FACES AND PLACES: A great book on Ukraine (01/31/93)

FACES AND PLACES

by Myron B. Kuropas

A great book on Ukraine

Many years ago, while I was still a principal in an inner-city school in Chicago, our librarian ordered a set of 10 books from Lerner Publications in Minneapolis.

The books were in the company's newly issued "In America" series, which featured ethnic groups.

Fascinated, I picked up a book titled "Jews in America," and there, on page 34 was a picture of Bohdan Khmelnytsky with the following caption: "When Bogdan Chmielnicki (1595-1657) led the Cossacks of Ukraine in an uprising against Polish rule, his men killed thousands of Jews." You don't want to know what the author wrote about Khmelnytsky in the text.

Holding back my anger, I called the publisher and spoke with Mr. Lerner himself, mentioning nothing about the Jewish American book. Instead, I congratulated him on his series and asked if he planned to publish books on other ethnic groups. He answered in the affirmative. I quickly offered my services to write about Ukrainians. He asked me to send him an outline of what I planned to write and a vitae. Later, he invited me to Minneapolis to discuss details. Naturally, I accepted the invitation. After we chatted for a while he agreed to publish a book on Ukrainian Americans and called in Francis Butwin, the author of the book on the Jews. "Ms. Butwin will serve as the editor of your book," he informed me.

My heart sank. Deciding to risk everything, I shared my views regarding Bohdan Khmelnytsky and informed Mr. Lerner and his editor that I planned to have a different perspective on the Ukrainian hetman in my book. "We didn't want it any other way," Mr. Lerner responded, smiling.

"Ukrainians in America" was published in 1972 essentially as I wrote it. Ms. Butwin proved to be a gracious and competent editor whose stylistic recommendations improved the book. Given its inclusion in a continuously expanding series on America's cultural heritage, my book, at the time, was a first.

This year Lerner Publications has another first. A second book of interest to our community has been published titled, simply, "Ukraine." The book is part of a series titled "Then and Now" which includes all of the former Soviet republics, from Armenia to Uzbekistan.

The book is magnificent! Prepared and checked by Dr. Craig ZumBrunnen, Department of Geography, University of Washington, as well as our own Slavko Nowytski and Dr. Anatol and Mrs. Daria Lysyj, this 64-page publication is written at the junior high level and is lavishly illustrated with color photos throughout.

"Ukraine" is divided into four chapters: "The Land and People of Ukraine," which is devoted to the geographical make-up, culture and society of Ukraine; "Ukraine's Story," which recalls Ukraine's history and present environmental challenges, including the legacy of Chornobyl; "Making a Living in Ukraine," which addresses Ukraine's economic potential; and "What's Next for Ukraine," a section which looks at future challenges.

"Mindful of their history, Ukrainians are sensitive to the actions of the new government in Russia," the authors write. "President Kravchuk has said that Ukraine will act in the interest of its own citizens." Too bad this book wasn't available when President Bush was still around. Do you think he would have understood the concept? Nah!

The authors continue: "Although Ukrainians are suffering from a weak economy, there is little violence between its ethnic groups. In November 1991, a nationalities congress was held to assure Ukraine's various ethnic groups that they can learn their own languages, teach their own cultures, and practice their own religions. The Ukrainians also have good relations with their neighbors to the west. Hungary and Poland, the first countries to recognize Ukrainian independence, have maintained active trade and cultural ties..."

The book contains a glossary - with such terms as "hetman," "chornozem" and "Rukh" clearly defined - a pronunciation guide, and an index, just what your average junior and senior high student needs and expects. Finally, most of the transliterations are of the Ukrainian variety, "Volodymyr" and not "Vladimir"; "Khmelnitskyi," not "Chmielnicki."

This is a book our community should buy in great numbers and plant in every school library in the country. To my knowledge, there is nothing else on the market that even comes close to "Ukraine" in terms of clarity of presentation and pictorial appeal. And the price is low - $19.95 per hard cover copy. Organizations interested in purchasing more than 10 copies can probably receive a discount.

We need to support publishers who have done right by us. The Lerner Publications Co., deserves to know that we appreciate their efforts and the best way to let them know is to buy many books. If not that, then at least a letter of appreciation after reviewing a single copy.

Readers desiring single copies can send a check for $22 (which includes the book plus shipping and handling) to Ukrainian Educational Associates, 107 Ilehamwood Drive, Dekalb, IL 60115.

Readers interested in purchasing more than 10 copies can write to: Lerner Publications Co., 241 First Ave. N., Minneapolis, MN 55401.

One more piece of good news. The 1972 version of "Ukrainians in America" has been updated and should be available in 1994.

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