most tragically, the loss of independence, Poland had not lost her life yet. Considerable credit for her survival and subsequent rebirth must be given to Adam Mickiewicz, Juliusz Slowacki, Zygmunt Krasinski, and Cyprian Norwid, the leading Romantic poets who sustained the nation during its supreme trial, proving once more that the pen is mightier than the sword. Polish Romantic Literature (covering the period from 1822 to 1863) follows Professor Mikos's Medieval Literature of Poland (1992), Polish Renaissance Literature (1995), and Polish Baroque and Enlightenment Literature (1996), the last two published by Slavica. This is the first collection of texts in English devoted solely to the significant literary achievements of Polish Romanticism. The volume, addressed to the general public, students of literature, and scholars, presents 121 texts by twelve major poets, playwrights, and prose writers. Many of the selections are rendered into English for the first time. Three concise introductory essays describe major historical events, cultural developments, and literary accomplishments of Polish Romanticism. Each author is introduced by a biographical note, and the texts are annotated. The volume is illustrated and contains a bibliography of translations, general surveys, and critical studies.

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