In summer of 1655 Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, already engaged in bitter struggle against Muscovy and Zaporozhian Cossacks, was invaded by Swedes. It led to conflict called Second Northern War but in Commonwealth better known as 'The Deluge'. After initial series of the lost battles, country was on the brink of total defeat, with Polish troops switching sides and King Jan II Kazimierz leaving the country. Gradually though, resistance against Swedish soldiers started to grow, with local partisans raising to fight in different regions of the country. Jan II Kazimierz returned to Poland and regular Polish troops abandoned Swedish side in waves. More countries joined the conflict, with Brandenburg initially allying with Sweden but then changing side again. Transylvania and Cossacks supporting Swedes, while Imperial and Tatars troops joined the Poles. Another front of war opened in 1658, with Denmark attacking Swedes as well. It was period of near constant war, usually on two or even three theaters of war at the same time.This book presents in-depth study of both Polish and Lithuanian armies, fighting during 'The Deluge'. It explains unique system of recruiting and organizing troops in the Commonwealth, from regular army, through levy of nobility, to forces owned by king and magnates. Each formation, from famous winged hussars to ad hoc raised units of peasant partisans, is described with much detail. Authors presents command structure of Commonwealth's military and its most important leaders. Logistical aspect of the warfare, from the way that armies were financed to how they were equipped, clothed and fed, are covered as well. Main battles of the war, including three-days long battle of Warsaw in 1656, are depicted in separate chapter, in the same way as chosen siege operations and very important descriptions of 'small war', so vital in defeating Swedes.In writing this volume, author used large number of primary sources, both archival and printed, most of which were never before available in English. Amongst them readers can find diaries and letters written by both Polish and Swedish soldiers; also many important official documents, like muster rolls and army lists. He also utilized many important studies by Polish and Swedish researchers, that covered many aspects of the conflict, which was always very important in Polish historiography. Associated iconography was chosen with great care, to present depiction of the commanders, troops and battles, all from period; also showing number of Polish and Lithuanian flags that survived in Swedish collections.

Against the Deluge: Polish and Lithuanian armies during the war against Sweden 1655-1660 (Century of the Soldier)

History

Paradowski, Michał

Europe

Helion and Company

In autumn 1621, at a fortified camps near Khotyn (Chocim), in Principality of Moldavia, joint Polish, Lithuanian and Cossack armies faced large Ottoman army, led by Sultan Osman II. It was conclusion of the war that started with the defeat of Polish army at Cecora one year earlier,. As such it was in fact part of the longer conflict, waged over Commonwealth's and Ottoman's influence over Moldavia. Through the whole September and first half of October 1621, allied army managed to defend their camps against Turks, with both sides taking heavy losses due to the hardship of the siege operations and worsening weather conditions. Conflict ended with the Treaty of Khotyn (9 October 1621) which didn't favored any of the sides. At the same time, stopping the Ottoman was seen as a big success for the Commonwealth, while attitudes on the Ottoman sides were far from victorious. Aftershock of the war led to the rebellion of janissaries in 1622, resulting in dethroning and murder of Sultan Osman II.Book focuses on the Khotyn campaign of 1621, describing day-by-day actions of fighting armies - assault, sallies and raids - during the whole period of the siege. Additional theaters of war, like Cossack operations from the summer 1621 and Tatars raids against Polish inland, are mentioned as well. Readers can find here details of the organization and strength of the fighting armies, information about battle disposition of the troops present at Khotyn and commanders leading the troops. Actions leading to the outbreak of the open conflict are explained in the separate chapter, providing good historical background of the war. Another one covers the outcome of the war and the ways that influence internal and external situation of both the Commonwealth and the Ottoman Empire.As with his previous works, author utilized large number of primary sources: from diaries of soldiers taking part in the campaign, through chronicles from period, official letters and documents to army musters. Amongst used documents are not only those written by Poles and Lithuanians, but also Cossacks, Germans and Ottomans. Modern works, especially from Polish and Ukrainian historians, was used as well, in order to provide the most up-to-date and in-depth research. As this topic do not have much coverage in English, it should be valuable addition to the collection of anyone interested in the history of Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, Zaporozhian Cossacks and Ottoman Empire in the early 17th century.

The Khotyn Campaign of 1621: Polish, Lithuanian and Cossack Armies versus might of the Ottoman Empire (Century of the Soldier)

Before he entered Germany in 1630, Swedish King Gustav II Adolf had to face Polish army in Prussia. Between 1626 and 1629, under command of brilliant Hetman Stanis&#322;aw Koniecpolski, Poles were engaged in bitter struggle against Swedes. During this conflict both sides learnt a lot from each other, adjusting their armies' organization and tactics. While pitched battles, where winged hussars could win the day, were rare, so called 'small war' made huge impact on the events of this conflict. Poles were able to hone their skills acquired during years of fighting Tatars and Turks but were also forced to vastly increase presence of the infantry in their army, adapting to new style of warfare. This book provides readers with in-depth study of the Polish troops during the war, from unique structure of the army, through organization and equipment of the units, to soldiers' daily struggle due to lack of pay and food. Each formation is described in detail, from famous winged hussars to Western European mercenaries serving as infantry and dragoons. The author's research is based on many Polish primary sources, that for the first time are available to English-speaking readers, presenting many interesting facts about less known conflict.

Despite Destruction, Misery and Privations…: The Polish Army in Prussia during the War against Sweden 1626-1629 (Century of the Soldier)

Previous Polish experience from the war against Ottoman Turks in 1672-1676 made their contribution vital for coalition war effort in 1683. No surprise then, that Sobieski was chosen as commander of joint forces and that Poles deployed on ancient place of honor in army battle order - on the right wing. Many Polish researchers, like Jan Wimmer, Leszek Podhorodecki or Zdzis&#322;aw &#379;ygulski Junior (to name just few), wrote extensively about the topic, unfortunately their works are not available in English. In this volume author attempts to present to English-speaking readers Polish point of view on the battle and the role of Polish army in the conflict.There are detailed information about organization and strength of the army that Jan III led to Vienna: structure, weapons and equipment of the units, even on the company level. All formations, from winged hussars to artillery, are covered. Command staff - from King to high ranking officers - will be presented as well. Book won't focus solely on relief of Vienna though. Remaining actions of the 1683's campaign are described as well, with both battles of Párkány and arrival of Lithuanian army, Polish and Cossack actions in Podolia and Moldavia, that were always in shadow of main events of 1683; finally organization and military actions of troops under command of Hieronim Augustyn Lubomirski, raised as Imperial auxiliary division in Poland.Book is based on many primary and secondary sources, including diaries, letters and surviving muster rolls of the units and whole army. Many of them were not previously available in English, so they will provides interesting insight into 17th century view of the army and campaign.

We Came, We Saw, God Conquered: The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth's military effort in the relief of Vienna, 1683 (Century of the Soldier)

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Paradowski, Michał. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Paradowski, Michał

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Paradowski, Michał. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Against the Deluge: Polish and Lithuanian armies during the war against Sweden 1655-1660 (Century of the Soldier)

The Khotyn Campaign of 1621: Polish, Lithuanian and Cossack Armies versus might of the Ottoman Empire (Century of the Soldier)

Despite Destruction, Misery and Privations…: The Polish Army in Prussia during the War against Sweden 1626-1629 (Century of the Soldier)

We Came, We Saw, God Conquered: The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth's military effort in the relief of Vienna, 1683 (Century of the Soldier)