Ignacy Jan Paderewski: Polish Pianist and Patriot (Champions of Freedom) [Library Binding]

Elaine Slivinski Lisandrelli (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 10 and up | Series: Champions of Freedom

A biography of the Polish piano virtuoso who became the first prime minister of a united Poland after World War I.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 7 Up-Lisandrelli portrays the pianist turned statesman in a smooth, easy-to-understand style. She draws on published memoirs and other books and articles about the man, carefully citing all of her sources. In telling Paderewski's story, the author covers general historical events and musical information between 1860 and 1941. The black-and-white photos are often dark or fuzzy, but allow readers to recognize the subject and his family. An engaging look at a loyal Polish citizen who used his musical talent and oratory skills to advance the ideals of his country.
Adrian Renee Stevens, Beaver Creek School, West Jefferson, NC
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 6^-9. Reared by patriotic relatives in Poland's divided territory, young Paddy learned to love his homeland and to hold one predominant wish: to contribute, one day, to Poland's again being recognized as an independent nation. Paderewski's musical talent burgeoned early and led him to several world tours, where his beneficence and congeniality not only made him a wealthy artist but also paved the way for his later becoming a noted diplomat after injuries from a train wreck thwarted his musical career . Paderewski's earlier kindnesses to Herbert Hoover, FDR, and Gandhi revived his country when he was repaid by the world leaders with aid to Poland during both world wars. More for his impact on history than his astounding contributions to classical music, Paderewski proves a fascinating biographical subject. His personal trials of frequent illness and the deaths of his wife and son are interesting; his musical brilliance and mastery of language (he spoke seven fluently) are impressive. But it is his undying reverence for Poland and the heartbreaking betrayal he suffered at the hands of conflicting factions of the new Polish nation that prove the most enthralling aspects of this sharp, engaging biography. Roger Leslie

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Library Binding: 112 pages
• Publisher: Morgan Reynolds (May 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1883846293
• ISBN-13: 978-1883846299
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,446,670 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My Teacher, My Friend, October 10, 2002

By 

Brooke Miller (Moscow, Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ignacy Jan Paderewski: Polish Pianist and Patriot (Champions of Freedom) (Library Binding)

In responding to Elaine Lisandrelli's book Ignacy Jan Paderewski Polish Painist Patriot (Champions of Freedom) I would like to first say thankyou to the author for giving me this wonderful book. I have known Mrs. Lisandrelli for a very long time and in that time I have been left with a very wonderful impression from her that will never leave me. Mrs. Lisandrelli came into my life as my 7th grade English Teacher. She is a fantastic teacher and a wonderful friend to me. In regaurds to her book the book was the most fantastic story I ever read. I extremley enjoyed the use of words and the story behind it.

When I was in 7th grade and in her classroom her teaching was so perfect in every way. She knew how to build a students life and courage up into the clouds to study well and be the best that person could be. I for one am one of them. I am a person who will never forget her. Mrs. Lisandrelli means the world to me and always will.

When I graduated in the year 2000 I knew then it was a time to go on with life and leave my childhood years behind me. My school, my friends there, ETC. But the one person I kept in my heart and still have there to this day is Elaine Lisandrelli who taught me everything I know. I have had other English Teachers thru my school years but not one of them was like her.

It is now the year 2002 and soon to be 2003 and I can still hear her voice teaching me and facing all the troubles I had right along with me. She never left my side and was always there when I needed her.

So I say this now and will never forget it. Thankyou Mrs. Lisandrelli for all U have done for me. I grew up and I became one of a kind and that is with all thanks to you. My teacher, My Friend

Love Brooke