Books

The Trumpeter of Krakow, by Eric P. Kelly and Janina Domanska (originally published 1928; new edition, 2004)
Great for young readers ages 9-12, this 1929 Newbery Medal-winning illustrated book transports readers to 15th-century Poland, providing a vivid picture of early Renaissance Krakow.

The Dragon of Krakow and Other Polish Stories, by Richard Monte and Paul Hess (2008)
Classic Polish folktales come to life in this vividly illustrated volume for all ages.

My Hometown Concentration Camp: A Survivor's Account of Life in the Krakow Ghetto and Plaszow Concentration Camp, by Bernard Offen (2008)
Holocaust survivor Offen details his experiences in the Krakow ghetto and the Plaszow concentration camp. His memoir pairs precise descriptions of what happened and how he survived with what you can see in the very same places today.

Schindler's List, by Thomas Keneally (1982)
The "facticious," less-melodramatic inspiration of Spielberg's award-winning film by the same name, Keneally's book details the life of the Czech-born, Nazi Party-member Oskar Schindler and the 1,100 Jews he saved during the Holocaust through his enamelware factory in Krakow.

The Complete Maus: A Survivor's Tale, by Art Spiegelman (1986 & 1992)
Spiegelman, the son of Auschwitz survivors, explores his parents' ordeal in this two-part graphic novel exploration of the Krakow ghetto and the Auschwitz concentration camp.

A History of Cracow for Everyone, by Jan L. Malecki (2008)
Recommended by Martin Kraft of Massolit Books, an independent English-language bookstore in Krakow's old town, this English-language translation of A History of Cracow blends history, anecdotes, witty quotes, and colorful characters to provide its readers a sense of what makes the ancient city tick.