The jury of the “Historical Book of the Year” competition for the Oskar Halecki Prize nominated 10 books for this prestigious title in the category “Best Popular Science Book Devoted to the History of 20th-Century Poland.” Among the nominated works is a book by Legnica resident Dr Krystyna Nowakowska, “The Polish Pavilion at the New York World’s Fair (1939–1940) and Its Later History,” whose graphic design was created by the renowned Legnica graphic designer Jan Zborucki. The publication has already received the title of Legnica Book of the Year 2013.
Readers will be able to vote for the “Historical Book of the Year” from Wednesday, October 1, until the end of the month via the website www.ksiazkahistorycznaroku.pl. Voting takes place by selecting one of the nominated books in the appropriate tab. The title chosen in the vote will receive a special prize. The book selected by readers will join the winning book chosen by the jurors. Information about the jury’s decision will be announced during a ceremonial gala to be held in November 2014.
In the introduction to K. Nowakowska’s publication, Prof. Norman Davies and Prof. Irena Huml wrote:
Too many people accept simplistic stereotypes about pre-war Poland, but only a few understand the tragedy that befell it. Thus, the story of the Polish pavilion opened in May 1939 at the World’s Fair in New York undoubtedly helps present history from a perspective closer to the truth. (Prof. Norman N. Davies)
Dr Krystyna Nowakowska’s publication is currently the most comprehensive compendium of knowledge about the history of the exhibition, which unfolded amid changing circumstances, events and moods. Constructed conscientiously from countless accounts, it is not devoid of the atmosphere surrounding the facts being discovered, nor of the author’s personal commitment and passion in seeking the truth. (Prof. Irena Huml)