Polish Roots
by Rosemary A.Chorzempa

The primary focus of this book is on research in Poland, and the aim here is to show the reader what records are available, where they can be found, how to obtain them, and how to make the best use of them.

Chorzempa first provides an informative essay on Polish history and society, then very carefully describes the ethnic groups and religions of Poland, the country's unique geography and ethnic spread, its political divisions, place names, and topographical features.

The bulk of the book, however, shows the reader how to find and use church and civil records; how and where to locate research services, libraries, and archives; how to make sense of Polish names and the naming practices of the major ethnic groups; and how, ultimately, to deal with the intricacies of the Polish language. And in this regard, it covers not only Polish--its vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation--but also German, Russian, Latin, even Ukrainian.

Again with the researcher in mind, translations of numbers, dates and terms and phrases found in vital records figure prominently, and to clinch it there is a letter-writing guide, a transliteration of queries and requests to be sent to Polish churches, civil records offices, and institutions for purposes of obtaining assistance with genealogical research.

62 pp., paperback, 1993, ISBN 0-8063-1378-1