"Books to Note"

It is always difficult to find books about aspects of Lithuanian history, culture, and the people in the English language. Several books have been recently published that may fill in the gaps, although we need more writers to publish. A sorely needed book would entail Lithuanian literature. It is difficult to translate some of the very well known works but, definitely doable. Literature gives the reader a look into the way Lithuanians viewed themselves, their country, and their relationships.

The following books are easily ordered by writing to the addresses included in the descriptions.

LITHUANIA AGAINST SOVIET AND NAZI AGGRESSION by Adolfas Damušis chronicles the three occupations of Lithuania during World War II with archival research and personal recollections. Source documents used for this important book were surveyed at two major repositories – the National Archives in Washington, D.C. and the Gestapo archive at Ludwigsburg, Germany. Information and photos from interviews with former colleagues in the resistance were also included.

Damušis includes a brief history of Lithuania, events leading to and about the effects of the first and second Soviet occupation, the German occupation, anti-Nazi and anti-Soviet resistance, the National Lithuanian Army, and other detailed accounts and events of that time period. The 342-page book is amply illustrated with photos, maps and documents. The book is available from The American Foundation for Lithuanian Research, Inc., 12690 Archer Ave., Lemont, IL 60439 -- hardcover price is $15.00.

A HISTORY OF THE LITHUANIAN MILITARY FORCES IN WORLD WAR II 1939-1945 by Henry L. Gaidis fills in all the gaps about what happened in Lithuania during World War II. The fact that it covers this one specific time period allows the reader to delve into detailed information about many facets of the struggle for independence.

The Knight’s review (January-February 1999) stated that "the text gives a brief history of the modern day Lithuanian army since its 1918 founding, a description of its military and political structure during the 1940 Soviet occupation, the 1941 Nazi invasion, the Lithuanian war front, the Second 1944 Soviet occupation, and the subsequent 1944 – 1956 Lithuanian partisan struggle." Detailed documentation puts into perspective the time of the Nazi occupation and how Lithuania reacted to the Jewish question – countering the numerous falsehoods hostile to the Lithuanian people.

To order the book, write to The Lithuanian Research and Studies Center, 5600 South Claremont Ave., Chicago, IL 60636-1039 – cost is $28.50 plus $3.00 shipping and handling.