Keynote
A tale of a bloody civil war that was waged
on the outskirts of seventeenth-century
Europe, utterly changing the country’s
geopolitical situation.

Selling Points
 A colourful and compelling panorama of
seventeenth-century Europe.
 A tale of a bloody uprising that changed
the face of the continent for many
centuries.
 The story of the slow and painful collapse
of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.
 With their succulent language and
literary talent, Leśniewski’s books read like
the best adventure novels.
 The author does not shy from
controversial, sometimes even
revolutionary interpretations of history,
thus casting new light on seemingly
evident truths.
 A history told in colourful, full-bodied
language, not through dry academic facts.
 A book constructed around original
documents – diaries, memoirs and
letters – providing a special glimpse into
the spirit of the times.
 The author has written many bestselling
history books.

Description
The revolt of Hetman Chmielnicki and his
Cossacks was the first, painful blow that

brought about the collapse of the Polish‑Lithuanian
Commonwealth. Though
it occurred on the eastern borderlands
of a dwindling empire, this conflict
altered the fate of all of Eastern Europe,
tipping the balance of history in favour
of Russia. Leśniak’s book is also a tale of
extraordinary people and places, where
various cultures and religions collided.
With epic sweep, the author draws
a portrait of a tempestuous period of
bloody conflicts, the mid seventeenth
century, while showing how its
consequences for centuries to come – even
our own.

Target Market
Fans of history books, especially those
that popularise the history of Europe
(e.g. Norman Davies).
Those who appreciate reportage and nonfiction.
Those interested in the history of Poland
and Central Europe.