Finally! An author has done justice to Kosciuszko's remarkable life story. PEASANT PRINCE is very comprehensive and loaded with history but reads like an engrossing novel. Hopefully, Kosciuszko will get the recognition and respect that he deserves as one of the leaders who most shaped the course of the American Revolution. He was a true Son of Freedom who lived his ideals - unlike his contemporaries who wrote about equality and justice but could not renounce their slave-sustained lifestyle (yes, you, Thomas Jefferson). This single book is like a whole course on the American Revolution that also includes some of the juicier tidbits about the lives and personalities of the characters. A must-read for all Americans who want to understand the labor pains of our country's birth.

This historical book is very well written. The author spends just enough time on related details such as the personal life and thoughts of the main character as he does on the major historical events. It is a good read for anyone interested in the American revolution and in Polish history.

Polish-Americans know of some of the accomplishments of Kosciuszko but there was so much more fascinating and important detail to his amazing life. The Peasant Prince is a well documented biography and not just another book extolling the Polish Revolutionary War hero.

What really piqued my interest were the chapters devoted to the convoluted maneuverings of the Polish Aristocracy and the European ruling powers of the time. I have read some accounts of those times in Polish books, but somehow did not have a clear "Big" picture of what was going on. Alex Storozynski was able to condense a lot of Polish history into more understandable form.

A well written, easy read. As a Polish language "purist", I'm not sure why the author felt it necessary to anglicize Polish names ("Louisa" is not the English equivalent of "Ludwika"). And just one other nit-pick; the title. He was neither a peasant not a prince although a case could be made that he was a prince of the peasants. Truly, one of the earliest of "bleeding heart liberals".

I was pleasantly surprised to find that I read this book with little effort while it educated me on the historical facts surrounding our revolution and related events in Western AND Eastern Europe. Unexpectedly, the book gave me a good understanding of how history unfolding on both sides of the Atlantic was interconnected. While I was familiar with many of the historical events of Kosciuszko's time, after reading this book I now have a much better feel for their proper sequence and how certain facts or attitudes preceded, prompted or provided inspiration for specific developments occurring elsewhere.
The book makes Kosciuszko widely appealing, in that it brings out his experiences which in many ways mirror the experiences of the common people who are frustrated by those who are more powerful, more politically connected, more greedy, cynical, arrogant, and less deserving of merit, position or rewards. By telling the story of Kosciuszko, Storozynski reinforces the notion that kindness, moral courage and hard work do not always bring success and comfort, but yet are values that generate respect, love, gratitude, and admiration, thereby revealing, and re-justifying, to present day Americans, the reason so many of their streets, towns and bridges are named after some guy called Kosciuszko.

Terrible sellers. Would NEVER do business or recommend them. Sent them over thirty emails and recieved no reply. No refund, not book. Should take them off your Amazon sellers.

I haven't had a chance to read the book as of yet, but it was shipped quickly and packed very well. I am looking forward to reading the book as I heard the author on NPR discussing the book, I will also be doing a live book report for the DAR on this book, terrific portraits and copies of maps etc in the book.

MR. Storozynski has done a wonderful job highlighting the life of a great, yet under appreciated man. The prose is easy to read and the end notes are very insightful. The immense amount of research that it took to write this book is manifest in every page. I knew nothing about Kosciuszko when my wife gave me the book as a gift, which is a pity because he was a tremndous figure in early American as well as European history, having met Generals, Czars, Kings, and Presidents. Kosciuszko fought for the freedom of all people everywhere he traveled and thanks to this book his legacy has a new luster. I highly recommend this book to all.

This is a very readable book about the life of an exemplary human being. Mr. Kosciuzko is my new hero and added to Washington and Franklin as my favorite Revolutionary War leaders. Kosciuzko was, like several of his contemporaries, far ahead of his time in his view of the human condition. The author does an excellent job of telling his life story which was truly dedicated to elevating the condition of mankind. I highly recommend this book.

An excellent biography of Koscluszko, an almost forgoten hero of the Revolutionary War. Well writen and hard to put down. The history of his estate and the poor behavior of Jefferson and the leagle system is a reminder not to trust politians and lawyers.

By chance, I met the author in Philadelphia during a vacation in May. I purchased the book after talking to him a bit, mostly because of his passion for Thaddeus Kosciuszko and his sense of patriotism. I read the book while on vacation and on the flight home and found myself thoroughly engrossed with an important character in the history of our country that I knew nothing about. Not only was the story great reading, it made me want to learn more about our history outside of the generic school teachings. I highly recommend this book for it's superb story of a man who helped shape our nation. Our history teachings on the founding of our country needs to be expanded to include his story. I find myself telling anyone that gives me a chance about Kosciuszko!

A wonderful bio of one of Americas most important Patriots. Thaddeus Kosciusko, a hero in the fatherland, Poland, but long neglected in American Revolutionary history. Alex Storozynski has concisely compiled the life of this forgotten hero in a way that flows and keeps the reader in anticipation of what lies ahead. A great resource for anyone doing research of an historical nature, but more important is the ease with which the reader can accomplish that goal. Mr Storozynski has done the research and has done it superbly well. Kosciusko, a man ahead of his time. A freedom fighter. Standing on the principles of Liberty, Justice and Equality for all of mankind, he devoted his life to the cause asking nothing in return but the abolishment of slavery,serfdom and feudalism. He lived his ideals and led by example on and off the battlefield. This tactical engineer was indeed far ahead of his time. A highly recommended read.

I recently saw the author do a book reading on C-SPANs Book TV and was so impressed that I immediately went out and purchased the book. When I got home I realized that I had actually purchased a signed copy. How lucky can you get? I finished the book while on vacation in 4 days. I live in Troy, NY and have traveled many, many times over the Thaddeus Kosciuszko bridge. I knew very little of the man but one of the engineers who built the bridge was a friend of my father's so for most of my life it was Mr. White's bridge. The opportunity to find out about the man who had a bridge named for him intrigued me. I have read other books on the American Revolution but never learned so much as I did when I read this book. As the book closed on the American Revolution, I had to admit that I wasn't sure the rest of his story would hold my attention. I was wrong. Never before had the story of Poland and Europe been explained in such a way. My history teachers did a poor job of relating such interesting facts and people. I don't think the story of Thaddeus Kosciuszko was ever taught. How could he be left out of any story of the world's history at that time? What a noble and fascinating human being. I often wonder where our great thinkers and leaders are now. We seem overwhelmed with public figures who are all about greed and self promotion. Are our schools presenting history with the attention it should be given in the classroom? Are we presenting the facts and human drama that shaped the course of the world in a way that our young people can make the link between the past, the present and the future? I'm not so sure but I do my part by trying to educate myself and pass on what I learn. This book has done a lot to help me with my very minor effort to enlighten whoever will indulge me as I relate the stories I read. The story of Thaddeus Kosciuszko has given me a lot to talk about as I sit with my children and try to "turn the light on".

I was amazed at the thorough research conducted by Alex Storozynski, and enjoyed reading the entire work. In the intro Storozynski mentioned that he wanted the true person of Kosciuszko to be portrayed, and not just a eulogized image, and that purpose was most definitely fulfilled. You meet a real a man with a real human nature, someone you can identify with, and also greatly admire because of his nobleness of purpose and his perseverance to his ideals of equality for all humanity, and the freedom he desired for his homeland, Poland. My only problem with the book, was there were a few times that I wanted to know `more' and I can easily see how the book could be twice its length! I don't know how long Storozynski spent conducting research and writing, but his depth of knowledge of Kosciuszko and Polish history is evident. I also really enjoyed Storozynski's `word-smithing' that was evident throughout the book, from the chapter titled `Napoleon comes up short' (gotta love that one!) to "It would be sixty years before the healing powers of the fountains of Lourdes would first mystify southern France, yet when Kosciuszko's ship docked nearby at the port of Bayonne on June 28, 1798, he cast aside his crutches and stood up on his own." Being much more than just a list of facts in chronological order, Storozynski's book brings you face to face with real people. He not only brought the person of Kosciuszko alive to me, but I also enjoyed meeting others... I didn't realize that Niemcewicz was such a blabber mouth and tried to ride Kosciuszko's coat tails. And Chief Little Turtle's advice on having an affair with Catherine was priceless. Jefferson came alive, as did others, like Ludwika his first love. I had no idea that Kosciuszko's will (the purpose of which was to free and educate African slaves in America) never materialized after his death. I also had not realized the Washington/Lafayette vs the Jefferson/Kosciuszko connection and found that thought-provoking as well.
And I really enjoyed reading about the last part of his life. In my own studies on Kosciuszko, I had not come across any more than `he spent the last years of his life in Switzerland with the Zeltner family.' I love the prayer that he wrote during his last years... there was just so much that I enjoyed reading and discovering about Kosciuszko that my own copy of Storoznski's book The Peasant Prince has many `dog-eared' pages so I could easily find this or that fact that fascinated me about this great man's life. This book will captivate anyone who wants to read the life story of a true hero; his trials, triumphs and temptations: and be inspired!

I enjoyed this book so incredibly much. I'd give it 10 stars if I could. Each night, I slipped back into the days of the revolution and walked with a great American hero. If the subject matter interests you, you'll love this book!

The sweep of this biography shows that the American Revolution also brought change to Europe as well. Kosciuszko was right in the mix on both sides of the Atlantic. He arrived in Philadelphia in 1776 and met Ben Franklin who put him in charge of building forts. He was friends with Washington, Jefferson and the other Founding Fathers and he was instrumental in the Battle of Saratoga, the turning point of the Revolution. He also built West Point, and in a notorious act of treason, Benedict Arnold tried to sell the fort that Kosciuszko built to the British. After the war, Kosciuszko left a last will and testament asking that his salary from the war be used to buy and free slaves. Unlike other revolutionaries, he put his money where his mouth was. In Europe he played a part in the French Revolution and Napoleonic wars, and started a democratic revolution in Poland. He was a true icon of liberty for all! He stood up for the rights of black slaves, white peasants, Indians, Jews, women, etc.. He was a man ahead of his time and it's shocking that Americans don't know more about him. This is a great book, and it's about time some one told this story.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Peasant Prince, and I would highly recommend it to others who love history. Prior to reading it, I only vaguely knew that a Polish patriot named Kosciuszko volunteered his services to the American forces during the Revolution; I had no appreciation of his significance in both American and European history. Storozynski's writing can be a little quirky and cliche-laden at times, but his research is truly impressive. He certainly gave me a new perspective on 19th century Polish history; in particular, I now understand why Russia, Austria and Prussia felt so threatened by Poland. The Peasant Prince strikes me as an important, original book. I wonder why I'm not hearing more about it. It should be a candidate for some major book awards.

The biography of Kosciuszko called, "The Peasant Prince: Thaddeus Kosciuszko and the Age of Revolution" is a wonderful and very well written story of a Polish rebel who joined the Continental Army during the American Revolution and helped win the Battle of Saratoga.The author,Pulitzer Prize wining journalist,Alex Storozynski "painted" a great picture of a hero who fought for the rights of many people including black slaves,white peasants serfs,Jews,Native Americans, and women.This is also a well crafted and fact filled story in which reader can find out how Kosciuszko built West Point, which the traitor Benedict Arnold tried to hand over to the British,and how he left a last will with Thomas Jefferson which said that the money should be used to free slaves. This book is easy to read for anybody and definitely is a MUST READ literature.I am strongly recommending this fascinating story build on true,historical facts.

The Peasant Prince: Thaddeus Kosciuszko and the Age of Revolution
What a book! I just finished reading The Peasant Prince and my admiration for, and knowledge of, Thaddeus Kosciuszko increased exponentially. I even procured a second copy for a compatriot here in Southern California. Little did I know that, aside from a love of liberty, Kosciuszko and I have another common
love, jelly donuts. Oh how nice it would be to sit down in Dunkin Donuts and enjoy one while listening to the Truest Son of Liberty ever.

Thanks to Mr. Storosynzski for The Peasant Prince. As a volunteer at Independence National Historical Park, I believe every Ranger and Volunteer, who serves at the Kosciuszko Memorial in that park, should read
it.

Jack Sholl
Palm Desert,

This moving insight into the life of Kosciuszko cleared up the history of West Point and the love of Poland by many Jewish people. The reason for Kosciuszko's desire to free slaves in his name was never fulfilled because of the feeling, still in America at that time, about slavery. This book should be used by teachers as an excellent guide for modern day diversity. A movie should be made of this book.

A self-admittedly poor writer, Kosciuszko left this earth as perhaps the most accomplished free-thinker and true humanist of the past three centuries to have done so without so much as even a brief personal memoir. Does that not simply cast even more uneven grace on this true hero of humanity...his quiet modesty and private personage compelling him to destroy his personal writings? So rash and selfish to a world who so desperately needs to know of the man and his legacy! It is such a shame the author had to so painstakingly research to put this volume together, as it should be the ultimate "no-brainer" that Kosciuszko should have been held up with equal esteem to the great heroes of the American Revolution, should have been more than just a once-or-twice mentioned minor figure in our collective secondary school / collegiate history classes. But I personally am forever grateful he did!

Though the volume is often uneven and is quite liberal with the time-line of events in the subjects life, it is, overall, one of the most entertaining, fascinating, and comprehensive nonfiction personal histories I have ever read. I could not put it down...having read it in a single rainy day (sitting on a spot this great man may very well have trodden on over two centuries ago). I doubt a biographer sitting across from the man for years could have put together a better picture of this most complex of men. I will not reveal a single passage from the book in my simple personal review. However, I urge anyone who is interested in not only the singular cult of hero-worship of Kosciuszko and his involvement in the American and/or Polish Revolutions to buy this book. If one appreciates the best that a fallible human being can become, though rational thoughtfulness, work ethic, zest for knowledge, compassion, and dedication to his fellow man, you will enjoy the story of Thaddeus Kosciuszko...for it is the American story.

As the author, Alex Storozynski, points out in his tour speeches - this book is not about "Kosciuszko Bridge", "Kosciuszko Mustard", "Kosciuszko County", or any other of several dozens of "Kosciuszko" names, scattered throughout America. It's about the real guy, who lived in one of the most dynamic periods in the modern history - and (before the age of jet travel, mind you!) shuttled back and forth between Europe and America, managing to substantially contribute to the success of the American Revolution, organize his own (ultimately - failed) uprising in Poland, spend some time in jail in Russia, emigrate to America, then go back to Europe to continue his lifelong struggle for Poland's independence. Far ahead of his time in his efforts to free slaves in America, and end the serfdom in Europe, this champion of "liberty for all" died in Switzerland in 1817. While his body was buried in the Wawel's castle in Krakow a few months after his death, his heart was returned to Poland only after the country regained its independence in 1919. At mere 280 pages, with 50+ pages of extensive references and bibliography, this extremely well-written book is a fast paced read, which brings to life and to well deserved spot-light one of the greatest, yet so little known, freedom fighters of all ages!

Can you guess who left enough money in his last will and testement to free all of Jefferson's slaves? It is the same guy who had rumors of him and his best friend's wife floating around. His involvement with Bendict Arnold's treason at West point is enough to read this book. I read a great deal and loved this book.

When I read this book, I couldn't believe that Kosciuszko is not more celebrated in American history. But then I found out that there are about 50 places in the U.S. named after this Polish-Lithuanian revolutionary hero, who devised the battle strategies at Saratoga, ran a ring of black spies in the South, and went back to Europe to lead a massive Polish uprising against Russia and Catherine the Great. (Just to correct an earlier review, this is a nonfiction biography, not a novel.)

I highly recommend this book., We need to remember, be reminded and remind others who Kosciuszko was. He aw a great hero on both European and American soil. This book is for all who care and want to learn about the history of American democracy and multicutural heritage.