In the 1930s Sula Benet, then a student at the University of Warsaw, began to study the life of Polish peasants, a subject which led to many field trips before and after World War II. Concentrating on the regions of present day Poland, the author presented a basic portrait of peasants and peasant ways throughout the diverse, elastic and curiously consistent area that is Poland. "Nevertheless," says the author, "The values and to some extent the specific customs described here are shared by all Poles.".

Since its publication in 1951, the book has become a cherished classic for all students of Polish life and lore, and is now being reprinted as a tribute to the author and her enduring work.