Background
January Zaprudnik was born into a family of school teachers in what was then the Second Polish Republic.
(The political map of Eastern Europe changed dramatically ...)
The political map of Eastern Europe changed dramatically in December 1991 when the leaders of Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine huddled together in a Bielavie?a Forest retreat and decided to dissolve the 15 union republics, which composed the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). One of those republics was the Belorussian Soviet Socialist Republic (BSSR). A United Nations member since 1945, Belarus has a rich cultural heritage that is seen as a promising base for the development of a solid national identity and for real independence. It is this cultural heritage and sense of history that nourish the ongoing efforts of the nationalist minority, as well as the larger democratic opposition, to resist the regime of President Alaksandr Luka?enka who is bent on restoring ties to Russia. Thus Belarus, with its burdens of the past and potential for the future, finds itself in a struggle that will affect not only its own destiny, but also the international structure of Eastern Europe. The second edition of the Historical Dictionary of Belarus―through its chronology, introductory essays, appendixes, map, bibliography, and hundreds of cross-referenced dictionary entries on important persons, places, events, and institutions and significant political, economic, social, and cultural aspects―traces Belarus' history and provides a compass for the direction the country is heading.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0810858126/?tag=2022091-20
( Belarussometimes called the Western Gate of the Sovie...)
Belarussometimes called the Western Gate of the Soviet Union”has been placed by history between powerful states to the east and west. Soldiers of Muscovy and Poland, of Napoleon and Hitler, and of Alexander I and Stalin have all left their mark. Its territory has been laid claim to by both the Russians and the Poles, and religious and political echoes of their challenges continue to be heard. In this timely volume, Jan Zaprudnikhimself a native Belarusanpaints a vivid picture of the complex past of Belarus (formerly known as Belorussia), paving the way for his analysis of the challenges facing the newly independent republic.In recent years Belarus has been less visible to the world than the Baltic republics to the north or Ukraine to the south, yet this multiethnic republic has undergone a significant demographic, social, cultural, and political evolution since 1956. A proclamation of state sovereignty in July 1990 combined with the accelerated fragmentation of the Soviet Union to push Belarus along the uncertain road to independencea process that culminated with a declaration of full independence in August 1991.Although perestroika contributed to a dramatic rise in national consciousness among the people of Belarus, the new nation-state is notable for in its quest for interethnic coexistence and for peaceful solutions to the problems brought about by independence.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0813317940/?tag=2022091-20
(Over four hundred dictionary entries provide quick and ea...)
Over four hundred dictionary entries provide quick and easy access to basic facts and personalities from Belarus, including important historical figures as well as contemporary political players.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0810834499/?tag=2022091-20
January Zaprudnik was born into a family of school teachers in what was then the Second Polish Republic.
New York University.
During the Occupation of Belarus by Nazi Germany Zaprudnik graduated from the Gymnasium in Baranavičy and studied at a high school there. In 1944 January Zaprudnik immigrated to Germany. He later worked in mines in Great Britain.
In 1954 he graduated from the history faculty of the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium.
Later he worked for Radio Free Europe Belarusian section. In 1957 January Zaprudnik moved to the United States.
In 1969 he received a doctorate in history from New York University about Belarusian representatives in the State Duma of the Russian Empire at the beginning of the 20th century and later worked as a professor in history at several universities.
(The political map of Eastern Europe changed dramatically ...)
(Over four hundred dictionary entries provide quick and ea...)
( Belarussometimes called the Western Gate of the Sovie...)
He is also one of the leaders of the Belarusian community in the United States and an honoured member of the Belarusian Poets, Playwrights, Editors, Essayists and Novelists association-centre.