The Career Of Nicodemus Dyzma

Download or read book The Career of Nicodemus Dyzma written by Tadeusz Dolega-Mostowicz and published by Northwestern University Press. This book was released on 2020-09-15 with total page 405 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Winner of the 2021 Found in Translation Award First published in Polish in 1932, The Career of Nicodemus Dyzma was Tadeusz Dołęga-Mostowicz’s breakout novel. Dyzma is an unemployed clerk who crashes a swanky party, where he makes an offhand crass remark that sets him on a new course. Soon high society—from government ministers to drug-fueled aristocrats—wants a piece of him. As Dyzma’s status grows, his vulgarity is interpreted as authenticity and strength. He is unable to comprehend complicated political matters, but his cryptic responses are celebrated as wise introspection. His willingness to do anything to hold on to power—flip-flopping on political positions, inventing xenophobic plots, even having enemies assaulted—only leads to greater success. Dołęga-Mostowicz wrote his novel in a newly independent Poland rampant with political corruption and populist pandering. Jerzy Kosinski borrowed heavily from the novel when he wrote Being There, and readers of both books will recognize similarities between their plots. This biting political satire—by turns hilarious and disturbing, contemptuous and sympathetic—is an indictment of a system in which money and connections matter above all else, bluster and ignorance are valorized, and a deeply incompetent man rises to the highest spheres of government.

Download or read book Between Hitler and Stalin written by Archibald L. Patterson and published by Dog Ear Publishing. This book was released on 2010-07 with total page 242 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: When Edward Śmigly-Rydz appeared on its September1939 cover, Time Magazine described him as "a scholar-technician," "graceful, versatile, serious," "with a professor's inquisitive" mind. This was the man who was leading Poland's resistance to Hitler's invasion. An impoverished orphan he had risen to his country's highest military rank, admonishing his people, "To the Germans we would lose our freedom; to the Russians we would lose our souls." In 1920 he had led a maneuver which defeated a westward surge by Russia's Red Army and had humiliated Joseph Stalin, but in 1939 Hitler and Stalin combined to overrun Poland. Interned, Śmigly-Rydz escaped, and despite a widespread manhunt, eluded his pursuers. In the end, he left behind a cryptic poem: "All around me are pensive crosses, black from smoke..." He also left behind a secret which undermined Germany's war effort and fostered Hitler's own defeat. Dr. Archibald Patterson holds degrees from Harvard and three other American universities (North Carolina, Southern Methodist, and Georgia.) He has been Assistant Director and operations manager, Government Accountability Office (GAO, ) and Associate Professor, Troy State University - Europe, where he taught for six years, principally in Germany, but as far a field as Turkey. He was born in California and lives now in Tennessee.

Download or read book A History of Polish Literature written by Anna Nasiłowska and published by Academic Studies PRess. This book was released on 2024-06-11 with total page 605 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Anna Nasilowska's A History of Polish Literature is a one-volume guide that immerses readers in the rich tapestry of Polish literature and reveals its enduring impact on European identity from the Middle Ages to the late twentieth century. By exploring key themes, writers, and works and grounding her discussion in crucial biographical context, she weaves together the lives of a carefully curated list of Polish writers to paint a vivid literary portrait, elucidating the epochs that these writers shaped. Offering indispensable insights for readers who may be unfamiliar with the world of Polish literature, it is an excellent jumping-off-point for further study and learning.

Download or read book A Country In The Moon written by Michael Moran and published by Granta Books. This book was released on 2011-06-02 with total page 276 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this uproarious memoir and meticulously researched cultural journey, writer Michael Moran keeps company with a gallery of fantastic characters. In chronicling the resurrection of the nation from war and the Holocaust, he paints a portrait of the unknown Poland, one of monumental castles, primeval forests and, of course, the Poles themselves. This captivating journey into the heart of a country is a timely and brilliant celebration of a valiant and richly cultured people.

Download or read book Political Fiction written by Fouad Sabry and published by One Billion Knowledgeable. This book was released on 2024-08-05 with total page 460 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Discover "Political Fiction," an essential part of the "Political Science" series that explores how literature intersects with political power. This book examines how political fiction reflects and challenges societal norms in an age dominated by corporate influence. Chapter Highlights: 1. Political Fiction: Understand its role in reflecting and challenging politics and society. 2. Joseph Conrad: Explore Conrad’s impact on modern political narratives. 3. Utopia: Trace the origins and influence of utopian thought. 4. Utopian and Dystopian Fiction: Contrast these genres as reflections and warnings of future possibilities. 5. English Novel: Examine its role in advancing political themes. 6. British Literature: Discover how British literature intertwines politics with storytelling. 7. The Iron Heel: Analyze Jack London's portrayal of corporate oligarchy. 8. The Big Read: Assess how influential books shape public consciousness. 9. Bolesław Prus: Explore Prus's contributions and his novel "Pharaoh." 10. Looking Backward: Review Edward Bellamy’s utopian vision and its impact. 11. Nostromo: Delve into Conrad's "Nostromo" and its commentary on power and corruption. 12. Pharaoh (Prus Novel): Revisit Prus’s "Pharaoh" and its political insights. 13. A Legend of Old Egypt: Reflect on historical fiction’s commentary on contemporary issues. 14. Political Ideas in Science Fiction: Examine how science fiction addresses political and societal themes. 15. Philosophy and Literature: Discuss how philosophy and literature shape political narratives. 16. Social Novel: Analyze its critique of social injustices and political systems. 17. Proletarian Literature: Explore its advocacy for the working class. 18. Andrew Milner: Introduce Milner’s perspectives on literature, culture, and politics. 19. Dystopia: Investigate dystopia’s warnings about future societies. 20. List of Penguin Classics: Review essential Penguin Classics that have influenced political fiction. 21. List of Utopian Literature: Guide to key works in utopian literature. "Political Fiction" is a vital resource for anyone interested in how fiction can illuminate and challenge political realities, enriching your understanding and perspective.

Download or read book Being There written by Jerzy Kosinski and published by Grove/Atlantic, Inc.. This book was released on 2007-12-01 with total page 156 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A quirky, brilliant novel starring Chauncey Gardiner, an enigmatic man who rises from nowhere to become a media phenomenon—“a fabulous creature of our age” (Newsweek). One of the most beloved novels by the New York Times–bestselling and National Book Award–winning author of The Painted Bird and Pinball, Being There is the story of a mysterious man who finds himself at the center of Wall Street and Washington power—including his role as a policy adviser to the president—despite the fact that no one is quite sure where he comes from, or what he is actually talking about. Nevertheless, Chauncey “Chance” Gardiner is celebrated by the media, and hailed as a visionary, in this satirical masterpiece that became an award-winning film starring Peter Sellers. As wise and timely as ever, Being There is “a tantalizing knuckleball of a book delivered with perfectly timed satirical hops and metaphysical flutters” (Time).

Download or read book A Little Hungarian Pornography written by Peter Esterhazy and published by Northwestern University Press. This book was released on 1997 with total page 228 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A surrealistic novel made up of stories and reflections which equate pornography with political tyranny. It is set in Hungary under the Communists. By the author of Book of Hrabal.