Alex Storozynski

The Peasant Prince is highly readable, thoroughly researched, and thought-provoking work. Detailing the life of Thaddeus Kosciuszko, the book provides seldom-covered details about the American Revolution. The political factions and competing interests are brought to life with great clarity. For example, the tensions between the French and Polish officers are detailed on both a personal level and within the context of Washington's need to defer to the French government to maintain their support of the war. Kosciuszko's role in the Battle of Saratoga and in fortifying West Point (the plans for which were to become the instrument of Benedict Arnold's betrayal) are hilighted.

Where even the most thorough accounts leave off (the end of the Revolution), the Peasant Prince continues the pace with the remarkable story of Poland's attempts to replicate the success of the American Colonies and gain its independence from neighboring oppressors.

Finally, the deep relationship between Kosciuszko and Thomas Jefferson is detailed. The perspective of Jefferson as not yet ready to free his slaves, as his friend continued to press him to do, was an uncommon perspective. Side stories and details such as the origin of the fur coat worn by Jefferson in his official portrait and in the memorial sculpture are also great additions.

As the conclusion of the book, many readers may be distressed that such an amazing historical figure, who played a large part on the world stage, has remained known to much of the world as only a historical footnote. The author seeks to remedy this condition, with great results.… (meer)