“Pan Tadeusz” is revered as the epic poem of Poland. Set in 1811 and 1812, when Napoleon had established a foothold in the Grand Duchy of Warsaw, it tells the story of two feuding families and the two young lovers caught in the middle. Napoleon promises to free the Poles from Russian occupation if they take the side of the French. One family wants to remain loyal to Russia, the other to support the French and fight for Poland’s freedom. Adam Mickiewicz (1798 – 1855) beloved as the National Poet of Poland wrote “Pan Tadeusz” while living in exile in France. His homeland was occupied by Russia, where he would not have had the freedom to write this ode to Polish history and heritage. His great work of poetry remains today required reading in Polish schools. This English version was translated by George Rapall Noyes in 1917. He wrote it in prose instead of the original poem format, but it retains all the grand sweep of historical detail, rich cultural references and romantic passions set against the tumultuous era when Napoleon was preparing to invade Russia.
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