The Deluge (2 Volumes)

A big huge book that has all the volumes of the deluge in one. The only downside is the printing a bit small and faded, and the polish names badly botched. Traduction in English not very good, I read the original years ago and had to sit and think what was exactly the meaning. Shouldn't put the names phonetically but write exactly like they are, and put in the first page how to pronounce, that's what everyone does. Otherwise, if you're a English speaker that knows nothing about Europe's history, you will find it entertaining, if you can wrap your mind around the info. Keep in mind flaying,beheading,beatings and cutting limbs were part of everyday life a thousand years ago. Also kidnapping and enslaving to sell at the slave market of the Muslims could befall anyone, noble and serve ,mind that for the people that think slaves are only from Africa. 99%of slaves in the Ottoman Empire were white, spoils of war. Eye opener, huh?

My wife is Polish so I started out with her English translation of With Fire and Sword. So then I had to read the second in this trilogy and the length is intimidating but it's a good read and I learned a lot about Polish culture and history that I wasn't aware of. Helps to have a Polish spouse to do the occasional translation of some words and explanation of various customs. I've gof Fire In The Steppe waiting for the last of the trilogy. Fortunately it's less than 800 pages.

Unable to obtain "The Deluge" Volume One. "The Deluge" Volume Two is a "page turner". The author's descriptions of life in Poland during the Swedish occupation go from glorious to 'gritty' and all points in between. The chance of surviving a battle was so low, it is incredible that anyone fought at all. The Polish nobility ruled with a 'iron fist'. The king was fortunate if the nobles cooperated. The serfs were fortunate if the nobles stayed away.

This is the second part of a trilogy written by a Nobel prize winner for literature (Quo Vadis). If you enjoy historical novels, you are in for a treat. Like with Russian lit, the names are a bit daunting at first, but that soon becomes unimportant as one gets completely absorbed in the characters and the story. Unlike the depressing Russian novels, these were written to "raise the hearts", and despite the tragedy and drama have a very uplifting tone and effect on the reader.

My rating is based solely on the fact that I was led to believe I would get both volumes. I only got volume 2 and based on some of the other reviews I think only the second volume is being sold here. You’ll have to buy the first volume separately. The product title say “the Deluge (2 volumes)” I think this is a mistake and really means “the Deluge (volume 2)”. This should be fixed to prevent further confusion.

Book seems in great condition and the cover art and interior map are beautiful. I would offer my view on the text itself but this is volume two of Potop only. You must buy volume one separately. The seller's note mentioned this fact but I somehow missed that. So, make sure you know what volume of this two volume book you are purchasing.

Vendor said they are like new, and they absolutely are like new! Very nice.

Henryk Sienkiewicz' Trilogy is a Nobel Prize winner for literature but was never fully translated into English until these editions. His brightly drawn characters are compelling and the story is wide ranging and absorbing.

Rapid delivery of great books. Read them years ago when I took them from my local library. Treated myself so that I could read them again.

A stunning read (just like the first book in the trilogy ('with Fire and Sword')).

Another masterpiece from the master of historical fiction. To really appreciate this gifted author, you must read all three books in his illustrious trilogy.