject. The book is written in formal, but accessible language. (( I admit with chagrin that I was 3/4 of the way through the text before I realized that when the author said that "Jews proscribed intercourse with non-Jews" he meant SOCIAL intercourse! It gave a slightly different sense on the second read!)) I found it a good, though somewhat dry read, and especially enjoyed the insights offered by the author's comparison of several ancient cultures and the re-introduction to ancient philosophers whose names are better known for their contributions to western culture than for their attitudes toward Jews.

This book taught me a bit about ancient Judaism and how gentiles related to it. I didn't know, for example, that there was an Egyptian spin on the Exodus (that the Jews were Egyptian "undesirables" who were driven out because the other Egyptians couldn't stand them); just knowing this proves that SOMETHING happened between the Jews and Egyptians 2300 years ago. I also enjoyed reading about what the Romans thought of the Jews (surprisingly favorable, despite the ugliness of the Imperial response to Jewish rebellions).