Pilsudski: A Biography

by Aleksandra Piłsudska

A Biography is a comprehensive account of the life of J������zef Pilsudski, the Polish statesman and military leader who played a pivotal role in the country's struggle for independence and subsequent development. The book is written by Alexandra Pilsudska, the granddaughter of Pilsudski, who draws on family archives, personal recollections, and extensive research to provide a detailed and nuanced portrait of this complex figure.The biography covers Pilsudski's early years, his involvement in the socialist movement, his time as a political prisoner, and his emergence as a key figure in the fight against the Russian Empire. It also explores his role in the establishment of the Second Polish Republic, his efforts to modernize the country, and his controversial decision to stage a coup in 1926.Throughout the book, Pilsudska provides insight into Pilsudski's personality, motivations, and relationships, as well as his impact on Polish history and his enduring legacy. The biography is a richly detailed and engaging account of one of the most important figures in modern Polish history.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

Genres: History, Poland

356 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1940

About the author

First lady of Poland 1921-1922 as second wife of Józef Piłsudski.

In 1904 she joined the Polish Socialist Party (PPS) was activist and joined its military arm.

In 1908, she took part in the Bezdany raid which she helped organising, where Piłsudski and several revolutionaries robbed a Russian mail train.

During the First World War, she worked in the intelligence and communication section of the First Brigade of the Polish Legions and became involved with the Polish Military Organisation.

After the German invasion of Poland on 1 September 1939 she fled with her daughters via Lithuania, Latvia and Sweden to the United Kingdom. There she wrote her memoirs, and lived in London until her death

Reviews

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part autobiography of Alexandra Pilsudska, part biography of Jozef Pilsudski, part memoirs of the struggle of the Polish nation and a concise history of Poland 1908 till Pilsudski's death in 1935.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite being called Pilsudksi (and presumably famed Polish hero Jozef Pilsudski, this book is more a combination of biography of both him and his wife, the author, Alexandra. A Slavic naming convention is why his wife's name is spelled Pilsudska instead of Pilsudski.

Starting out with the tale of her escape from Poland as the Germans and Soviets invaded and occupied the country in September 1939 (after Jozef Pilsudski had already died), the book then goes between being about Alexandra's early life living under Partition, Jozef and Alexandra's relationship, Jozef's life and imprisonment, along with the story of how both of them struggled to free Poland from the 123+ year Partition where Poland.

Certain aspects seem barely covered, such as the famed 1920 defense of Warsaw (known as the Miracle on the Vistula), which seems a bit odd (Jozef Pilsudski however wrote his own book on the subject). It is still a wonderful book giving personal insights on one of the early 20th Century's more imposing, and sadly forgotten, figures.

[Chris Sarda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting book from a skewed perspective

Interesting book from a skewed perspective which actually made it a more enjoyable read. This book is for anyone interested in Polish history, Europe history or a general history fan that wants something different.