Keynote
The incredible story of the last great
king of Poland – a rabble-rouser and
womaniser, but also a shrewd politician.
An in-depth study of the last glory days of
the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.
Selling Points
 A remarkably colourful and enticing
panorama of seventeenth-century Europe.
 The tale of one of Poland’s most
important rulers.
 An insightful and dashing study of
the twilight of Poland’s glory days.
 Owing to its succulent language and
literary talent, Leśniewski’s book reads like
the best adventure novels.
 The author does not shy from
controversial, sometimes even
revolutionary interpretations of history,
casting new light on many facts that had
once seemed obvious.
 The protagonists are powerful and
unique women on whom very much
depends.
 A story recounted in a colourful and
full-blooded language, not through dry,
academic facts.
 A book built around original
documents – journals, diaries and letters –
providing a special look into the spirit of
the times.

 The author has written many bestselling
history books.

Description
Few kings of seventeenth-century Europe
could compare with z John III Sobieski –
not only in terms of his ability to rule
the country, his diplomatic skills and
his military talent, but also his highly
colourful biography. A carouser and
womaniser in his youth, step by step he
matured to become one of the greatest
rulers of the Kingdom of Poland. With his
customary verve and aplomb, Leśniewski
shows his path to the throne, laden with
intrigues and turbulent affairs, and his
later vicissitudes in the tempestuous and
bellicose seventeenth century. The Lion
Who Cried is the tale of a watershed
moment in the history of Poland and
Europe – the twilight of an old epoch
and the birth of a new one, which turned
out to be so tragic for Poland. Finally,
it is the story of the people who shaped
the reality of the time – the politicians,
magnates and bishops, but also
the remarkable women to whom Sobieski
owed so much.

Target Market
Lovers of history books, especially those
that popularise the history of Europe
(e.g. Norman Davies).
Fans of non-fiction and reportage.
Those interested in the history of Poland
and Central Europe.