Publications

Lech Wałęsa Institute, within the frames of its programmes, issues numerous publications. The following were published to date:

Published on the occasion of 20th aniversary of assumption of office by President Lech Walesa, the first president elected by universal and fully democratic presidential elections in Poland. The Institute wishes to strengthen the memory of success of building the Republic of Poland and bring to mind the way that Poland has come since the fall of communist totalitarian regime to modern times.

“Conflict and Solidarity”

This book was written by Jacek and Joanna Kurczewski and published on the 30th anniversary of events that led to the creation of the Independent and Self-Governing Trade Union “Solidarność,” and it is of historical documentary character. The majority of the book is made up of essays by Jacek Kurczewski, printed originally in 1981 by the Trade Union Publishing Institute. This collection is supplemented by his two more modern texts and a joint text of the sociologists, written with a goal to create a trade union democracy manual.

“The Glitter of Dust/Cenizas Alumbradas”

A poetry book in two languages by a Cuban political prisoner, an independent journalist, Jorge Olivera Castillo. This collection of poems by a Cuban writer, published by the Lech Wałęsa Institute, is a lyrical tale of fear, enslavement, of the right to expression, about Havana – dirty and ruined. It is a moving journey into individual and collective Cuban memory.

“The book of celebration: The 25th anniversary of presenting Lech Wałęsa with a Nobel Peace Prize”

This is a record of a conference and special event that took place in Warsaw and Gdańsk in September and December 2008 on the occasion of 25th anniversary of presenting Lech Wałęsa with the Nobel Peace Prize. This book allows the reader to return once again to the considerations on Poland, Europe and the world, raised during this meeting.

“The Roads to Freedom – The Roads to Our Shared Europe”

Publication by Jerzy Eisler (ed.) was published in five language version in 49,500 copies. Eminent scholars specializing in contemporary history show the similarities and differences in attaining freedom in Poland and other Central European countries. This book was accompanied by a 30-minute film.

“Solidarity Movement – first 500 days”

A comic book by Jacek Federowicz, mapping out in a concise form the history of “Solidarity” movement from its inception until 13 December 1981. The third edition was published in 2008 by Lech Wałęsa Institute on the 25th anniversary of presenting Lech Wałęsa with the Nobel Prize.

“Cuba. Tourism & Solidarity Guide to Cuba”

This book was published within the frames of the “Solidarity with Cuba” programme. It is not another version of a guide to Cuba found in every bookshop. The protagonists of this book are Cubans who struggle for human and civil rights. Apart from general tourist information, the reader will also find there addresses of political prisoners’ families, of independent libraries, and information about opposition movements in the island. The Guide includes also hints on how one can help these people.