The author of this autobiography is one of many deceived communists who abandoned their former ideology. Born in 1931 in Poland, Ludwik Kowalski lived in the Soviet Union up to age 15. His undergraduate and graduate education was completed in Poland and France. After returning to Poland in 1963 with a French Ph.D. in Nuclear Physics, he was invited to a scientific conference in the US, and became a research associate at Columbia University. His teaching career began in 1969, at Montclair State University, in New Jersey. After retiring in 2004, he wrote “Hell on Earth: Brutality and Violence Under The Stalinist Regime,” a short and easy-to-read book for those Americans who know very little about Soviet history.
Kowalski's autobiography is based on his diaries, starting in 1946; it is a fascinating story of one man's struggle to clarify his political identity. But this is not all; some readers might be interested in other aspects of his story, such as scientific work, affairs of the heart, religious belief, etc. After re-reading his voluminous diaries (written in Polish), Kowalski realized that they contained enough substance to be of interest to others. Seeking editorial help, the author asked his wife “Are you going to be embarrassed to read descriptions of episodes from my sexual life?” The answer was “we are senior citizens now.”
“Tyranny to Freedom: Diary of a Former Stalinist” can now be purchased at amazon.com (enter Ludwik Kowalski into their search box and click the red GO button. Then click on the book picture and scroll down to read the editorial review).
By the way, anyone can post a short book review, or a comment, at amazon, in the box provided. If you ever purchased a book on amazon (not necessary the one you are writing about) then they know your email address. Find the "create your own review" button and click on it. In the next window enter your email address and click on the "forgot my password." They will at once send you a form to declare a new password. Any amazon book can be reviewed by entering the email address and the password.
Kowalski's autobiography is based on his diaries, starting in 1946; it is a fascinating story of one man's struggle to clarify his political identity. But this is not all; some readers might be interested in other aspects of his story, such as scientific work, affairs of the heart, religious belief, etc. After re-reading his voluminous diaries (written in Polish), Kowalski realized that they contained enough substance to be of interest to others. Seeking editorial help, the author asked his wife “Are you going to be embarrassed to read descriptions of episodes from my sexual life?” The answer was “we are senior citizens now.”
“Tyranny to Freedom: Diary of a Former Stalinist” can now be purchased at amazon.com (enter Ludwik Kowalski into their search box and click the red GO button. Then click on the book picture and scroll down to read the editorial review).
By the way, anyone can post a short book review, or a comment, at amazon, in the box provided. If you ever purchased a book on amazon (not necessary the one you are writing about) then they know your email address. Find the "create your own review" button and click on it. In the next window enter your email address and click on the "forgot my password." They will at once send you a form to declare a new password. Any amazon book can be reviewed by entering the email address and the password.
Click here to reach "Tyranny to Freedom" at Amazon.com
The first chapter of the book is a brief summary of what is in the remaining fourteen chapters.
Royalties will be donated to a Montclair State University scholarship fund.
Private comments and reviews will be highly appreciated. Contact the author by e-mail:
kowalskiL@mail.montclair.edu
Share the above information with others who might be interested (for example, by forwarding this message to a friend). A self-published author needs help to make the book known to potential readers. What can be done to accomplish this? Suggestions will be appreciated. Thank you in advance.
Important details for bookstores:
1) The book is carried by Ingram and any bookstore can order books through the Ingram's system.
2) Ordered books are returnable; there should be no problem with ordering and returning unsold books (without charge).
3) Each book is small and light (6.6 ounces); 10 books take only 3 inches of shelf space.
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1 comment:
Dear Reed Madison,
Thank you for helping me to promote this book. Instead of buying the printed book (TYRANY TO FREEDOM) at amazon.com get its successor (DIARY OF THE FORMER COMMUNIST) for free at
http://csam.montclair.edu/~kowalski/life/intro.html
Both books were based on the same diary but the second one is probably better. It was produced after reading suggestions made by numerous readers of the first book.
My three short and easy-to-read books (two printed and one on-line) are dedicated to victims of Stalinism, such as my parents.
Please follow the example of Reed Madison and share the above URL with those who might be interested. Reviewing this book somewhere, for example, in a widely read journal or newsletter, is likely to be extremely helpful. Feel free to contact me if you have questions or comments.
Ludwik Kowalski
kowalskiL@mail.montclair.edu
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