
audiobook
Set against the tense days before the great siege of Vienna, this sweeping historical novel immerses listeners in the vibrant world of late‑17th‑century Poland. Through vivid portraits of soldiers, nobles, and everyday folk, the story captures the fierce pride and deep‑rooted ideals that drive a nation to stand against the Ottoman tide. The narrative’s opening scenes bring the bustling streets of Warsaw, the solemn chants of Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, and the restless anticipation of King John Sobieski’s court to life, painting a rich tapestry of hope, duty, and looming conflict.
At its heart, the tale follows a young Polish cavalryman and his comrades as they prepare for the decisive battle that will decide Europe’s fate. Their personal struggles—loyalty to family, the weight of tradition, and the fear of an unknown enemy—interweave with the larger drama of a nation on the brink of legend. Listeners will feel the pulse of a people whose history, faith, and fierce spirit converge on a field that will become forever known as a triumph of courage.
Language
en
Duration
~9 hours (537K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Charles Bowen, from page scans provided by the Web Archive
Release date
2011-09-12
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1846–1916
Best known for sweeping historical novels and the international bestseller Quo Vadis, this Polish writer brought the past to life on a grand, dramatic scale. He was awarded the 1905 Nobel Prize in Literature, and his books helped shape Polish cultural identity far beyond his own time.
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