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The Strange Odyssey of Poland's National Treasures, 1939-1961
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The Strange Odyssey of Poland's National Treasures, 1939-1961 Paperback - 2004

by Gordon Swoger


From the publisher

The Strange Odyssey of Poland's National Treasures, 1939-1961 tells the story of the Polish national treasures -their evacuation from their homeland under perilous conditions after the German invasion of Poland in September 1939 and their subsequent removal to western Europe and then to Canada. At the end of the war two Polish governments, a Communist one in Warsaw and a non-Communist one in London, vied for control of the national treasures. Before long the hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church, the RCMP, and the Canadian and Quebec governments all became involved in the desperate hide-and-seek confrontation between the two Polish governments. Eventually, in February 1961, the release of the historic treasures was negotiated and they were returned to their native land, twenty-two years after their wartime departure. It was indeed a long voyage home!

From the jacket flap

This is the story of the Polish national treasures - their evacuation from their homeland after the German invasion of Poland in September 1939 and their subsequent removal to western Europe and then to Canada. In February 1961 they were returned to their native land, twenty-two years after their wartime departure. It was indeed a long voyage home!-The Polish national treasures, evacuated in 1939 and eventually sent to Canada for safekeeping during the war, didn't return to their native land until 22 years later. Their journey was indeed a strange odyssey.

Details

  • Title The Strange Odyssey of Poland's National Treasures, 1939-1961
  • Author Gordon Swoger
  • Binding Paperback
  • Edition First Edition
  • Pages 236
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Dundurn Press, Toronto
  • Date 2004-10
  • Illustrated Yes
  • Features Bibliography, Illustrated, Maps
  • ISBN 9781550025156 / 1550025155
  • Weight 0.84 lbs (0.38 kg)
  • Dimensions 9.08 x 6.06 x 0.55 in (23.06 x 15.39 x 1.40 cm)
  • Themes
    • Chronological Period: 1940's
    • Cultural Region: Canadian
    • Cultural Region: Eastern Europe
    • Cultural Region: Polish
  • Library of Congress Catalog Number 2005362085
  • Dewey Decimal Code 940.540

Media reviews

Citations

  • Quill & Quire, 03/01/2005, Page 47

About the author

Gordon Swoger was born in the Eastern Townships of Quebec and was educated at McGill and McMaster Universities. He spent his working years as a teacher of high school military history. In the 1990's Gord and his wife went to Poland three times to teach English and History in Warsaw. The Strange Odyssey of Poland's National Treasures, 1939-1961 is his first book.

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The Strange Odyssey of Poland's National Treasures, 1939-1961
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Toronto, ON, Canada: Dundurn, 2004. Soft cover. New. New Book; "Facing imminent Nazi invasion, the decision is made to transport some of Poland's most ancient and valuable historical objects to prevent their plunder by the invading army.After a perilous journey, the treasures arrive in Canada where they are expected to remain for the duration of the war. Canada, 1961. Their release is finally negotiated and they are returned to their native soil. The strange odyssey ends where it began, after an absence of more than two decades.
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Toronto: Dundurn Press. Very Good-. 2004. First Edition. Softcover. 1550025155 . 214 pp. Photos. Maps. Edgewear, corners rubbed. Inscribed by the author on the half-title page. The fascinating account of Poland's most valuable historical objects, from their transport out of Poland in the face of invading armies in 1939, to their arrival in Canada, and the fight over them in Canada after the war. ; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; Signed by Author .
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The Strange Odyssey of Poland's National Treasures, 1939-1961
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The Strange Odyssey of Poland's National Treasures, 1939-1961

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