Potop

The main character is a young, impulsive and brave Andrzej Kmicic, who at the beginning of the novel appears as a controversial figure – prone to violence and disorder, but deeply patriotic. Through his fate, love for Oleńka Billewiczówna and the difficult trials of war, Sienkiewicz depicts the heroic defense of Poland, the fall of Warsaw, the siege of Jasna Góra and the final reversal and triumph of the Polish resistance under the leadership of King Jan Kazimierz and Stefan Czarniecki.

The novel is full of spectacular battles, religious motifs, noble life and deep patriotism. Sienkiewicz masterfully combines historical facts with fiction, creating an exciting story of crisis, betrayal, repentance and national revival. The work was written at a time when Poland was divided between the great powers, so it had a strong educational and patriotic effect.

Sienkiewicz's The Deluge is a masterpiece of the historical novel – dynamic, romantic and deeply humane – which still captivates readers today with its wealth of characters, vivid descriptions and message of resistance and love for the homeland. This Croatian edition from 1941–1942 is a popular edition of the Jeronim Library, intended for a wider audience during the turbulent times of World War II.