About
Józef Ignacy Kraszewski (1812-1887) was one of the most prolific Polish writers, author of over 220 novels, plays, poetry, and historical works. He studied at the University of Vilnius, then settled in Volhynia, where he wrote novels about peasant life. After the January Uprising of 1863, he went into exile in Dresden, becoming a central figure of the Polish émigré community. His major work is a cycle of 29 historical novels covering the entire history of Poland, beginning with 'An Ancient Tale' (1876). He is also known for his Saxon Trilogy and his epic poem 'Anafielas' inspired by Lithuanian mythology.
* 1812-07-28 — † 1887-03-19
Major works
- Stara baśń (1876)novel
- Hrabina Cosel (1874)novel
- Brühl (1875)novel
- Anafielas (1845)epic poem
- Chata za wsią (1854)novel
Key milestones
- 1830Arrested for participation in nationalist conspiracies linked to the November Uprising.
- 1863Exiled to Dresden after the failure of the January Uprising.
- 1883Arrested in Berlin on charges of spying for France, imprisoned in Magdeburg.
Themes
Polish historyPeasant lifeSlavic and Lithuanian mythologyExile and emigrationNational identity
Sources: britannica.com · ernie.uva.nl · culture.pl