Jan Sobieski: The King Who Saved Europe

by Miltiades Varvounis

Jan Sobieski was one of the most extraordinary and visionary monarchs of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth from 1674 until his death. He was a man of letters, an artistic person, a dedicated ruler but above all the greatest soldier of his time. Popular among his subjects, he won considerable fame for his decisive victory over the Ottomans at the walls of Vienna (1683). For defeating the Muslim invaders, Pope Innocent XI hailed Sobieski as the saviour of Christendom.

Genres: History, Poland, Nonfiction, Biography

278 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 12, 2012

About the author

Miltiades Varvounis has published several books in Greek and English, on key figures and aspects of European and world history. He is also a screenwriter and reviewer, and has contributed to many leading Greek periodicals and journals. His areas of research include, among other things, cultural and military life of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, Polish, Lithuanian and Turkish histories, and Ottoman cartography. You can visit his official website at: www.miltiadesvarvounis.com

Reviews

[Joseph Serwach · Rating 4 out of 5]

One man can change the world: Jan III Sobieski, one of Poland's greatest kings, in 1683 literally saved Europe and triggered the beginning of the fall of the once vast Ottoman Empire. The victory culminated 30 years of fighting in 17th century Europe.
As Vienna was about to fall, though greatly outnumbered, he brought his vaunted fighters to wipe out the invaders and their power was never the same. Pope Innocent XI hailed him as the savior of Christendom.
When told how Vienna was outnumbered, Sobieski let out a robust laugh and said "Gentlemen, I have never faced the infidels when their army was not three times the size of mine.... It seems I have spent my life fighting the enemies of my homeland. But the greatest battle was saved for the end. If we lose Vienna to enemies of God, we lose all.''
He took his men to Jasna Gora, the site of Poland's greatest shrine, prayed to the Black Madonna of Czestochowa and wore a reproduction of the image into battle.
Poland's Winged Hassars, considered the greatest calvary, were distinguished by their wings of eagle and turkey feathers that made a strange sound as the knights charged.
As an English mercenary wrote: "I was astounded by their appearance. Each man seemed to come with a halo about his head, like a Madonna in some Flemish painting. The feathers made a wonderful sight, but I was curious what these were for? Then, as they drew near, galloping in the wind, the feathers began to mourn, or to chant like old women at a funeral and then shriek as the wind tore through them. I got frightened by the hellish echoes and my horse became terrified. He reared and whinnied and I could not control him and the effect on the rest of our horses was the same, so that by the time the Polish hussars reached our battle line, all was in confusion and therefore lost. I have to say that those damned devils did not defeat us in fair battle. They sang us to death with those damned feathers.''
Asked how he won his battles, Sobieski answered "Speed. Those blessed winged hussars of mine, singing across the battlefield. And remember this: Although the Ottomans always outnumbered us, I have never permitted all their force to congregate at one time."

[Michal Borkowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting story of one of the greatest kings and strategists of his time. It's a story seldom told, which is a shame. He saved European culture after all from the advances of the Ottoman Empire. Recommend you check it out - quick read.

[Matthew Dambro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author cites the appropriate sources, but I did not note the Presence of Norman Davies work on Poland and Central Europe generally. My main concern with the volume was either the poor translation from Greek, if it was in Greek originally or with the horrendous editing and publishing job done. The book is jammed with misspellings and confused diction and word sequences. The author has, I believe, done a credible job in research and writing but the publisher has butchered the text.

[Eddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! The main reason I read the book was because I am of Polish descent, & hadnt even heard of JS.

It was a chore to read unless you like History books. It is well written, but has some typos, probly from the translation.

I found the parts about how the muslims fought & actedenlightening as the similarities to post 9/11 life in a world of many religions (including muslims) are striking.

King JS time was after the crusades by 50-100 years. The wars continue to go back & forth. I find that sad. As most religions, the muslim faith was followed stricter 500 years ago. The author in order to explain the back story, tells of the competing religions & how they shaped the world.

The writing style makes it pleasant, as I found the author answered the questions that came to my mind as I was reading. I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did!

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t come across many English written books on the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. We are overloaded with books on the French and English kingdoms during this time. This was a nice change. I thought the book provided a nice, concise biography on Jan Sobieski III. The biography focuses on his many military campaigns. I felt his personal life could have used a little more attention. Overall, it was an enjoyable read.

**Refer to the back of the book while reading. Illustrations of some of the main characters. During the book names will be mentioned, and sometimes they are not given a full explanation on who they are. Mini biographies are listed in the back. Also, a nice chronological order of events. I wish I saw all this before I finished.**

[Matthew Fontanez · Rating 3 out of 5]

A gripping story of the king that saved Europe and Christendom. The lack of proofreading though can be seen in various syntax and spelling errors that make it seem like the English version is a rough translation that wasn’t thoroughly edited. Although the thoughts of the book come across clearly the readability is impacted by these issues.

[Tom · Rating 3 out of 5]

More hagiography




More hagiography than biography but even hero worship can't detract from Sobieski`s actual heroic life story.

[Gosia G · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a fascinating read. I learned new and interesting details about King Sobieski's life; however, the writing at times seemed repetitive.

[Mustafa Muftuoglu · Rating 1 out of 5]

First of all, this book is neither a history book nor fiction one. Nothing more than bedtime stories for kids with full of misinformation and lies. For sure Jan Sobieski was one of the greatest soldiers of history and Vienna was a legendary war but showing Ottoman Empire as a devil society and Polish army as the guardian angels of Christendom in every single point of this book is malicious. Disappointment.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well worth reading for one of the most crucial times in European History, and about one of Europe's lesser known heroes. Unfortunately the translation is atrocious. It seems to have been translated by someone who has English as a second language and consequently the meanings of some sentences has to be worked out by the reader.