This book discusses the transition to a market economy, political democracy and civic society in Poland, the central European country which initiated the process of post-communist transformation sixteen years ago and which is now a member of the European Union. Poland is an instructive case in terms of: * comparative economics; * structural reforms; * institutional build up; * integration in the world economy; * a successful emerging market. For these reasons the book will be a valuable publication which will attract the attention of both researchers and practitioners. The book has been written by an excellent team of researchers with extensive experience of policymaking and comprehensive research output within the field of comparative and development economics and economic policy. It includes macro- and micro-economic analyzes as well as political approaches to the issues under discussion.'The process of transition from centrally planned to market economies has been discussed in many books and articles. This book focuses on Poland, one of the largest and more successful of the transition economies. The book offers a broad and insightful perspective on this process and the various elements that have contributed to the "Polish Miracle". The lessons learned should be useful to countries that are less advanced in this transition.' Vito Tanzi, Senior Consultant, Inter-American Development Bank, Washington, USA 'This is a masterly and lucid dissection of the most successful Polish transition and integration - by one of its main architects, twice Finance Minister Professor Grzegorz Kolodko, and his formidable team of distinguished scholars and practitioners. A work in the best tradition of the Polish economic school, it draws important lessons for theory and public policy, for all emerging countries and the future of an enlarged Europe.' Professor D. Mario Nuti, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Italy