Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. Quo Vadis

   A Narrative of the Time of Nero

   

   Set in ancient Rome during the reign of Emperor Nero, "Quo Vadis" follows the love story of a young Christian woman Lygia and a Roman patrician, Marcus Vinicius. As their relationship blossoms, they must navigate the dangerous political climate of the time, marked by Nero's tyranny and the growing influence of Christianity. The novel provides a vivid depiction of the clash between pagan Rome and the early Christian church, culminating in the Great Fire of Rome and subsequent persecution of Christians.

   The 509th Greatest Book of All Time

2. 2. With Fire And Sword

   

   By Fire and Sword (Polish: Ogniem i mieczem) is a historical novel by the Polish author Henryk Sienkiewicz, published in 1884. It is the first volume of a series known to Poles as The Trilogy, followed by The Deluge (Potop, 1886) and Fire in the Steppe (originally published under the Polish title Pan Wołodyjowski, which translates to Lord Wolodyjowski). The novel has been adapted as a film several times, most recently in 1999. By Fire and Sword is a historical fiction novel, set in the 17th century in the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth during the Khmelnytsky Uprising. It was initially serialized in several Polish newspapers, chapters appearing in weekly installments. It gained enormous popularity in Poland, and by the turn of the 20th century had become one of the most popular Polish books ever. It became obligatory reading in Polish schools, and has been translated into English and most European languages. The series was a vehicle for expressing Polish patriotism in a Poland partitioned and deprived of independence.

3. 3. Крестоносцы

   A Historical Novel

   

   The novel is a historical epic set during the tumultuous period of the late 14th and early 15th centuries, focusing on the conflict between the Kingdom of Poland and the Teutonic Knights. It intricately weaves together the lives of fictional characters with historical figures, exploring themes of love, honor, and patriotism. The narrative follows the journey of a young knight as he navigates the complexities of war, loyalty, and personal growth, ultimately culminating in the pivotal Battle of Grunwald. Through vivid descriptions and rich historical detail, the story captures the spirit of a nation striving for unity and freedom against formidable adversaries.

4. 4. The Teutonic Knights

   A Historical Novel of the 14th Century

   

   The novel is a historical epic set in the late Middle Ages, focusing on the conflict between the Kingdom of Poland and the Teutonic Knights. It follows the journey of a young Polish nobleman, Zbyszko of Bogdaniec, as he navigates a world of chivalry, honor, and warfare. The story intricately weaves themes of love, loyalty, and national identity against the backdrop of the Battle of Grunwald, a pivotal moment in Polish history. Through vivid characters and detailed historical settings, the narrative explores the cultural and political tensions of the time, highlighting the struggle for power and the resilience of the human spirit.
5. 5. Potop

   The Deluge

   

   Set in the 17th century during the Swedish invasion of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, the novel follows the tumultuous journey of Andrzej Kmicic, a young and impulsive nobleman. Initially siding with the invaders due to personal grievances and misunderstandings, Kmicic undergoes a profound transformation as he grapples with themes of loyalty, honor, and redemption. Through a series of dramatic events and battles, he ultimately redeems himself by becoming a patriotic hero, fighting valiantly to defend his homeland. The narrative intricately weaves historical events with personal struggles, highlighting the resilience and spirit of the Polish people during a time of national crisis.

6. 6. In Desert And Wilderness

   

7. 7. Pan Wołodyjowski

   

   Pan Wołodyjowski (titled in English as Pan Michael, 1893, and Fire in the Steppe, 1992; other titles used in English discourse include Colonel Wołodyjowski, Sir Michael and Sir Wołodyjowski) is a historical novel by the Polish author Henryk Sienkiewicz, published in 1887. It is the third volume in a series known to Poles as "The Trilogy", being preceded by With Fire and Sword (Ogniem i mieczem, 1884) and The Deluge (Potop, 1886). The novel's protagonist is Michał Wołodyjowski.

8. 8. Ogniem I Mieczem