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The Peasant Prince: Thaddeus Kosciuszko and the Age of Revolution
Thaddeus Kosciuszko, a Polish-Lithuanian born in 1746, was one of the most important figures of the modern world. Fleeing his homeland after a death sentence was placed on his head (when he dared court a woman above his station), he came to America one month after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, literally showing up on Benjamin Franklin’s doorstep in Philadelphia with little more than a revolutionary spirit and a genius for engineering. Entering the fray as a volunteer in the war effort, he quickly proved his capabilities and became the most talented engineer of the Continental Army. Kosciuszko went on to construct the fortifications for Philadelphia, devise battle plans that were integral to the American victory at the pivotal Battle of Saratoga, and designed the plans for Fortress West Point—the same plans that were stolen by Benedict Arnold. Then, seeking new challenges, Kosciuszko asked for a transfer to the Southern Army, where he oversaw a ring of African-American spies.
A lifelong champion of the common man and woman, he was ahead of his time in advocating tolerance and standing up for the rights of slaves, Native Americans, women, serfs, and Jews. Following the end of the war, Kosciuszko returned to Poland and was a leading figure in that nation’s Constitutional movement. He became Commander in Chief of the Polish Army and valiantly led a defense against a Russian invasion, and in 1794 he led what was dubbed the Kosciuszko Uprising—a revolt of Polish-Lithuanian forces against the Russian occupiers. Captured during the revolt, he was ultimately pardoned by Russia’s Paul I and lived the remainder of his life as an international celebrity and a vocal proponent for human rights. Thomas Jefferson, with whom Kosciuszko had an ongoing correspondence on the immorality of slaveholding, called him “as pure a son of liberty as I have ever known.” A lifelong bachelor with a knack for getting involved in doomed relationships, Kosciuszko navigated the tricky worlds of royal intrigue and romance while staying true to his ultimate passion—the pursuit of freedom for all. This definitive and exhaustively researched biography fills a long-standing gap in historical literature with its account of a dashing and inspiring revolutionary figure.
A lifelong champion of the common man and woman, he was ahead of his time in advocating tolerance and standing up for the rights of slaves, Native Americans, women, serfs, and Jews. Following the end of the war, Kosciuszko returned to Poland and was a leading figure in that nation’s Constitutional movement. He became Commander in Chief of the Polish Army and valiantly led a defense against a Russian invasion, and in 1794 he led what was dubbed the Kosciuszko Uprising—a revolt of Polish-Lithuanian forces against the Russian occupiers. Captured during the revolt, he was ultimately pardoned by Russia’s Paul I and lived the remainder of his life as an international celebrity and a vocal proponent for human rights. Thomas Jefferson, with whom Kosciuszko had an ongoing correspondence on the immorality of slaveholding, called him “as pure a son of liberty as I have ever known.” A lifelong bachelor with a knack for getting involved in doomed relationships, Kosciuszko navigated the tricky worlds of royal intrigue and romance while staying true to his ultimate passion—the pursuit of freedom for all. This definitive and exhaustively researched biography fills a long-standing gap in historical literature with its account of a dashing and inspiring revolutionary figure.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
About the author
Alex Storozynski
2 books11 followersAlex Storozynski is a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, a former member of the New York Daily News editorial board, founding editor of amNewYork and former city editor of the New York Sun. He has also been published in the European edition of The Wall Street Journal, The Chicago Tribune, The New York Post, Newsday and other publications.
His biography of Thaddeus Kosciuszko, The Peasant Prince: Thaddeus Kosciuszko and the Era of Revolution, will be published in April 2009 by St. Martin's Press, and his essay "From Serfdom to Freedom: Polish Catholics Find A Refuge," was published in 2008 in the book Catholics in New York, Society Culture, and Politics, 1808-1946, to coincide with the exhibit on Catholics at the Museum of the History of New York.
Storozynski has also served as chairman and vice-chairman of the Polish and Slavic Federal Credit Union, which has more than $1 billion in assets and 70,000 members, making it the largest ethnic credit union in the United States. He is a frequent guest on New York's Polish radio stations and a contributor to Polskie Radio 1, the largest radio station in Poland.
From 1985-87, Storozynski was a post-graduate fellow at the University of Warsaw, during which time he worked as a researcher for the Philadelphia Inquirer and Boston Globe, interviewing Lech Walesa and other Solidarity activists who helped overturn Communism in Eastern Europe. He has a Master's degree in journalism from Columbia University and Bachelor's degree from the State University of New York at New Paltz.
Storozynski was also the editor of Empire State Report, the magazine of politics and public policy in New York, and has written speeches for Democrats and Republicans in state politics.
In 2006, Storozynski traveled to Iraq to write about the Polish troops running the multinational zone in the provinces of Diwaniyah and Wasit near the Iranian border. More recently he interviewed Polish President Lech Kaczynski for the New York Sun.
In 2004, the Polish magazine Przeglad called Storozynski "a new type of leader in the Polish community," and even though he was born in Brooklyn, they named him one of the "100 most influential Poles living abroad." In 2005, Polish-American World named him "Man of the Year." In 2006, the President of Poland awarded him with the "Gold Cross of Service" for his articles about Poland. And in 2007 the American Center of Polish Culture in Washington, D.C. awarded him for his "distinguished achievement in the field of journalism."
In 1991, Columbia University sent him to lecture at Charles University in Prague, Czechoslovakia. He has given lectures about Kosciuszko at West Point, the University of Detroit and Macomb Center for the Performing Arts in Michigan. Over the years he has appeared in various radio and television broadcasts in New York and Europe.
While at the Daily News Storozynski wrote editorials and op-ed columns on complex public policy issues that brought about changes in the lives of all New Yorkers. Storozynski was a member of the editorial board team which won the 1999 Pulitzer Prize for editorial writing, 1999 George Polk Award, the 1999 Sigma Delta Chi Award, the 1999 and 2001 Deadline Club Award, Associated Press editorial writing awards 1996, 1997, 1998 and 2000, and the 1997 and 2001 Silurian Awards for editorial writing.
His biography of Thaddeus Kosciuszko, The Peasant Prince: Thaddeus Kosciuszko and the Era of Revolution, will be published in April 2009 by St. Martin's Press, and his essay "From Serfdom to Freedom: Polish Catholics Find A Refuge," was published in 2008 in the book Catholics in New York, Society Culture, and Politics, 1808-1946, to coincide with the exhibit on Catholics at the Museum of the History of New York.
Storozynski has also served as chairman and vice-chairman of the Polish and Slavic Federal Credit Union, which has more than $1 billion in assets and 70,000 members, making it the largest ethnic credit union in the United States. He is a frequent guest on New York's Polish radio stations and a contributor to Polskie Radio 1, the largest radio station in Poland.
From 1985-87, Storozynski was a post-graduate fellow at the University of Warsaw, during which time he worked as a researcher for the Philadelphia Inquirer and Boston Globe, interviewing Lech Walesa and other Solidarity activists who helped overturn Communism in Eastern Europe. He has a Master's degree in journalism from Columbia University and Bachelor's degree from the State University of New York at New Paltz.
Storozynski was also the editor of Empire State Report, the magazine of politics and public policy in New York, and has written speeches for Democrats and Republicans in state politics.
In 2006, Storozynski traveled to Iraq to write about the Polish troops running the multinational zone in the provinces of Diwaniyah and Wasit near the Iranian border. More recently he interviewed Polish President Lech Kaczynski for the New York Sun.
In 2004, the Polish magazine Przeglad called Storozynski "a new type of leader in the Polish community," and even though he was born in Brooklyn, they named him one of the "100 most influential Poles living abroad." In 2005, Polish-American World named him "Man of the Year." In 2006, the President of Poland awarded him with the "Gold Cross of Service" for his articles about Poland. And in 2007 the American Center of Polish Culture in Washington, D.C. awarded him for his "distinguished achievement in the field of journalism."
In 1991, Columbia University sent him to lecture at Charles University in Prague, Czechoslovakia. He has given lectures about Kosciuszko at West Point, the University of Detroit and Macomb Center for the Performing Arts in Michigan. Over the years he has appeared in various radio and television broadcasts in New York and Europe.
While at the Daily News Storozynski wrote editorials and op-ed columns on complex public policy issues that brought about changes in the lives of all New Yorkers. Storozynski was a member of the editorial board team which won the 1999 Pulitzer Prize for editorial writing, 1999 George Polk Award, the 1999 Sigma Delta Chi Award, the 1999 and 2001 Deadline Club Award, Associated Press editorial writing awards 1996, 1997, 1998 and 2000, and the 1997 and 2001 Silurian Awards for editorial writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
May 16, 2022
Tadeusz Kosciuszko (1746-1817) was born in Brest region, which then was part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, now it’s part of Belarus. His parents were landowners with a mid-size estate.
The father taught his children to be respectful toward all people, no matter what social class they represented. They believed that all people were entitled to hope and happiness. He treated the peasants fairly and rewarded them fairly for their work. He taught all those values to all his children, and Tadeusz took his father’s teachings to heart.
Tadeusz was eighteen, when he received scholarship to attend the Royal Knight School led by Prince Adam Casimir Czartoryski in Warsaw. The Prince also became Tadeusz’ mentor.
He continued his studies in Paris, where he gained valuable knowledge, which helped him to better understand economics and military matters.
At the same time, the colonists in America were fighting against England, fighting for their independence. He decided to enlist and help the American colonists.
The range of defenses that he set up at Bemis Heights, located at Hudson River south of Saratoga led to a successful Battle of Saratoga.
The next successful fortification, he set up was at West Point, where he suggested to create an American military academy resembling the ones in Europe. And that’s what Thomas Jefferson did in 1802.
His success didn’t extend to Poland, which went through three partitions done by the powerful neighbors: Prussia, Austria, and Russia. In 1795, Poland was wiped off the map for 123 years, which pained Kosciuszko greatly. He took part in many uprisings, fighting for independence of his country to the end of his life.
Tadeusz was a very humble human being. He was way ahead of his time, advocating for Polish serfs in hope the rest of the Europe would follow, and for the American slaves. He was a hero of both worlds, advocating on both continents for equality for all. He stressed importance of not only freeing slaves and serfs, but also providing education in training, giving people skills so they could support themselves.
When the news of his death spread throughout Europe, funeral masses were held in many churches of different faiths.
The story reflects the most humble character. With heartfelt writing, the author sheds light on American and Polish hero, who is well known to Poles. A hero, who to the last days of his life encouraged young cadets to gain valuable knowledge and always serve their country and defend it.
The father taught his children to be respectful toward all people, no matter what social class they represented. They believed that all people were entitled to hope and happiness. He treated the peasants fairly and rewarded them fairly for their work. He taught all those values to all his children, and Tadeusz took his father’s teachings to heart.
Tadeusz was eighteen, when he received scholarship to attend the Royal Knight School led by Prince Adam Casimir Czartoryski in Warsaw. The Prince also became Tadeusz’ mentor.
He continued his studies in Paris, where he gained valuable knowledge, which helped him to better understand economics and military matters.
At the same time, the colonists in America were fighting against England, fighting for their independence. He decided to enlist and help the American colonists.
The range of defenses that he set up at Bemis Heights, located at Hudson River south of Saratoga led to a successful Battle of Saratoga.
The next successful fortification, he set up was at West Point, where he suggested to create an American military academy resembling the ones in Europe. And that’s what Thomas Jefferson did in 1802.
His success didn’t extend to Poland, which went through three partitions done by the powerful neighbors: Prussia, Austria, and Russia. In 1795, Poland was wiped off the map for 123 years, which pained Kosciuszko greatly. He took part in many uprisings, fighting for independence of his country to the end of his life.
Tadeusz was a very humble human being. He was way ahead of his time, advocating for Polish serfs in hope the rest of the Europe would follow, and for the American slaves. He was a hero of both worlds, advocating on both continents for equality for all. He stressed importance of not only freeing slaves and serfs, but also providing education in training, giving people skills so they could support themselves.
When the news of his death spread throughout Europe, funeral masses were held in many churches of different faiths.
The story reflects the most humble character. With heartfelt writing, the author sheds light on American and Polish hero, who is well known to Poles. A hero, who to the last days of his life encouraged young cadets to gain valuable knowledge and always serve their country and defend it.
May 26, 2021
Apart from perhaps Lafayette, little attention is given to those other foreign officers, noblemen, and politicians alike who dared to cross the Atlantic and take up arms for the Continental Army. Thaddeus Kosciuszko definitely stands among the bravest and most pure of morals when compared to his fellow Revolutionary War patriots, and Alex Storozynski has set out to set that record straight. With an enlightening introduction, he catches his audience early on by explaining that in his research he found bits of previously unknown accounts including the Polish revolutionary’s landing in Philadelphia and unannounced meeting with Benjamin Franklin—indeed, not via a letter of recommendation with Charles Lee as long held.
Although a bit scattered and unrelated to Kosciuszko, Storozynski begins by setting the stage of both Poland and greater Europe’s standing and role during the mid-eighteenth century—with historical facts ranging from feudalism and uprisings, to Catherine the Great and her vast influence among her neighbors. Storozynski weaves through source after source in order to explain Kosciuszko’s flight from Poland following a brief yet almost fatal romance with a local lord’s daughter, where the soldier travels to France until finally boarding a ship bound for Philadelphia. Here he uses both his confidence and education in engineering to be commissioned as a colonel, proving himself early on in fortifying and defending Philadelphia and other famous battles—notably recommending that the Continental Army setup artillery on a hill next to Fort Ticonderoga, only to be brushed aside to those officers’ inevitable regret shortly after.
While his exploits and achievements in such events as fortifying Bemis Heights for the eventual American victory at Saratoga are told in rich detail, Storozynski also relates that the Polish revolutionary was an ardent crusader for the abolition of slavery, as well as an early advocate for the equality of both Jews and African Americans alike. Referred to as the “architect of West Point,” Kosciuszko’s engineering genius is told in great detail—noting his boredom and longing for a return to the battlefield in letters to such esteemed pen pals as Horatio Gates and Washington. Finally given approval to leave his post for battle (allowing for Arnold to take over and begin his treachery at the fort), the Pole found himself building boats and other tactical masterpieces for the Southern theatre, notably playing a significant part in the Race for the Dan:
Kosciuszko charted the course ahead of the Americans as Cornwallis hunted the rebels in a swirling two hundred-mile diversionary race through the Carolinas to the Dan River. The portable flatboats were used strategically to evade the British with quick river crossings.
The historian James Pula wrote, “Kosciuszko appeared to be everywhere, handling the myriads of details necessary for success, planning lines of march, gathering and dispatching crucial boats, and seeking little known shortcuts.”
Never taking an ounce of his pay granted to him during his military career in America, Kosciuszko would end his stay before returning to Poland as a member of the Society of the Cincinnati and obtaining the post-war rank of brigadier general. These and other facts are scattered through the pages, as Storozynski also reflects that the Pole would carry the longest duration of service held by a foreigner in the Continental Army—a remarkable yet oft-forgotten feat and badge of honor in itself. Unfortunately, the second half of the book drags and becomes rather tedious as it follows the return of Kosciuszko to his homeland: relating the history, politics, and significant figures (even minor individuals) of various revolutions taking place on the European continent in the twilight years of the eighteenth century.
With his tendency to stray from his Polish subject and reflect on greater European history, Storozynski’s writing in these instances is often quick to the point and broken into short sentences—especially when listing important (at times random) dates or people of interest. He characteristically chronicles Kosciuszko using the skills, fame, and revolutionary ideals from his prior service in the American Revolution to help the cause of the struggling Polish army. Indeed, while he never claimed victory as a commander, he miraculously brought the invading Russian army’s losses to a record low in the pivotal Battle of Dubienka. From there on, he would be the leading candidate for revolutionary independence that Polish citizens (and Europeans) would look to, even being honored by such figures as Robespierre and Thomas Paine during a visit to France—leaving just before the horrid Reign of Terror.
A rich history of Kosciuszko—now commander in chief of the Polish army—is given, from his wounds gained at the final quashing of the rebellion by Catherine’s Russian and Cossack forces, to his imprisonment and eventual release obtained by the newly crowned Emperor Paul I of Russia. The book gains new speed further on as Storozynski traces his connection and friendship with both Jefferson and Lafayette, his initial respect and eventual disgust with Napoleon, and the twilight years leading to his death. A man ahead of his time for his steadfast beliefs in democracy and the separation of church and state, Storozynski paints the Pole as a power to behold with his lifelong stance for both liberty and equality. Indeed, he notably concludes with insight on Kosciuszko’s last will, which meant to free many (if not all) of Jefferson’s slaves by his own funds—with the hope for abolition of both slavery and serfdom being among many proud achievements set by the Polish general.
Although a bit scattered and unrelated to Kosciuszko, Storozynski begins by setting the stage of both Poland and greater Europe’s standing and role during the mid-eighteenth century—with historical facts ranging from feudalism and uprisings, to Catherine the Great and her vast influence among her neighbors. Storozynski weaves through source after source in order to explain Kosciuszko’s flight from Poland following a brief yet almost fatal romance with a local lord’s daughter, where the soldier travels to France until finally boarding a ship bound for Philadelphia. Here he uses both his confidence and education in engineering to be commissioned as a colonel, proving himself early on in fortifying and defending Philadelphia and other famous battles—notably recommending that the Continental Army setup artillery on a hill next to Fort Ticonderoga, only to be brushed aside to those officers’ inevitable regret shortly after.
While his exploits and achievements in such events as fortifying Bemis Heights for the eventual American victory at Saratoga are told in rich detail, Storozynski also relates that the Polish revolutionary was an ardent crusader for the abolition of slavery, as well as an early advocate for the equality of both Jews and African Americans alike. Referred to as the “architect of West Point,” Kosciuszko’s engineering genius is told in great detail—noting his boredom and longing for a return to the battlefield in letters to such esteemed pen pals as Horatio Gates and Washington. Finally given approval to leave his post for battle (allowing for Arnold to take over and begin his treachery at the fort), the Pole found himself building boats and other tactical masterpieces for the Southern theatre, notably playing a significant part in the Race for the Dan:
Kosciuszko charted the course ahead of the Americans as Cornwallis hunted the rebels in a swirling two hundred-mile diversionary race through the Carolinas to the Dan River. The portable flatboats were used strategically to evade the British with quick river crossings.
The historian James Pula wrote, “Kosciuszko appeared to be everywhere, handling the myriads of details necessary for success, planning lines of march, gathering and dispatching crucial boats, and seeking little known shortcuts.”
Never taking an ounce of his pay granted to him during his military career in America, Kosciuszko would end his stay before returning to Poland as a member of the Society of the Cincinnati and obtaining the post-war rank of brigadier general. These and other facts are scattered through the pages, as Storozynski also reflects that the Pole would carry the longest duration of service held by a foreigner in the Continental Army—a remarkable yet oft-forgotten feat and badge of honor in itself. Unfortunately, the second half of the book drags and becomes rather tedious as it follows the return of Kosciuszko to his homeland: relating the history, politics, and significant figures (even minor individuals) of various revolutions taking place on the European continent in the twilight years of the eighteenth century.
With his tendency to stray from his Polish subject and reflect on greater European history, Storozynski’s writing in these instances is often quick to the point and broken into short sentences—especially when listing important (at times random) dates or people of interest. He characteristically chronicles Kosciuszko using the skills, fame, and revolutionary ideals from his prior service in the American Revolution to help the cause of the struggling Polish army. Indeed, while he never claimed victory as a commander, he miraculously brought the invading Russian army’s losses to a record low in the pivotal Battle of Dubienka. From there on, he would be the leading candidate for revolutionary independence that Polish citizens (and Europeans) would look to, even being honored by such figures as Robespierre and Thomas Paine during a visit to France—leaving just before the horrid Reign of Terror.
A rich history of Kosciuszko—now commander in chief of the Polish army—is given, from his wounds gained at the final quashing of the rebellion by Catherine’s Russian and Cossack forces, to his imprisonment and eventual release obtained by the newly crowned Emperor Paul I of Russia. The book gains new speed further on as Storozynski traces his connection and friendship with both Jefferson and Lafayette, his initial respect and eventual disgust with Napoleon, and the twilight years leading to his death. A man ahead of his time for his steadfast beliefs in democracy and the separation of church and state, Storozynski paints the Pole as a power to behold with his lifelong stance for both liberty and equality. Indeed, he notably concludes with insight on Kosciuszko’s last will, which meant to free many (if not all) of Jefferson’s slaves by his own funds—with the hope for abolition of both slavery and serfdom being among many proud achievements set by the Polish general.
September 1, 2024
I had only a schoolboy knowledge of Thaddeus Kosciuszko, that he was one of three Europeans, along with Pulaski and Lafayette, to lend considerable assistance to the colonies in the Revolutionary War. But something (I forget what) made me put this on my To-Read shelf, and it arrived this summer as a gift. I learned that there was much more to Kosciuszko than lending a hand at Saratoga. Much more.
Kosciuszko was a trained military engineer, with a republican heart. When he learned of the nascent American revolution, he went to France to look up Ben Franklin. The colonies were begging for engineering help and Kosciuszko volunteered.
Kosciuszko's role in the Revolutionary War is covered here. His expertise was in surveying the landscape and deciding the strengths and weaknesses of the terrain. His advice was not always taken, with egos and political appointments often overruling him. But often he was heeded, with beneficial results. He could build redoubts, block rivers, and basically annoy the British. Every commander, to include Washington, wanted him in their units.
Kosciuszko was thrilled with the fight for freedom but was saddened by American slavery. He became close friends with Thomas Jefferson, a slave owner who said he was against slavery. More on this later.
When Kosciuszko returned to Poland, he likened the feudal reality of serfdom to slavery. Too, he saw Russian intrigue and control as a shackle on his homeland. With Austria and Prussia also making military forays, Kosciuszko led peasants, serfs and burghers in a national defense. And although greatly outnumbered, it might have worked, had not the Polish nobility, afraid of losing their free labor, sided with the Russian court. Kosciuszko was grievously wounded, imprisoned, yet somehow survived.
What elevated this book for me was the matter of Kosciuszko's Will. (I'll be plot-spoiling here, if that can be done to a work of History). Kosciuszko was entitled to backpay for his time in America's service. He didn't whine about it, but from time to time he asked. It took decades, but he was finally awarded a significant sum as well as a plot of land. But Kosciuszko, who had taken to living and dressing as a peasant, didn't really want the money or land for himself. He wrote a letter, a Will, to his close friend Jefferson. In it, Kosciuszko named Jefferson executor and directed him to invest the money, let it grow and, upon Kosciuszko's death, use the money to buy the freedom of Jefferson's slaves. This played out. Kosciuszko died. Jefferson walked into court, read the Will, and said he couldn't do it. Another executor was found, then another, and soon the money was squandered. When Jefferson died, he freed five of his 130 slaves through his Will. . . . that left 126 men, women, and children to be sold at auction along with horses, mules, cattle, vehicles, and farming tools. (He freed two others, in a roundabout way, including Sally Hemmings with whom Jefferson had fathered several children.)
I may stumble upon other works on the Revolutionary War or Poland's own wars in the years I have left. Always now I will look for the name Kosciuszko, and see how he is treated. This was illuminating, often thrilling.
Kosciuszko was a trained military engineer, with a republican heart. When he learned of the nascent American revolution, he went to France to look up Ben Franklin. The colonies were begging for engineering help and Kosciuszko volunteered.
Kosciuszko's role in the Revolutionary War is covered here. His expertise was in surveying the landscape and deciding the strengths and weaknesses of the terrain. His advice was not always taken, with egos and political appointments often overruling him. But often he was heeded, with beneficial results. He could build redoubts, block rivers, and basically annoy the British. Every commander, to include Washington, wanted him in their units.
Kosciuszko was thrilled with the fight for freedom but was saddened by American slavery. He became close friends with Thomas Jefferson, a slave owner who said he was against slavery. More on this later.
When Kosciuszko returned to Poland, he likened the feudal reality of serfdom to slavery. Too, he saw Russian intrigue and control as a shackle on his homeland. With Austria and Prussia also making military forays, Kosciuszko led peasants, serfs and burghers in a national defense. And although greatly outnumbered, it might have worked, had not the Polish nobility, afraid of losing their free labor, sided with the Russian court. Kosciuszko was grievously wounded, imprisoned, yet somehow survived.
What elevated this book for me was the matter of Kosciuszko's Will. (I'll be plot-spoiling here, if that can be done to a work of History). Kosciuszko was entitled to backpay for his time in America's service. He didn't whine about it, but from time to time he asked. It took decades, but he was finally awarded a significant sum as well as a plot of land. But Kosciuszko, who had taken to living and dressing as a peasant, didn't really want the money or land for himself. He wrote a letter, a Will, to his close friend Jefferson. In it, Kosciuszko named Jefferson executor and directed him to invest the money, let it grow and, upon Kosciuszko's death, use the money to buy the freedom of Jefferson's slaves. This played out. Kosciuszko died. Jefferson walked into court, read the Will, and said he couldn't do it. Another executor was found, then another, and soon the money was squandered. When Jefferson died, he freed five of his 130 slaves through his Will. . . . that left 126 men, women, and children to be sold at auction along with horses, mules, cattle, vehicles, and farming tools. (He freed two others, in a roundabout way, including Sally Hemmings with whom Jefferson had fathered several children.)
I may stumble upon other works on the Revolutionary War or Poland's own wars in the years I have left. Always now I will look for the name Kosciuszko, and see how he is treated. This was illuminating, often thrilling.
June 24, 2009
Well written and easy to follow - almost like reading a novel. Bio of Thaddeus Koscuuszko, a Polish citizen who came to America and was one of the top aides to the revolution, returned to Poland and tried to free the serfs, told Jefferson to free the slaves. A bright spot to the and a reminder that not all white people believed in slavery.
May 1, 2021
There was Hamilton musical, now is time for Kościuszko! ♡♡
June 29, 2009
Extremely interesting information about Thaddeus Kosciuszko of whom I was sadly unaware until reading this book. What a marvelous man! I wish that I could have known him. The author, Alex Storozynski, has researched the life of this man thoroughly. I admire Kosciuszko's love of liberty for all peoples and his kindness towards the poor. I also admire his never failing hope for a free Poland and the important work he did in our American Revolution. I dislike very much the aspect of Jefferson's lack of integrity regarding Kosciuszko's will, as it shows a character flaw that I did not before associate with Jefferson. I highly recommend this book! Storozynski has given me a new hero.
July 28, 2021
Książę Chłopów to biografia Kościuszki, które dokładnie pokazuje jego życie nie tylko podczas walk o Niepodległość Polaków, ale także podczas bitew stoczonych dla Ameryki. W biografii zawarte są relacje oraz fragmenty listów, które lepiej umożliwiają wyobrażenie sobie panujących wtedy nastrojów. Jedyne co mogę zarzucić książce to czasami zbytnia szczegółowość na tematy mało co wnoszące do historii (jak były obcisłe spodnie, jak ubranie Kościuszki ze sobą współgrało lub na temat pogody), która powodowała, że biografia stawała się nużąca i przydługa.
Polecam jednak wszystkim zainteresowanym, a sama mam nadzieję doczekać się kiedyś dobrze wykonanej adaptacji historii Kościuszki czy to na ekran lub na deski sceniczne.
Polecam jednak wszystkim zainteresowanym, a sama mam nadzieję doczekać się kiedyś dobrze wykonanej adaptacji historii Kościuszki czy to na ekran lub na deski sceniczne.
August 25, 2026
A little dense but well-written. I especially enjoyed the insight into Jewish politics within the Polish realm during the 1700s.
February 15, 2010
This book was worth the read. The first half was better than the second but that may have had to do with putting it down for three weeks and then picking it up again. I guess I lost continuity. I may not be the fault of the book. Anyway, great cross-cultural read for people that love the 18th century. This book successfuly overlaps 18th century Europe with the dawning of the United States. It brings all the beauty of Eurpean History and overlays it upon the colonies by following the life of a man they named a traffic circle for between South Boston and Dorchester, over by the Boston Globe building on Morrisy Blvd. Next time you drive by, look at the name. You'll see it's Thaddeus Kosciuszko Circle.
Though he was a Polish immigrant, he was a very significant American Revolutionary War patriot. Then, after experiencing many successes here, he goes back home to Poland and leads a revolution there. He's pretty interesting. It's a great read if you want to brush up a bit on some American and European History. Please don't feel like this guy is limited geographically to the U.S. or Poland. His life takes him to Russia, Sweden, Germany, France, England, Haitii, etc. There is a substantial amount of history in this book. Parts of it are quite inspiring.
Though he was a Polish immigrant, he was a very significant American Revolutionary War patriot. Then, after experiencing many successes here, he goes back home to Poland and leads a revolution there. He's pretty interesting. It's a great read if you want to brush up a bit on some American and European History. Please don't feel like this guy is limited geographically to the U.S. or Poland. His life takes him to Russia, Sweden, Germany, France, England, Haitii, etc. There is a substantial amount of history in this book. Parts of it are quite inspiring.
December 5, 2016
An excellent biography of Tadeusz Kościuszko. The author fully fleshes out Kościuszko and the revolutionary time period he lived in. His research is thorough, and his portrait of Kościuszko is fully drawn, shown in all of its glory and humanity. Although at times I felt the book could easily have expanded on such and such a topic, Storozynski, in all, does a great job bringing Kościuszko to life. He has a good grasp of both Kościuszko and the history of his native Poland.
Likewise, all of the other characters involved in the count’s drama are shown in a very human light, from Niemcewicz’s nonstop talking and ambition to Chief Little Turtle’s advice to the count on having an affair. The author has a good grasp of the count’s complicated character. All of the count’s more well-known acts are described in a thorough fashion, such as his building of West Point and his final will, in which he offered to free Jefferson’s slaves and compensate him for it, an offer Jefferson took no interest in.
The book is written somewhat unevenly, and chronologically it jumps around quite a bit, but is quite interesting, entertaining and well-paced. The entire story of Kościuszko is pretty dramatic, which makes reading it a breeze.
Likewise, all of the other characters involved in the count’s drama are shown in a very human light, from Niemcewicz’s nonstop talking and ambition to Chief Little Turtle’s advice to the count on having an affair. The author has a good grasp of the count’s complicated character. All of the count’s more well-known acts are described in a thorough fashion, such as his building of West Point and his final will, in which he offered to free Jefferson’s slaves and compensate him for it, an offer Jefferson took no interest in.
The book is written somewhat unevenly, and chronologically it jumps around quite a bit, but is quite interesting, entertaining and well-paced. The entire story of Kościuszko is pretty dramatic, which makes reading it a breeze.
December 5, 2009
Great book on Thaddeus Kosciuszko, the Polish Patriot who was a hero of the American Revolution as well as Poland's efforts to establish the first constitution in Europe in the 1700s. A true revolutionary far ahead of his time and a dear friend of Washington, Jefferson, Franklin and a who's who of world history. He predicted accurately in the 1790s that if Poland became a true democracy, it would wind up spreading to Russia and most neighboring nations. This would, in fact, happen in 1989 so he was nearly 200 years ahead of his time. A wonderful inspiring book.
August 13, 2010
Marvellous story about a marvelous man who too few know about. One of the only notable revolutionaries of his time to stand up for the rights of all the oppressed-serfs, slaves, Jews, Native Americans. He left Thomas Jefferson In charge of his estate, should he die, with the understanding that he would use the money to free and educate slaves. Storozynski makes Poland's tragedy and Kosciuszko's ours.
March 26, 2011
A bit slow at the start, but a really interesting book about a forgotten hero of our revolution. Truly a man ahead of his time, it's a shame how America has repaid his valor and ideals by disregarding his wishes and sweeping him under the rug. The look at Polish history of the time between the Renaissance and the French Revolution was also appreciated.
September 27, 2026
Curioso el personaje. Luchó por la independencia de Estados Unidos y por la liberación de Polonia (1790s).
As I look upon his tomb, I thought how small the world is after all, and how curiously interwoven are the interests that bind people together..
As I look upon his tomb, I thought how small the world is after all, and how curiously interwoven are the interests that bind people together..
January 20, 2024
Matematyka nie była ich mocną stroną, ale buja
August 27, 2024
Fascinating and sad.
October 21, 2025
I am no expert so I can't judge whether it is historically accurate and does not omit important issues, but it's a lovely read. Now I have a new favorite historical figure.
April 10, 2017
This is perhaps the best book I have read on Polish history and I have read m fair share. Storozynski in uniquely positioned to write this great book. He is American born, so he gets the amazing service that Kosciuszko did for America, but he is also a fluent Polish speaker and child of Polish parents, thus he is able to appreciate the uniqueness of Kosciuszko as a Polish reformer and selfless patriot. The book is the product of a lot of research and unlike many historians, Storozynski writes well and keeps the readers interest.
You can read the book on a number of levels: as a story of American history, obviously Polish history, but it is probably most worthy as a biography of a unique individual who truly was as his friend Thomas Jefferson called him, "as true a son of liberty as there ever was."
I think what most surprised about this book was the amazingly advanced belief in racial equality that the Polish general had all his life. For anyone interested in Poland or the American revolution it is a great read.
You can read the book on a number of levels: as a story of American history, obviously Polish history, but it is probably most worthy as a biography of a unique individual who truly was as his friend Thomas Jefferson called him, "as true a son of liberty as there ever was."
I think what most surprised about this book was the amazingly advanced belief in racial equality that the Polish general had all his life. For anyone interested in Poland or the American revolution it is a great read.
May 15, 2022
I wasn't too keen on the American Revolution sections in the opening half of this book; it's not a part of history that really interests me...but what comes after is a story of tragedy and power that should be much better known than it is. Kosciuszko's life and never-ending passion for the independence of his people may have used up every fiber of his being, but it was clearly something he was willing to pledge his life to achieving...in a realm where romanticism and realism meet. A quiet but determined epic.
August 11, 2025
Great bio on a not well known man but very influential. Friend of Ben Franklin,George Washington,Thomas Jefferson thorn in the side of Catherine the Great and Napoleon Bonaparte designed the fort that would become West Point and recommended the US create a military academy. The man did a lot with his time on earth.
May 25, 2014
Good books on the history of Poland are as rare as hen's teeth. The Peasant Prince then then is a treasure for anyone wishing to learn more about Poland's political and cultural history. Although a journalist Storozyinski writes and researches like an academic producing a very solid book. As a New Yorker, Storozynski knows what aspects of Polish life in the eighteenth century need to be explained to make Kosciuszko's life comprehensible to the North American reader of the 21st century.
Kosciuszko emerges as being highly principled, courageous and very progressive. His great idealism did not prevent him from making critical judgements . Kosciuszko had no illusions about his fellow Poles. He understand fully well that the Polish szlachta would resist his effort to emancipate the Polish serfs. Similarly, he understand that Napoleon intended no good for Poland and declined a commission serve in the imperial army. Kosciuszko, however, was blind to the faults of the American Revolutionaries. Kosciuszko donated his entire salary from serving in the American army to Jefferson so that he could free his slaves. Kosciuszko could never understand why Jefferson did not do so.
If you are in any way interested in the topic, you will love Storozynski's biography of Kosciuszko.
Kosciuszko emerges as being highly principled, courageous and very progressive. His great idealism did not prevent him from making critical judgements . Kosciuszko had no illusions about his fellow Poles. He understand fully well that the Polish szlachta would resist his effort to emancipate the Polish serfs. Similarly, he understand that Napoleon intended no good for Poland and declined a commission serve in the imperial army. Kosciuszko, however, was blind to the faults of the American Revolutionaries. Kosciuszko donated his entire salary from serving in the American army to Jefferson so that he could free his slaves. Kosciuszko could never understand why Jefferson did not do so.
If you are in any way interested in the topic, you will love Storozynski's biography of Kosciuszko.
December 26, 2012
Storozynski's "The Peasant Prince: Thaddeus Kosciuszko and the Age of Revolution" is excellent both as a biography of the remarkable Polish statesman, military engineer, revolutionary and general Tadeusz Kościuszko, and as a brief history of the enlightenment and age of revolution in Europe and America.
The book examines both Kościuszko's service in the American war of independence and later struggle for the liberation of his homeland from foreign powers in detail, often drawing on extensive primary sources including letters, maps, and military correspondence to build a holistic picture of the life of the Polish revolutionary and the times in which he lived. Although detailed, Storozynski's writing never slows down and always captures the excitement and activitiy of the life of his subject.
As a subject you can't do much better than Kościuszko, who was present for so many of the events of the era and was intimately connected with so many influental people, from America's founding fathers to Napoleon Bonaparte and Tsarina Catherine the Great. With this book, Storozynski does him justice.
The book examines both Kościuszko's service in the American war of independence and later struggle for the liberation of his homeland from foreign powers in detail, often drawing on extensive primary sources including letters, maps, and military correspondence to build a holistic picture of the life of the Polish revolutionary and the times in which he lived. Although detailed, Storozynski's writing never slows down and always captures the excitement and activitiy of the life of his subject.
As a subject you can't do much better than Kościuszko, who was present for so many of the events of the era and was intimately connected with so many influental people, from America's founding fathers to Napoleon Bonaparte and Tsarina Catherine the Great. With this book, Storozynski does him justice.
July 25, 2012
Such a marvelous book! I had never heard of Kosciuszko prior to the author's NPR interview but determined to buy the book immediately. I have since noticed Kosciuszko, Tx near San Antonio, where I live and found references in other places as well. That he came to fight in the US revolution on purely ideolgical grounds is really impressive, to say nothing of his contributions to Westpoint (where there is a statue of him). His friendship and frustration with Thomas Jefferson is illustrative and Jefferson's image, to me, was greatly tarnished. I cannot say enough good about this book but it is very readable and incredibly enjoyable.
December 4, 2011
This is a well researched book and was fairly easy to read. The author is clearly a Kosciuszko fan, but given Kosciuszko's life of idealistic consistency, I am too. My education must have been deficient because i don't remember learning about him in school. His determination to use his money to carry out his anti-slavery agenda was sadly undermined by Thomas Jefferson's cowardice. I was so disappointed to learn that Kosciuszko's wishes regarding his American assets were never followed. I highly recommend this book.
July 24, 2009
If you enjoy the stories of history, pick up this book. An extremely good man gave all he could to help win the American Revolution. With that won, and denied his pay, he went back to his native Poland to try to win the freedom of the serfs there. He continued ties to the US and tried to buy the freedom of Jefferson's slaves. How would history be different if he had succeeded? And why didn't it work? Not what you would think.
August 14, 2012
An excellent, clear, and lucid explanation of the complex political situation in Poland, especially relations between Poland and Russia. Also does a good job of putting the Constitution of 3 May into the context of the American and French Revolutions. Also gives great insight into some of the neglected theaters of the American Revolutionary War, as Kosciuszko did not spend much time with Washington. All in all, an excellent biography of a fascinating man.
September 6, 2011
What an interesting and relatively unknown figure from the American Revolution. He was also so progressive in his attitudes about society, worker's rights (peasants, in his case), slavery, etc. He lectyred Jefferson about freeing his slaves! Jefferson promised to use K's money after he died to pay for J's slaves' freedom, but J broke his promise.
December 16, 2011
Let's see, - American revolutionary war hero, tortured by Catherine the great, betrayed by Napolean Bon aparte - hero to the serfs and somewhat unlucky in love. Sounds like a full and complete life. Well done biography but even more well done life. What a pleasure to read.
February 14, 2010
loved all the American Revolution history in this book.
May 15, 2011
Very well written!!! Particularly strong on the relationship between Kosciuszko and Jefferson.
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