A complex, far-reaching and very much timely volume, Comparisons and Discourses makes for fascinating reading in a time when the issues of national, ethnic and geographical identity are becoming increasingly topical. The contributors depart from a variety of standpoints, from traditionally comparative to post-modern and post-colonial, and even if they may take sides in ideological debates, they invariably succeed in offering thought-provoking arguments and in posing challenging questions. These do not await unanimous approval; rather, they are aimed at stimulating an on-going discussion that is not only socially engaged but also, very much to the advantage of the book, ethically charged. This book is a significant contribution to interdisciplinary comparative studies and will be of interest to any student of East-Central European literature and culture.

Jakub Lipski, Kazimierz Wielki University