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The Teutonic Knights is an epic of medieval times and national destiny, ranking as one of the highest achievements from the pen of Henryk Sienkiewicz, the Nobel Prize winner for Literature in 1905. The novel follows the adventures of Macko, a resourceful and wise veteran of war, and his young nephew, Zbyszko, the symbol of a maturing nation, as they struggle, along with the unified peoples of Poland and Lithuania, against the oppressive religious military order, the Teutonic Knights. Among the many memorable characters are Jurand, a merciless, bitter fighter consumed with revenge; his daughter, the innocent Danusia, a girl of twelve who must face the barbarity of the German knighthood; the strong-willed Jagienka, equally adept at shooting a crossbow or administering an estate; Hlawa, a Czech squire of noble birth who is as quick with his wit as he is with his axe; Sanderus, a peddler of religious relics and indulgences whose earthly cravings seem greater than any spiritual needs. A host of other memorable characters fills the canvas set against lush, almost magical forests, dangerous marshes replete with tales of human heads walking on spider legs, winter blizzards that blanket the world in a white wonderland - all at once beautiful and foreboding. Splendid castles are described here, court hunts, single combats that test valor and strength. The customs of knights with their code of honor and feelings of love are adroitly explored. The entirety culminates in one of the most important battles in medieval history, the Battle of Grunwald. The Teutonic Knights was published in America in 1900 in various competing translations of erratic quality. Not until 1943 did a translation worthy of this masterpiece appear, but unfortunately its release was limited to Great Britain. It is this translation that has been revised and edited by Miroslaw Lipinski with an eye for both fluidity in the English language and fidelity to the original Polish.
First published January 1, 1900
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About the author
Henryk Sienkiewicz
1,384 books715 followersHenryk Adam Aleksander Pius Sienkiewicz (also known as "Litwos"; May 5, 1846–November 15, 1916) was a Polish journalist and Nobel Prize-winning novelist. He was one of the most popular Polish writers at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, and received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1905 for his "outstanding merits as an epic writer."
Born into an impoverished gentry family in the Podlasie village of Wola Okrzejska, in Russian-ruled Poland, Sienkiewicz wrote historical novels set during the Rzeczpospolita (Polish Republic, or Commonwealth). His works were noted for their negative portrayal of the Teutonic Order in The Teutonic Knights (Krzyżacy), which was remarkable as a significant portion of his readership lived under German rule. Many of his novels were first serialized in newspapers, and even today are still in print. In Poland, he is best known for his historical novels "With Fire and Sword", "The Deluge", and "Fire in the Steppe" (The Trilogy) set during the 17th-century Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, while internationally he is best known for Quo Vadis, set in Nero's Rome. Quo Vadis has been filmed several times, most notably the 1951 version.
Sienkiewicz was meticulous in attempting to recreate the authenticity of historical language. In his Trilogy, for instance, he had his characters use the Polish language as he imagined it was spoken in the seventeenth century (in reality it was far more similar to 19th-century Polish than he imagined). In The Teutonic Knights, which relates to the Battle of Grunwald in 1410, he even had his characters speak a variety of medieval Polish which he recreated in part from archaic expressions then still common among the highlanders of Podhale.
In 1881, Sienkiewicz married Maria Szetkiewicz (1854-1885). They had two children, Henryk Józef (1882-1959) and Jadwiga Maria (1883–1969).
Born into an impoverished gentry family in the Podlasie village of Wola Okrzejska, in Russian-ruled Poland, Sienkiewicz wrote historical novels set during the Rzeczpospolita (Polish Republic, or Commonwealth). His works were noted for their negative portrayal of the Teutonic Order in The Teutonic Knights (Krzyżacy), which was remarkable as a significant portion of his readership lived under German rule. Many of his novels were first serialized in newspapers, and even today are still in print. In Poland, he is best known for his historical novels "With Fire and Sword", "The Deluge", and "Fire in the Steppe" (The Trilogy) set during the 17th-century Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, while internationally he is best known for Quo Vadis, set in Nero's Rome. Quo Vadis has been filmed several times, most notably the 1951 version.
Sienkiewicz was meticulous in attempting to recreate the authenticity of historical language. In his Trilogy, for instance, he had his characters use the Polish language as he imagined it was spoken in the seventeenth century (in reality it was far more similar to 19th-century Polish than he imagined). In The Teutonic Knights, which relates to the Battle of Grunwald in 1410, he even had his characters speak a variety of medieval Polish which he recreated in part from archaic expressions then still common among the highlanders of Podhale.
In 1881, Sienkiewicz married Maria Szetkiewicz (1854-1885). They had two children, Henryk Józef (1882-1959) and Jadwiga Maria (1883–1969).
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February 20, 2023
#biblioteca afectivă
Fiecare cititor împătimit are o bibliotecă afectivă. A mea începe, desigur, cu acest roman. În biblioteca personală, volumele nu sînt rînduite neapărat după valoare (deși romanul lui Sienkiewicz e valoros, fără a fi o capodoperă), ci după o ordine a trăirilor și desfătării produse de lectură. Și, pînă la urmă, plăcerea contează. Ea „ordonează” cărțile în rafturi.
Am citit Cruciații, Purtătorii de cruce (cam aceasta ar fi traducerea literală a titlului polonez Krzyżacy), în fiecare vacanță de vară (în liceu și facultate), fără greș, și cu o plăcere mereu reînnoită, pîna cînd cineva a înstrăinat volumul al doilea (dintr-o ediție mai veche), care începe cu predarea lui Jurand din Spychow în mîinile teutonilor. Mai tîrziu, am întîlnit scena așteptării și umilirii bravului cavaler, lîngă zidurile cetății din Szczytno, într-o piesă de teatru a francezului Henry de Montherlant, Maestrul Ordinului Santiago (I: 3), și am înțeles astfel că și alții au prețuit acest roman.
Ma întreb, acum, după atîta amar de vreme de la întîia lectură, ce m-a impresionat în aceste pagini și-mi spun că nu e vorba neapărat de acțiunea trepidantă, nici de exaltarea curajului cavaleresc, a forței fizice (deși e și asta, poate), ci de modul de a înțelege iubirea. Doar în poemele trubadurilor am mai întîlnit o viziune asemănătoare, despre iubirea-pasiune, analizată într-o carte celebră de Denis de Rougemont.
Și chiar nu vă interesează soarta Danusiei?
P. S. Dacă tot am volumul lui Henry de Montherlant în față, voi copia pasajul menționat mai sus: „Știi ce-mi amintește zăpada asta? O anumită scenă dintr-un poem epic german. Un cavaler aparținînd, mi se pare, Ordinului Teutonilor, stătea în picioare în fața punții ridicate a unui castel întărit, așteptînd cu capul plecat, plin de umilință, sub ninsoarea care-l înveșmînta, să se lase podul. Venise să plătească răscumpărarea fiicei sale, ținută prizonieră în castel. Timpul trecea încet și din oră în oră se tot amîna clipa în care avea să fie primit. Și deodată începe să fie împroșcat cu tot felul de batjocuri. Servitorimea castelului aruncă în el cu bulgări de zăpadă și resturi de oase de la ospăț. Dar el nu se clintește, așteaptă mereu. El, trufașul, el, cîinosul, el, groaza dușmanilor lui, îndură totul numai pentru că e în joc soarta fiicei lui”.
P. P. S. Am scris despre cartea lui Denis de Rougemont, Iubirea și Occidentul AICI.
Fiecare cititor împătimit are o bibliotecă afectivă. A mea începe, desigur, cu acest roman. În biblioteca personală, volumele nu sînt rînduite neapărat după valoare (deși romanul lui Sienkiewicz e valoros, fără a fi o capodoperă), ci după o ordine a trăirilor și desfătării produse de lectură. Și, pînă la urmă, plăcerea contează. Ea „ordonează” cărțile în rafturi.
Am citit Cruciații, Purtătorii de cruce (cam aceasta ar fi traducerea literală a titlului polonez Krzyżacy), în fiecare vacanță de vară (în liceu și facultate), fără greș, și cu o plăcere mereu reînnoită, pîna cînd cineva a înstrăinat volumul al doilea (dintr-o ediție mai veche), care începe cu predarea lui Jurand din Spychow în mîinile teutonilor. Mai tîrziu, am întîlnit scena așteptării și umilirii bravului cavaler, lîngă zidurile cetății din Szczytno, într-o piesă de teatru a francezului Henry de Montherlant, Maestrul Ordinului Santiago (I: 3), și am înțeles astfel că și alții au prețuit acest roman.
Ma întreb, acum, după atîta amar de vreme de la întîia lectură, ce m-a impresionat în aceste pagini și-mi spun că nu e vorba neapărat de acțiunea trepidantă, nici de exaltarea curajului cavaleresc, a forței fizice (deși e și asta, poate), ci de modul de a înțelege iubirea. Doar în poemele trubadurilor am mai întîlnit o viziune asemănătoare, despre iubirea-pasiune, analizată într-o carte celebră de Denis de Rougemont.
Și chiar nu vă interesează soarta Danusiei?
P. S. Dacă tot am volumul lui Henry de Montherlant în față, voi copia pasajul menționat mai sus: „Știi ce-mi amintește zăpada asta? O anumită scenă dintr-un poem epic german. Un cavaler aparținînd, mi se pare, Ordinului Teutonilor, stătea în picioare în fața punții ridicate a unui castel întărit, așteptînd cu capul plecat, plin de umilință, sub ninsoarea care-l înveșmînta, să se lase podul. Venise să plătească răscumpărarea fiicei sale, ținută prizonieră în castel. Timpul trecea încet și din oră în oră se tot amîna clipa în care avea să fie primit. Și deodată începe să fie împroșcat cu tot felul de batjocuri. Servitorimea castelului aruncă în el cu bulgări de zăpadă și resturi de oase de la ospăț. Dar el nu se clintește, așteaptă mereu. El, trufașul, el, cîinosul, el, groaza dușmanilor lui, îndură totul numai pentru că e în joc soarta fiicei lui”.
P. P. S. Am scris despre cartea lui Denis de Rougemont, Iubirea și Occidentul AICI.
May 15, 2025
Given to me by my aunt and uncle when I was a teenager, The Teutonic Knights by Henry Sienkiewicz was a gift to expand my library collection. I loved books and had an affinity for English history, so they thought I'd love learning about all different aspects of the world from many years ago. I skimmed through it that Christmas season and occasionally read some sections as I grew older. This year, I made a concerted effort to read as much as I could, all while building my new library in my new house in CT. Set on three or four shelves dedicated to history books, it's been a great addition to my non-fiction reading. I hadn't know it was translated, and it felt very comfortable. Lots to learn and remember, and it's definitely meant for someone who loves this part of history.
December 15, 2025
Може би е най-любимия ми рицарски роман!
Борбата на полските и литовските шляхтичи с военизираните и жестоки немски религиозни ордени в Прибалтика е предадена епично, книгата макар и огромна като обем се чете леко и е страшно увлекателна.
Какво повече му трябва на един десетинагодишен хлапак?
Збишко от Богданец и неговата история ще имат завинаги място в момчешкото ми сърце!
Борбата на полските и литовските шляхтичи с военизираните и жестоки немски религиозни ордени в Прибалтика е предадена епично, книгата макар и огромна като обем се чете леко и е страшно увлекателна.
Какво повече му трябва на един десетинагодишен хлапак?
Збишко от Богданец и неговата история ще имат завинаги място в момчешкото ми сърце!
January 31, 2025
A real piece of history, which may look obsolete for the modern reader: no ghosts, no vampires, no SF, only men at war and their feelings.
So I wonder who is able to enjoy this sort of story in our days...
So I wonder who is able to enjoy this sort of story in our days...
September 6, 2025
"Хрестоносці" Генрика Сінкевича — це повернення до епохи, коли література не соромилася бути відверто романтичною, а герої були героями без жодних напівтонів. Ця стара-добра рицарська романтика давно вийшла з моди в сучасному літературному світі, де панують складні антигерої та моральна амбівалентність.
Тут немає психологічних нюансів сучасної прози — негідники лишаються негідниками до останньої сторінки, лицарі незламно благородні, а жінки прекрасні й недосяжні. Зняв на сучасний смак ріже око гендерна політика, так би мовити)
"Хрестоносці" — це не просто історичний роман, це фундаментальний твір для формування польської національної ідентичності. Сінкевич створив не стільки художній твір, скільки національний міф, який на покоління визначив, як поляки бачать себе в історії.
Загалом я непогано провів час за читанням цього твору
August 30, 2025
4,5 zvaigznes.
Viduslaiku vēsture visā tās sarežģītībā. Droši vien poļiem šim vajadzētu izsaukt pacilātu patriotismu par savu stipro garu, bet pilnīgi noteikti interesanti arī mums citiem. Klasisks vēsturisks romāns. Nu varbūt mazliet par klasisku, jo teksts lasās smagnēji.
Viduslaiku vēsture visā tās sarežģītībā. Droši vien poļiem šim vajadzētu izsaukt pacilātu patriotismu par savu stipro garu, bet pilnīgi noteikti interesanti arī mums citiem. Klasisks vēsturisks romāns. Nu varbūt mazliet par klasisku, jo teksts lasās smagnēji.
October 7, 2022
Co jak co, ale Krzyżaków nie trzeba nikomu przedstawiać. Dla wielu koszmar z czasów szkolnych, ze względu na swoje gabaryty jak i język, którym posługuje się autor. To w zasadzie mój reread, bo właśnie w czasach szkolnych ta książka była jedną z niewielu lektur, które przeczytałam od deski do deski i co ciekawe - bardzo mi się ta książka spodobała. Jak jest po kilku latach?
Tylko najpierw wypadałoby powiedzieć o czym są Krzyżacy. Całą książkę można podzielić grubą kreską na dwie części. Jedna związana jest ze Zbyszkiem z Bogdańca, który zauroczył się w Danusi i złożył jej śluby rycerskie. W tle przewija się druga część, związana z eskalacją konfliktu zbrojnego z tytułowymi Krzyżakami, ale żeby to uściślić to z Zakonem Krzyżackim. Cały konflikt doprowadza do słynnej Bitwy pod Grunwaldem.
Dalej podoba mi się ta książka. Po prostu. Średniowiecze, rycerze, honor, walki, godność, lojalność oraz oddanie. Oczywiście zgodzę się z tym, że książka jest na swój sposób rozlazła. Sienkiewicz bardzo szczegółowo wszystko opisywał i zdaję sobie sprawę, że to wiele osób może strasznie zmęczyć. Jednak w tej szczegółowości jest coś co podziałało na mnie jak magnes, a więc doceniam, że ta powieść jest w takiej formie, a nie innej. Zdecydowanie trzeba podejść do tej książki z własnej, nieprzymuszonej chęci (muszę przeczytać bo lektura szkolna, a za tydzień sprawdzian etc.), dać sobie czas, dozować treść tyle ile damy radę i fabuła sama zaczyna iść do przodu.
Może moja ocena jest dosyć mało popularna, ale cóż.. tak już to bywa.
Tylko najpierw wypadałoby powiedzieć o czym są Krzyżacy. Całą książkę można podzielić grubą kreską na dwie części. Jedna związana jest ze Zbyszkiem z Bogdańca, który zauroczył się w Danusi i złożył jej śluby rycerskie. W tle przewija się druga część, związana z eskalacją konfliktu zbrojnego z tytułowymi Krzyżakami, ale żeby to uściślić to z Zakonem Krzyżackim. Cały konflikt doprowadza do słynnej Bitwy pod Grunwaldem.
Dalej podoba mi się ta książka. Po prostu. Średniowiecze, rycerze, honor, walki, godność, lojalność oraz oddanie. Oczywiście zgodzę się z tym, że książka jest na swój sposób rozlazła. Sienkiewicz bardzo szczegółowo wszystko opisywał i zdaję sobie sprawę, że to wiele osób może strasznie zmęczyć. Jednak w tej szczegółowości jest coś co podziałało na mnie jak magnes, a więc doceniam, że ta powieść jest w takiej formie, a nie innej. Zdecydowanie trzeba podejść do tej książki z własnej, nieprzymuszonej chęci (muszę przeczytać bo lektura szkolna, a za tydzień sprawdzian etc.), dać sobie czas, dozować treść tyle ile damy radę i fabuła sama zaczyna iść do przodu.
Może moja ocena jest dosyć mało popularna, ale cóż.. tak już to bywa.
September 4, 2021
"Фараон" Болеслава Пруса мне понравился больше, там и экшен покруче, да и сюжет получше, но стиль в лучше в "Крестоносцах".
В "Крестоносцах" мне не понравилась зацикленность (две трети книги!) на любовном треугольнике (хотя Данусе досталось, конечно. Ее отцу, впрочем, тоже) и длинные отрывки, в которых ничего не происходит. Еще автор очень хотел, чтобы мы выучили слово мизерикордия (и у него получилось).
Автор отлично описывает рыцарское ПТСР ("Не нужна святым душам кровь человеческая"), но не углубляется в тему, а все само проходит, когда ГГ признается в любви и радуется новой войне; понравилась психологичность описаний безумия, в которое повергла Зигфрида смерть Ротгера (который был ему как сын?), и тех бесчинств, которые он учинил в итоге, и кульминацией которого стала такая жуткая и впечатляющая сцена самоубийства, что ее срочно надо экранизировать; описание последней битвы впечатляет.
В "Крестоносцах" мне не понравилась зацикленность (две трети книги!) на любовном треугольнике (хотя Данусе досталось, конечно. Ее отцу, впрочем, тоже) и длинные отрывки, в которых ничего не происходит. Еще автор очень хотел, чтобы мы выучили слово мизерикордия (и у него получилось).
Автор отлично описывает рыцарское ПТСР ("Не нужна святым душам кровь человеческая"), но не углубляется в тему, а все само проходит, когда ГГ признается в любви и радуется новой войне; понравилась психологичность описаний безумия, в которое повергла Зигфрида смерть Ротгера (который был ему как сын?), и тех бесчинств, которые он учинил в итоге, и кульминацией которого стала такая жуткая и впечатляющая сцена самоубийства, что ее срочно надо экранизировать; описание последней битвы впечатляет.
July 9, 2023
Wiele zaskoczeń dała mi ta lektura, m.in.:
- zachwyt nad intrygą i zmyślnością bohaterów (a tak naprawdę autora),
- brutalność i naturalizm,
- odważna i charakterna postać kobieca,
- wspominanie elementów fantastycznych jak smoki, jednorożce, czarnoksiężnicy, strzygi,
- momentami gotycki klimat (kostucha),
- a przede wszystkim to jak głęboko zakorzeniona jest ta powieść w polskości - naszych charakterach, fobiach, czy narodowym kompleksie niższości, który Sienkiewicz oddaje już u średniowiecznych Polaków (really?!) 💆🏻♂️
- o dziwo znalazłem tez słowa, które mnie uderzyły w serducho:
„nie napytam ja szczęścia ni tobie, ni komu, bo czego nie mam, tego i dać nie zdolę” - Jagienka 💔
- zachwyt nad intrygą i zmyślnością bohaterów (a tak naprawdę autora),
- brutalność i naturalizm,
- odważna i charakterna postać kobieca,
- wspominanie elementów fantastycznych jak smoki, jednorożce, czarnoksiężnicy, strzygi,
- momentami gotycki klimat (kostucha),
- a przede wszystkim to jak głęboko zakorzeniona jest ta powieść w polskości - naszych charakterach, fobiach, czy narodowym kompleksie niższości, który Sienkiewicz oddaje już u średniowiecznych Polaków (really?!) 💆🏻♂️
- o dziwo znalazłem tez słowa, które mnie uderzyły w serducho:
„nie napytam ja szczęścia ni tobie, ni komu, bo czego nie mam, tego i dać nie zdolę” - Jagienka 💔
June 25, 2013
The Knights of the Cross: http://readwithstyle.wordpress.com/20...
If you are looking for a historical novel, probably the best choice is the Polish journalist and Noble-prize winner Henryk Sienkiewicz. Born in the Russian-ruled Poland in the middle of the 19th century, Sienkiewicz wrote most of his historical novels set during the Polish Republic or Commonwealth. What can be noted about him is his negative portrayal of the German knights of the cross. This idea is most evident in the historical novel The Knights of the Cross.
The Knights of the Cross is set in the 14th century and it depicts the clash between the Poland kingdom, one of the most powerful kingdoms at that time, and the German knights of the cross. The conversion to Christianity is at its peak and most of the nations in Europe are already baptized. The German knights of the cross and the Polish kingdom struggle for influence in the Christian world. Through the story of a common knight, the Polish Zbishko and his uncle Machko, Sienkiewicz condemns the avarice, hypocrisy, and corruption of the German monks. The latter use God to justify their cruel and selfish actions, aimed not to baptize the European nations, but to increase their power and influence. Hidden behind Christianity as an excuse, the German knights of the cross subordinate the nations through murders, executions, and wars. Sienkiewicz, as a Polish citizen, is of course subjective, but he amazes the reader with his extensive historical knowledge and understanding.
Read more: http://readwithstyle.wordpress.com/20...
If you are looking for a historical novel, probably the best choice is the Polish journalist and Noble-prize winner Henryk Sienkiewicz. Born in the Russian-ruled Poland in the middle of the 19th century, Sienkiewicz wrote most of his historical novels set during the Polish Republic or Commonwealth. What can be noted about him is his negative portrayal of the German knights of the cross. This idea is most evident in the historical novel The Knights of the Cross.
The Knights of the Cross is set in the 14th century and it depicts the clash between the Poland kingdom, one of the most powerful kingdoms at that time, and the German knights of the cross. The conversion to Christianity is at its peak and most of the nations in Europe are already baptized. The German knights of the cross and the Polish kingdom struggle for influence in the Christian world. Through the story of a common knight, the Polish Zbishko and his uncle Machko, Sienkiewicz condemns the avarice, hypocrisy, and corruption of the German monks. The latter use God to justify their cruel and selfish actions, aimed not to baptize the European nations, but to increase their power and influence. Hidden behind Christianity as an excuse, the German knights of the cross subordinate the nations through murders, executions, and wars. Sienkiewicz, as a Polish citizen, is of course subjective, but he amazes the reader with his extensive historical knowledge and understanding.
Read more: http://readwithstyle.wordpress.com/20...
May 9, 2020
"Krzyżaków" z działu powieści historycznych powinno przenieść się na dział horrorów, najlepiej ze skutkiem natychmiastowym. Prośbę moją motywuję tym, że na dźwięk tego tytułu większość młodzieży zaczyna wykazywać objawy wstrząsu psychicznego, traumy pourazowej i paniki.
Co tam "Lśnienie", w tych czasach to bajeczka dla grzecznych dzieci, ponure żniwo zniszczonej młodej psychiki jaką zebrali "Krzyżacy" jest nie do przebicia. Rodzice straszą nimi swoje dzieci, starsze rodzeństwo szepcze młodszemu pełnym napięcia, grobowym głosem: będziesz musiał przeczytać "Krzyżaków", wtedy zobaczysz czym jest cierpienie. Rzesze psychologów powinny składać hołd Sienkiewiczowi, który (nieświadomie, jak podejrzewam) tworząc tak mrożące krew w żyłach dzieło, stworzył podwaliny ich dzisiejszej pracy :)
Kiedyś bardziej lubiłam "Krzyżaków" (ba, uwielbiałam), jednak chyba czas przyznać, że Sienkiewicz wraz z dorastaniem traci na uroku. Nie jestem ponowną lekturą tak rozczarowana jak w przypadku "W pustyni i w puszczy", ale było kilka irytujących dorosłą mnie elementów, których jako dziecko absolutnie nie zauważałam. Zbyszek rozśmieszał mnie tym swoim średniowiecznym dresiarskim podejściem "masz jakiś problem?! - będziem się pojedynkować!", mimoza-blondyna oczywiście jest sienkiewiczowską bezradną "damą w opałach", tylko Jagienkę jak lubiłam, tak do dzisiaj lubię, bo to krzepka dziołcha była. Podobnie darzę sympatią Maćka, szczwany lis z niego.
Do "Krzyżaków" pewnie jeszcze kiedyś wrócę, mam jakiś sentyment do tej historii, a powieści historyczne zawsze dobrze mi się czytało.
7/10
Co tam "Lśnienie", w tych czasach to bajeczka dla grzecznych dzieci, ponure żniwo zniszczonej młodej psychiki jaką zebrali "Krzyżacy" jest nie do przebicia. Rodzice straszą nimi swoje dzieci, starsze rodzeństwo szepcze młodszemu pełnym napięcia, grobowym głosem: będziesz musiał przeczytać "Krzyżaków", wtedy zobaczysz czym jest cierpienie. Rzesze psychologów powinny składać hołd Sienkiewiczowi, który (nieświadomie, jak podejrzewam) tworząc tak mrożące krew w żyłach dzieło, stworzył podwaliny ich dzisiejszej pracy :)
Kiedyś bardziej lubiłam "Krzyżaków" (ba, uwielbiałam), jednak chyba czas przyznać, że Sienkiewicz wraz z dorastaniem traci na uroku. Nie jestem ponowną lekturą tak rozczarowana jak w przypadku "W pustyni i w puszczy", ale było kilka irytujących dorosłą mnie elementów, których jako dziecko absolutnie nie zauważałam. Zbyszek rozśmieszał mnie tym swoim średniowiecznym dresiarskim podejściem "masz jakiś problem?! - będziem się pojedynkować!", mimoza-blondyna oczywiście jest sienkiewiczowską bezradną "damą w opałach", tylko Jagienkę jak lubiłam, tak do dzisiaj lubię, bo to krzepka dziołcha była. Podobnie darzę sympatią Maćka, szczwany lis z niego.
Do "Krzyżaków" pewnie jeszcze kiedyś wrócę, mam jakiś sentyment do tej historii, a powieści historyczne zawsze dobrze mi się czytało.
7/10
March 4, 2012
Incredible, amazing novel! I cannot really explain what I liked most about it, but it accounted for lots of strong emotions I experienced while reading it.
I read it in Polish original version 'Krzyżacy' and Russian translation 'Крестоносцы'.
I read it in Polish original version 'Krzyżacy' and Russian translation 'Крестоносцы'.
October 19, 2014
Страшно много ми хареса-толкова е близко до нас!
December 27, 2024
Більше відгуків у моєму книжковому Telegram та YouTube-каналі.
"Хрестоносці" - це велика панорама боротьби поляків проти німців, про конфлікт між Польщею і Тевтонським орденом наприкінці 13 - початку 14 століття. Головним героєм виступає молодий Збишко, що без тями та з першого погляду закохується у прекрасну Данусю та потрапляє у серйозні пригоди через це.
Хоча фабула здається простою, насправді у книзі дуже багато колоритних героїв, непередбачуваних подій та доволі сумних поворотів сюжету. За 750 сторінок Сенкевич не тільки змальовує для читача епоху, а й змушує співпереживати героям та вболівати за них.
Для мене "Хрестоносці" - це другий роман автора, до того я читала "Вогнем та мечем" і була вражена. Тут же текст ні на краплину не гірший, але такого захвату вже не було. Напевно, все через те, як сильно я змінилась за останні 3 роки, й наскільки явним для мене стало бажання Сенкевича створити твір, який би згуртував навколо себе поляків, зміцнив їхню самосвідомість. Але я не полячка, я не відчула піднесення, а лиш побачила глобальне "ми героїчно проти всіх". Це не погано, у всіх народів має бути така література.
З іншої сторони, у "Хрестоносцях" не зникли ті риси, які мене здивували у "Вогнем та мечем": непередбачуваний сюжет (та я просто офігіла від історії Дануськи!), сильні та гідні жіночі персонажі, масштабний опис часу, багато історичних деталей та інше. Це було настільки добре, що я планую і далі читати Сенкевича. Хіба що очікування будуть вже зовсім інакші.
Якщо підсумовувати всі мої враження: книга мені сподобалась, це тверде добре. Хоча твір розлогий і мені знадобився час на прочитання, та я не втомлювалась від цього обсягу. Я відчувала емоції від дій персонажів та змін у світі книги. Я співпереживала, співчувала та трошечки сміялась над лицарськими звичаями. Це було дуже хороше читання.
"Хрестоносці" - це велика панорама боротьби поляків проти німців, про конфлікт між Польщею і Тевтонським орденом наприкінці 13 - початку 14 століття. Головним героєм виступає молодий Збишко, що без тями та з першого погляду закохується у прекрасну Данусю та потрапляє у серйозні пригоди через це.
Хоча фабула здається простою, насправді у книзі дуже багато колоритних героїв, непередбачуваних подій та доволі сумних поворотів сюжету. За 750 сторінок Сенкевич не тільки змальовує для читача епоху, а й змушує співпереживати героям та вболівати за них.
Для мене "Хрестоносці" - це другий роман автора, до того я читала "Вогнем та мечем" і була вражена. Тут же текст ні на краплину не гірший, але такого захвату вже не було. Напевно, все через те, як сильно я змінилась за останні 3 роки, й наскільки явним для мене стало бажання Сенкевича створити твір, який би згуртував навколо себе поляків, зміцнив їхню самосвідомість. Але я не полячка, я не відчула піднесення, а лиш побачила глобальне "ми героїчно проти всіх". Це не погано, у всіх народів має бути така література.
З іншої сторони, у "Хрестоносцях" не зникли ті риси, які мене здивували у "Вогнем та мечем": непередбачуваний сюжет (та я просто офігіла від історії Дануськи!), сильні та гідні жіночі персонажі, масштабний опис часу, багато історичних деталей та інше. Це було настільки добре, що я планую і далі читати Сенкевича. Хіба що очікування будуть вже зовсім інакші.
Якщо підсумовувати всі мої враження: книга мені сподобалась, це тверде добре. Хоча твір розлогий і мені знадобився час на прочитання, та я не втомлювалась від цього обсягу. Я відчувала емоції від дій персонажів та змін у світі книги. Я співпереживала, співчувала та трошечки сміялась над лицарськими звичаями. Це було дуже хороше читання.
March 6, 2014
Read online
The Teutonic Knights was the official name of the military order located in the northern part of Poland. The “Knights of the Cross” is a direct translation of polish word “Krzyzacy” a nickname used by Poles because the knights of this order wore black crosses on their armor.
read
tbr busting 2012
online AND paper
finished skimming this via paperback 16/4/2012. It was chewy.
2.5*
Once recovered from this I may have a tilt at this: With Fire and Sword
ETA: have found the film instead: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0128378/
The Teutonic Knights was the official name of the military order located in the northern part of Poland. The “Knights of the Cross” is a direct translation of polish word “Krzyzacy” a nickname used by Poles because the knights of this order wore black crosses on their armor.
read
tbr busting 2012
online AND paper
finished skimming this via paperback 16/4/2012. It was chewy.
2.5*
Once recovered from this I may have a tilt at this: With Fire and Sword
ETA: have found the film instead: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0128378/
October 17, 2022
Muszę to przyznać, Sienkiewicz mi leży fest. Jagienka jest totalnie relatable - jak bieda to ona na wszystko znajdzie rozwiązanie. Jest zaradna i dobra. Ale jak już przychodzi się na kogoś decydować to ona nawet nie jest brana pod uwagę 💔 no nic, rycerze byli fajni, polecam.
August 2, 2015
The Teutonic Knights is one of my least favourite works by Henryk Sienkiewicz the author of a great Trilogy about the wars in that took place in the mid 17th century in Poland as well of Quo Vadis a remarkable book about the Christian persecution at Rome at the time of Nero.
The problem might be that there is a great deal more source material for the author to have drawn on for the other two historical periods than is the case for the era of the Teutonic Knights. Sienkiewicz's descriptions of the political struggles of the time period in which the Teutonic Knights is set are half-hearted and desultory. He simply chooses to demonize the Germans. As a devote Catholic he avoids the issue of why on earth the Pope allowed the Teutonic Knights to continue their depredations after the Eastern Baltic converted to Christianity.
The Teutonic Knights were a crusading order of Priest-Knights founded in 12th Century in Acre which is in modern day Israel. In 1230 they moved to East Prussia nominally to Christianize the Prussians. Their presence certainly speeded the conversion of the Lithuanians and Poles. The Prussians were simply exterminated. As the civilian atrocities continued after the conversions and the Popes decided to maintain their charter, the Lithuanians and Poles banded together to put a stop to their depredations. With a decisive victory at the Battle of Grunwald in 1410, the Poles and Lithuanians put an end to the expansion of the Teutonic Knights as their attacks on Polish and Lithuanian settlements.
The German settlers that the Knights brought to their territory took the name of the extinct Prussians. Their state would survive and would lead the drive towards German unification in the 18th and 17th Centuries. In 1945, the Russians liquidated East Prussia bringing an end to the state created by the Teutonic Knights.
You may be motivated to read the Teutonic Knights either because you love medieval historical novels or because you are Polish. You most readers the book will be simply long-winded and morose.
Sienkiewicz's Trilogy has many moments of humour. In particular, the first volume, "With Fire and Sword" has the gaiety of an Alexandre Dumas novel. However, wit and comedy is entirely absent from the "Teutonic Knights" with the exception of one delightful passage where a relics peddler arrives selling rungs from Jacob's ladder. Without the Dumas gaiety is gone, the "Teutonic Knights" becomes a very mean-spirited "Ivanhoe."
Sienkiewicz appears to have been written the "Teutonic Knights" in reaction to Germany's 19th Century Kulturkampf in which it attempted to suppress the Polish language and Catholic institutions in its Eastern territories. A modern reader might sympathize with Sienkiewicz's outrage but still the tone is unpleasant for a North American reader living in the 21st Century. What is clear is that after the horrific events of World War II in which Poland lost one sixth of its population, anti-German feelings ran high amongst the Poles assuring that the "Teutonic Knights" would enjoy great popularity in Poland throughout the second-half of the twentieth century. This novel certainly tells you more about Post WWII Poland, than it does about the 15th Century that is set it.
The problem might be that there is a great deal more source material for the author to have drawn on for the other two historical periods than is the case for the era of the Teutonic Knights. Sienkiewicz's descriptions of the political struggles of the time period in which the Teutonic Knights is set are half-hearted and desultory. He simply chooses to demonize the Germans. As a devote Catholic he avoids the issue of why on earth the Pope allowed the Teutonic Knights to continue their depredations after the Eastern Baltic converted to Christianity.
The Teutonic Knights were a crusading order of Priest-Knights founded in 12th Century in Acre which is in modern day Israel. In 1230 they moved to East Prussia nominally to Christianize the Prussians. Their presence certainly speeded the conversion of the Lithuanians and Poles. The Prussians were simply exterminated. As the civilian atrocities continued after the conversions and the Popes decided to maintain their charter, the Lithuanians and Poles banded together to put a stop to their depredations. With a decisive victory at the Battle of Grunwald in 1410, the Poles and Lithuanians put an end to the expansion of the Teutonic Knights as their attacks on Polish and Lithuanian settlements.
The German settlers that the Knights brought to their territory took the name of the extinct Prussians. Their state would survive and would lead the drive towards German unification in the 18th and 17th Centuries. In 1945, the Russians liquidated East Prussia bringing an end to the state created by the Teutonic Knights.
You may be motivated to read the Teutonic Knights either because you love medieval historical novels or because you are Polish. You most readers the book will be simply long-winded and morose.
Sienkiewicz's Trilogy has many moments of humour. In particular, the first volume, "With Fire and Sword" has the gaiety of an Alexandre Dumas novel. However, wit and comedy is entirely absent from the "Teutonic Knights" with the exception of one delightful passage where a relics peddler arrives selling rungs from Jacob's ladder. Without the Dumas gaiety is gone, the "Teutonic Knights" becomes a very mean-spirited "Ivanhoe."
Sienkiewicz appears to have been written the "Teutonic Knights" in reaction to Germany's 19th Century Kulturkampf in which it attempted to suppress the Polish language and Catholic institutions in its Eastern territories. A modern reader might sympathize with Sienkiewicz's outrage but still the tone is unpleasant for a North American reader living in the 21st Century. What is clear is that after the horrific events of World War II in which Poland lost one sixth of its population, anti-German feelings ran high amongst the Poles assuring that the "Teutonic Knights" would enjoy great popularity in Poland throughout the second-half of the twentieth century. This novel certainly tells you more about Post WWII Poland, than it does about the 15th Century that is set it.
March 27, 2018
Majstersztyk! ♥
W szkole średniej strasznie to męczyłam, i nie pamiętam nawet dokładnie czy zmęczyłam do końca czy też nie...
Cieszę się że postanowiłam ponownie sięgnąć po Sienkiewicza. Być może z upływem lat dojrzałam do tych treści, lub kilkanaście lat życia na emigracji pomogło mi docenić polskie artystyczne klejnoty, bo powieść jest naprawdę cudowna - szczegółowa, skomplikowana, emocjonująca. Pełna anty-niemieckiej propagandy, owszem - ale czegóż innego oczekiwać od powieści pisanej dla pokrzepienia serc?
Do tych 5 gwiazdek bardzo przyczynił się lektor Zbigniew Wróbel, który czytał mi podczas sprzątania, aerobiku czy do snu - i czytał wspaniale, modulując głosem tak że nie było wątpliwości która z postaci właśnie przemawia nawet przy dłuższych dialogach. Słuchałam go z nieprzerwaną przyjemnością. (Zwłaszcza podobał mi się cienki, mizerny głosik Sanderusa :D)
A Maćko z Bogdańca to w tej chwili mój ulubiony bohater polskiej literatury.
"Mądryś, ale nie bardzo."
Uwielbiam go!
W szkole średniej strasznie to męczyłam, i nie pamiętam nawet dokładnie czy zmęczyłam do końca czy też nie...
Cieszę się że postanowiłam ponownie sięgnąć po Sienkiewicza. Być może z upływem lat dojrzałam do tych treści, lub kilkanaście lat życia na emigracji pomogło mi docenić polskie artystyczne klejnoty, bo powieść jest naprawdę cudowna - szczegółowa, skomplikowana, emocjonująca. Pełna anty-niemieckiej propagandy, owszem - ale czegóż innego oczekiwać od powieści pisanej dla pokrzepienia serc?
Do tych 5 gwiazdek bardzo przyczynił się lektor Zbigniew Wróbel, który czytał mi podczas sprzątania, aerobiku czy do snu - i czytał wspaniale, modulując głosem tak że nie było wątpliwości która z postaci właśnie przemawia nawet przy dłuższych dialogach. Słuchałam go z nieprzerwaną przyjemnością. (Zwłaszcza podobał mi się cienki, mizerny głosik Sanderusa :D)
A Maćko z Bogdańca to w tej chwili mój ulubiony bohater polskiej literatury.
"Mądryś, ale nie bardzo."
Uwielbiam go!
May 10, 2024
nienawidzę sienkiewicza i jego twórczości, jedyny wyjątek to quo vadis, dosłownie najżmudniejszy i najbardziej monotonny język spośród wszystkich autorów lektur szkolnych. może i dostał nobla literackiego, ale powinien także dostać w ryja za to, jakiego mi cierpienia przysporzył, kiedy próbowałam przebrnąć przez tę kupę śmierdzącego gówna. nie pozdrawiam.
July 15, 2018
This is the book that started me on a path to a History Degree. The characters and story were so engaging that I was actually upset that Medieval Poland is forgotten about in pop culture and textbooks. It saddens me that it is not better known.
November 26, 2023
My little secret about Henryk Adam Aleksander Pius Sienkiewicz, (5 May 1846 – 15 November 1916) epic novel, The Teutonic Knights is that it is my fourth novel by this author and it is fourth place in my order of preference. Further I am unsure as to who is the right audience for this now 120 plus year old novel. To the degree that anyone has heard of him, most know him from the movie, if not the novel, Quo Vadis. This is a bible based epic novel and yielded several block buster movies including one staring Debra Kerr and Robert Taylor.
The main plot, and there are at least three major sub plots , revolves around an ongoing struggle with the German religious order of The Teutonic Nights, AKA Order of the Cross. This was a religious order, fully armed and self-charged with the goal of Christianizing Eastern Europe. By the beginning of the book, Eastern Europe had pretty much Christianized itself and had little reason to acknowledge nor support this German conversion by force of arms. Not directly spoken of by Sienkiewicz. The Order had a habit of starving out, or displacing the local population and replacing them with Germans. The author has little positive to say about the spiritual values of this invading army and with some key exception he makes it clear that those his many Polish major characters will fight lack virtually every Christian value and were creatures of lust, avarice and while well enough versed in the complex rules of Knighthood, they follow them more as a public face than as a real commitment.
In terms of a modern audience, this is an extremely slow-moving book. For a readership used to half hour television and a five-hour mini series being a major time commitment, this 750 page door stop will be intolerable. It is overwhelming male dominated. And yet, war and peace is something a Princess can heavily influence. A major female character holds her own as a huntress, estate manager and thoughtful advisor during of councils of war. We can almost see the author winking when the usually most clever of the male characters comments that one does not usually so much wisdom from a woman.
All of the Sienkiewicz novel I have read have been in the form of epics, meaning large in scale and in page count. In Teutonic Knights I most felt the drag of the pacing. What I came to understand, was that the story is told in the language approximating that of the time (1400) in which the story is based. Certain formulas applied when speaking of subjects religious, the presence of pre–Christian Forest spirits and devils, and the demands of honor, especially as associated with a “belted” knight. Further one cannot understand how slowly time passes when traversing marsh land or frozen forests if there is not a similar time investment in the page count. Christianity is assumed. The POV is on the knightly class and the propertied. Humans are routinely given or taken as a matter of prizes, there being only slight distinction between peasant feudal status and being a slave. If it is antisemitic, it is equally anti Muslim and hardly pro pagan
As is the case in most any book like this one, one has to have some idea of the outcome, so the author gives us a number of plot points to be resolved along the way. We may think we know who will marry who among the two main characters, but there is a marriage and a kidnapping that means no reader can be that certain.
For the symbolists, we have characters representing the old with its old grudges, the new, not yet matured character of Poland. Given Sienkiewicz’s commitment to a philosophy, Polish Positivism, he has a message that Poland, entirely free of Russian influence needs to be better educated and experienced in the problems of self-governing.
In short there is nothing short about The Teutonic Knights. Because of all its fighting, nationalism, lack of feminism more than a little off handed disparagement of Jews, Muslims anyone not of the knightly, or propertied class a lot of readers should skip this one. It is an adventurer novel well above the more typical swash buckling novel, and a relatively reliable peak into a history not readily covered general European histories. Not my favorite, but one I am glad to have read.
The main plot, and there are at least three major sub plots , revolves around an ongoing struggle with the German religious order of The Teutonic Nights, AKA Order of the Cross. This was a religious order, fully armed and self-charged with the goal of Christianizing Eastern Europe. By the beginning of the book, Eastern Europe had pretty much Christianized itself and had little reason to acknowledge nor support this German conversion by force of arms. Not directly spoken of by Sienkiewicz. The Order had a habit of starving out, or displacing the local population and replacing them with Germans. The author has little positive to say about the spiritual values of this invading army and with some key exception he makes it clear that those his many Polish major characters will fight lack virtually every Christian value and were creatures of lust, avarice and while well enough versed in the complex rules of Knighthood, they follow them more as a public face than as a real commitment.
In terms of a modern audience, this is an extremely slow-moving book. For a readership used to half hour television and a five-hour mini series being a major time commitment, this 750 page door stop will be intolerable. It is overwhelming male dominated. And yet, war and peace is something a Princess can heavily influence. A major female character holds her own as a huntress, estate manager and thoughtful advisor during of councils of war. We can almost see the author winking when the usually most clever of the male characters comments that one does not usually so much wisdom from a woman.
All of the Sienkiewicz novel I have read have been in the form of epics, meaning large in scale and in page count. In Teutonic Knights I most felt the drag of the pacing. What I came to understand, was that the story is told in the language approximating that of the time (1400) in which the story is based. Certain formulas applied when speaking of subjects religious, the presence of pre–Christian Forest spirits and devils, and the demands of honor, especially as associated with a “belted” knight. Further one cannot understand how slowly time passes when traversing marsh land or frozen forests if there is not a similar time investment in the page count. Christianity is assumed. The POV is on the knightly class and the propertied. Humans are routinely given or taken as a matter of prizes, there being only slight distinction between peasant feudal status and being a slave. If it is antisemitic, it is equally anti Muslim and hardly pro pagan
As is the case in most any book like this one, one has to have some idea of the outcome, so the author gives us a number of plot points to be resolved along the way. We may think we know who will marry who among the two main characters, but there is a marriage and a kidnapping that means no reader can be that certain.
For the symbolists, we have characters representing the old with its old grudges, the new, not yet matured character of Poland. Given Sienkiewicz’s commitment to a philosophy, Polish Positivism, he has a message that Poland, entirely free of Russian influence needs to be better educated and experienced in the problems of self-governing.
In short there is nothing short about The Teutonic Knights. Because of all its fighting, nationalism, lack of feminism more than a little off handed disparagement of Jews, Muslims anyone not of the knightly, or propertied class a lot of readers should skip this one. It is an adventurer novel well above the more typical swash buckling novel, and a relatively reliable peak into a history not readily covered general European histories. Not my favorite, but one I am glad to have read.
July 18, 2014
This book was well written. The medieval theme appealed to me, and I enjoyed reading about medieval custom and war, about how things worked, and about duels and unrequited love.
That being said, the book provides a completely one-sided view of the events it describes. The Polish, whose side the writer obviously stands on, are always presented as living legends, strong like bulls and as honourable as humanly possible. Each and every one is extreme in his virtue, passion and valiance, while also harbouring a hatred for the Teutonic knights, as larger than life as himself.
The Teutonic knights, on the other hand, are presented as monstrous deceivers, who mainly achieve their goals through trickery and deceit. They are often presented cruel and heartless, and are very close to the typical villain.
All this gives the book an awkward feel. It is evident it was written from the Polish side, but it is not presented that way: an omniscient narrator is used, instead of first-person account, which would give enough cause to present things in such a one-sided manner.
Also, another grudge of mine is that everything is so romantic and idealized. This is mainly seen in the subplot revolving around the protagonist's love story, but finds its way into everything, from knightly duels to how the characters speak.
I read that the book was written at a time that there was no Polish state, and it was an effort to unite the Polish people, and an allegorical one, as well. However, even after realizing this, I couldn't forgive the book. If you think you could, for an account of medieval wars and knightly deeds, then this book is for you.
That being said, the book provides a completely one-sided view of the events it describes. The Polish, whose side the writer obviously stands on, are always presented as living legends, strong like bulls and as honourable as humanly possible. Each and every one is extreme in his virtue, passion and valiance, while also harbouring a hatred for the Teutonic knights, as larger than life as himself.
The Teutonic knights, on the other hand, are presented as monstrous deceivers, who mainly achieve their goals through trickery and deceit. They are often presented cruel and heartless, and are very close to the typical villain.
All this gives the book an awkward feel. It is evident it was written from the Polish side, but it is not presented that way: an omniscient narrator is used, instead of first-person account, which would give enough cause to present things in such a one-sided manner.
Also, another grudge of mine is that everything is so romantic and idealized. This is mainly seen in the subplot revolving around the protagonist's love story, but finds its way into everything, from knightly duels to how the characters speak.
I read that the book was written at a time that there was no Polish state, and it was an effort to unite the Polish people, and an allegorical one, as well. However, even after realizing this, I couldn't forgive the book. If you think you could, for an account of medieval wars and knightly deeds, then this book is for you.
November 13, 2022
A wonderful and epic tale of the struggles of the Polish people and their feisty resistance against the Teutonic Knights. The mature knight Macko and his hot-headed nephew Zbyszko are central figures in this novel, and we follow them on their adventures across the Polish lands. On their way they meet a lot of diverse characters, who are also very vivid and memorable - the fearsome Jurand, the sweet Danusia, the independent Jagienka, the brave Hlawa, and many more. Out of all of them, I have to say that my favorites were Jagienka and Hlawa, who very quickly established themselves as genuine and candid characters, and I had a lot of fun reading about them.
Even though the novel is fictional, there are a lot of historically accurate events going on in the background (and occasionally in the foreground), and I did manage to learn some interesting facts about the events in the Polish territories in the end of the Middle Ages.
Even though the novel is fictional, there are a lot of historically accurate events going on in the background (and occasionally in the foreground), and I did manage to learn some interesting facts about the events in the Polish territories in the end of the Middle Ages.
April 8, 2019
What I've learned from this book:
1. The Teutonic Knights were assholes.
2. Polish men are insanely strong. Like so strong they can bend iron with their bare hands and leap over horses while fully clad in armor.
3. Anyone named Jagienka is awesome.
I am absolutely infatuated with the characters in this story. It's such a ridiculous and overblown tale, but it's so charmingly told that it doesn't matter. I was constantly bemoaning Zbyzsko's wrongheadedness and laughing at the Sieur de Lorche's desire to save maidens from dragons and adoring Jagienka for everything. I will definitely be reading more Sienkiewicz. And maybe taking a primer on how to pronounce Polish names.
1. The Teutonic Knights were assholes.
2. Polish men are insanely strong. Like so strong they can bend iron with their bare hands and leap over horses while fully clad in armor.
3. Anyone named Jagienka is awesome.
I am absolutely infatuated with the characters in this story. It's such a ridiculous and overblown tale, but it's so charmingly told that it doesn't matter. I was constantly bemoaning Zbyzsko's wrongheadedness and laughing at the Sieur de Lorche's desire to save maidens from dragons and adoring Jagienka for everything. I will definitely be reading more Sienkiewicz. And maybe taking a primer on how to pronounce Polish names.
January 5, 2011
This is an entertaining read full of over-the-top romanticism and lots of cliche... but then, it is a child of its times. If you've read it then I strongly advise seeing the film which sticks closely to the book (the director could hardly drift away from what is a much loved book amongst the Poles). The film, also, is a child of its times; there's that great "Seig Heil" moment that puts the Teutonic assault on the Poles and Lithuanians in a historical setting!
Read
May 29, 2022Dnf
March 31, 2023
ja nie wiem w ogóle po co była ta lektura nigdy jej nie użyłam do czegokolwiek a jedyne co z niej pamiętam to to ze był tam jakiś Zbyszko
August 24, 2024
Время действия охватывает десятилетие между годом смерти королевы Ядвиги (1399) и Грюнвальдской битвой (1410). В книге ясно показано тогдашняя война между Немецким Орденом и Польским Королевством. Сенкевич отлично совместил исторический жанр с приключенческим. Во время прочтении книги Я хотел оказаться на поле битвы и сражаться вместе с храбрыми, польскими рыцарями за честность и за справедливость. Мне также понравились герои, так как хорошо дополняли друг друга. Например - храбрый Збышко который в нужный момент всегда готов был вызвать кого-то на смертный бой, конным или пешим, мечом или секирой, но в то же время его дядя Мацько славился своей мудростью и своим умом. Они хорошо дополняли друг друга и проходили через все трудности жизни.
В окончании скажу что Я в корни поменял своё мнение про тогдашних рыцарей, про их честь,про немецких крестоносцев и про их подлых поступков, а также про Орден.
Рекомендую к чтению.
В окончании скажу что Я в корни поменял своё мнение про тогдашних рыцарей, про их честь,про немецких крестоносцев и про их подлых поступков, а также про Орден.
Рекомендую к чтению.
August 14, 2021
2,5/5 audiobook
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