素粒子、象とピエロギと−101語のポーランド – the Japanese-language edition of Quarks, Elephants & Pierogi: Poland in 101 words – is a unique publication that presents Polish culture in an extraordinary way. 101 illustreated keywords neatly summarize Polish culture, with a strong emphasis on linguistic curiosities.
The authors chose a wide range of topics: the language itself, history, geography, cuisine, customs, nature, Polish everyday life … Under the keyword “ziemniak” you will find potato dishes, regional names of this vegetable, as well as some history related to it; under “rzeka” – excerpt from the Polish anthem, customs related to rivers such as drowning of Marzanna dolls, and interesting facts about the Vistula River. Of course, there “kwarki” (quarks), “pierogi” (dumplings) and “słoń” (elephant”), as well as “chrząszcz” (beetle), “mazurek” (a song as well a a cake eaten during Easter), “name day” or “opłatek” (a wafer broken and shared during Christmas.)
It is a beautifully published album, standing out with its delicate pink color with shimmering elements. It will be the perfect souvenir from a trip to Poland!
