Cross Purposes: Catholicism and the Political Imagination in Poland

The cross is a multilayered and contradictory symbol in Poland, anchored in the country's visual history, inspiring protest culture, and dominating urban and rural landscapes. It recalls Poland's historic struggles for independence and anti-Communist dissent, but also encapsulates the country's current position in Europe as a self-avowed bulwark of Christianity and a champion of conservative values. Cross Purposes is the first cultural history of the cross in modern Poland, deconstructing this key symbol and exploring how it has been deployed in different political battles.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 388 pages
Publication date: 23 May 2024
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The cross is an incredibly pervasive symbol in Poland, deeply ingrained in the country's visual history, public spaces, and state institutions. This multifaceted and complex icon holds a prominent place in both urban and rural landscapes, inspiring protest culture and dominating the visual landscape. While the cross evokes memories of Poland's historic struggles for independence and anti-Communist dissent, it also encapsulates the country's current position in Europe as a self-avowed bulwark of Christianity and a champion of conservative values. It serves as both a national symbol, defining the boundaries of Polishness in contrast to the evolving constellation of the country's Others, and a focal point of contention in the creative arts and political culture. Despite its longstanding presence, the cross has yet to be thoroughly studied as a political symbol in its ability to mobilize for action and solidify power structures.

Cross Purposes is a groundbreaking cultural history that delves into the origins, evolution, and political significance of the cross in modern Poland. It offers a comprehensive deconstruction of this key symbol, exploring its various deployments in different political battles. Through a rich tapestry of historical, social, and cultural analysis, the book sheds light on the complex ways in which the cross has been used as a tool for both resistance and affirmation, shaping the political landscape of Poland over the past century.

One of the key themes explored in Cross Purposes is the cross's historical roots in Poland. The book traces the evolution of the cross as a symbol of Christianity in the country, from its early Christianization in the 9th century to its role as a national symbol during the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. It highlights the cross's significance in shaping Polish identity and culture, particularly during periods of political and social upheaval.

Cross Purposes also examines the cross's role in the political battles of modern Poland. The book explores how the cross has been used as a symbol of resistance against oppressive regimes, such as the **** occupation during World War II and the Communist regime in the post-war period. It highlights the ways in which the cross has been deployed as a tool for political mobilization, as well as its role in shaping public opinion and influencing political outcomes.

In addition to its historical and political significance, Cross Purposes also explores the cross's cultural and artistic dimensions. The book examines how the cross has been interpreted and represented in various forms of art, including painting, sculpture, and architecture. It highlights the ways in which artists have used the cross as a means of expressing their political beliefs and social critiques, as well as the ways in which the cross has been incorporated into Polish cultural traditions and rituals.

Cross Purposes is a valuable contribution to the study of political symbols and their role in shaping society. It offers a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of the cross in modern Poland, providing a rich understanding of its historical, social, and cultural dimensions. The book is well-researched, well-written, and accessible to a wide audience, making it an essential read for anyone interested in the politics, culture, and history of Poland.

In conclusion, Cross Purposes is a groundbreaking cultural history that delves into the origins, evolution, and political significance of the cross in modern Poland. Through a comprehensive deconstruction of this key symbol, the book offers a rich understanding of its historical, social, and cultural dimensions. It highlights the cross's role in shaping Polish identity and culture, as well as its deployment as a tool for resistance and affirmation in political battles. The book is a valuable contribution to the study of political symbols and their role in shaping society, and is essential reading for anyone interested in the politics, culture, and history of Poland.

Weight: 564g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009230971