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https://theconversation.com/nobleman-soldier-revolutionary-humanist-who-was-tadeusz-kosciuszko-the-man-behind-the-mountain-243915>
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Review: Kościuszko: The Incredible Life of the Man Behind the Mountain –
Anthony Sharwoood (Hachette)
Anthony Sharwood’s
Kościuszko: The Incredible Life of the Man Behind the
Mountain is far more than a biography of an extraordinary historical figure.
It is a trip through time, continents and cultural landscapes. It blends the
life of Tadeusz Kościuszko (1746–1817) – a nobleman, military engineer,
revolutionary and humanist – with contemporary debates about identity,
reconciliation and memory.
Sharwood invites readers to join him on a journey to uncover who Kościuszko
was, why his name sits atop Australia’s highest mountain, and whether it should
remain there.
Kościuszko is an enigmatic figure to everyone but the citizens of his native
Poland, though he is also celebrated as a hero in America, where he is known
for his role in the American rebellion against the British.
His life was defined by his unwavering commitment to justice and human rights.
In Poland, he led the 1794 Kościuszko Uprising against Russian domination and
advocated for social reforms. He fought to end Polish serfdom. He dedicated his
American estate to the education and emancipation of African American slaves,
although his will was never fully executed.
Sharwood explores Kościuszko’s life with a unique narrative structure, inviting
readers to explore his subject’s legacy as though they are travelling alongside
him. The biography begins with a simple yet intriguing question: “Who was the
Kosciuszko fella?”
Sharwood’s answer takes readers to the heart of the man who became a symbol of
liberty and equality, earning the admiration of luminaries such as Thomas
Jefferson and George Washington. Yet the book is as much about Australia and
its Indigenous people as it is about Kościuszko himself. It offers a richly
layered exploration of history, identity and the power of names."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
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mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
