000			a
999			_c34256 _d34256
008			250706b xxu||||| |||| 00| 0 eng d
020			_a9780141193199
082			_a891.8547 _bMIL
100			_aMilosz, Czeslaw
245			_aProud to be a mammal
260			_aPenguin Books, _bLondon : _c2010,
300			_a295, p. ; _c20 cm.
365			_b899.00 _c₹ _d01
490			_aPenguin Classics
520			_aProud to be a Mammal (1942-97) is Czeslaw Milosz's moving and diverse collection of essays. Among them, he covers his passion for poetry, his love of the Polish language that was so nearly wiped out by the violence of the twentieth century, and his happy childhood. Milosz also includes a letter to his friend in which he voices his concern about the growing indifference to murder and the true value of freedom of thought, as well as a verbal map of Wilno, with each street revealing both a rich local history and intricate, poignant personal memories. Each essay reflects that same message. The essay titled, “The Peace Boundary” is truly poignant and moving. He writes about the annexation of the Baltic nations to Russia. This essay is a reflection of the events that ensue as well as remembering the past of Lithuania in particular. The book is rich in history and attitudes towards those in power. It is a study of the human spirit in difficult and dangerous times. The importance of printing these works of literature into the mainstream is to gain an exposure and to educate a future generation not to create the mistakes of the past. Milosz risked his life with his writing during communist times. It was dangerous due to the fact that a tyrannical government looks to ban books and writing to ward off reprisals and revolt from the people. Books create ideas and self identity as well as a means to defend one’s honour. There is fear of uprising when people are allowed to attain knowledge. Milosz remains true to his Eastern European roots with each of the essays. He gives a voice to those who have gone before him, fighting to their death for freedom and justice.
650			_aEssays
650			_aManners and customs
650			_aPoland
650			_aSocial conditions
700			_aLeach, Catherine S. _etr.
700			_aCarpenter, Bogdana _etr.
700			_aLevine, Madeline G. _etr.
942			_2ddc _cBK