First published in 1941, this is a biography written by the wife of Józef Piłsudski (1867-1935), the Polish statesman who was Chief of State from 1918-1922, “First Marshal of Poland” from 1920, de facto leader of the Second Polish Republic from 1926-1935, and Minister of Military Affairs.

He had a major influence in Poland’s politics from mid-World War I onwards and was an important figure on the European political scene. Piłsudski was also the person most responsible for the creation of the Second Polish Republic in 1918, 123 years after it had been taken over by Russia, Austria and Prussia.

A fascinating read.