Publication of the English-language translation of the“DP Kroonika” (“DP Chronicle”), reported (Oct. 30 English language section) by Enda Mai Michelson Holland, president of the Estonian Archives in the U.S., is welcome news.
The book is a monumental history of Estonian displaced persons in Germany after World War II, and it is now able to reach a wide English-speaking audience. The Estonian American National Council is pleased to have provided financial support for the translation, and thanks the Estonian Archives for initiating and coordinating this effort.
Ms. Holland rightfully thanks a number of people who helped make this translation possible. However, the original Estonian-language” DP Kroonika” would not have been published without the dedication and work of several people who were not mentioned in Ms. Holland’s article, but also deserve recognition.
Ferdinand Kool’s valuable materials, the basis of the original “DP Kroonika,” were not in a state that could be immediately printed. They were sometimes disjointed, duplicative, and missing information needed to provide continuity. Historian and bibliographer Evald Rink volunteered to edit the massive amount of material into a manuscript suitable for publication.
He was assisted by Estonian language philologist Hildegard Rink, who proofread several drafts and provided other necessary help. Airi Vaga transcribed the text into electronic form. This undertaking involved considerable research and original writing to provide background and clarify events, and lasted for well over a year of almost full-time work.
“DP Chronicle” is now available through the “Vaba Eesti Sõna” bookstore in New York by calling 1-212-686-3356, or by ordering through their website, www.store.vabaeestisona.com.
Marju Rink-Abel
President, Estonian American National Council
