eBook

Marshal Pilsudski and his Wars for Polish Freedom (eBook)

Poland's Conflicts with Ukraine, Lithuania and Soviet Russia

Military > Biographies Military > Reference World History > Europe

By Evan McGilvray
Imprint: Pen & Sword Military
File Size: 12.8 MB (.epub)
Pages: 272
ISBN: 9781036110161
Published: 18th December 2025

£14.99 Print price £25.00

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Pilsudski was the leading proponent of armed Polish resistance to Tsarist Russian rule in the early years of the twentieth century. During the Russo-Japanese War he went to Japan to seek armed and funds for a Polish uprising. In WW1 he skilfully walked a perilous line. He raised the Polish Legion to fight alongside the Central Powers against the Russians. In the war’s closing stages he distanced himself from the Central Powers and secured independence for Poland.

Having attained his great goal of a free Poland, he fought a series of wars. These little-known conflicts (with Ukraine and Lithuania) are illuminated by Evan McGilvray. When it became clear that Bolshevik Russia was preparing to invade Poland, Pilsudski launched a pre-emptive attack in 1920. Despite early successes, the Russians were able to gain the upper hand and were almost at the gates of Warsaw before Pilsudski’s masterful counterattack brought about ‘the miracle of the Vistula’ and turned the tide.

This is a fascinating and long overdue study of a key figure in modern European history.

"...this is a very detailed and well researched work with a very readable narrative opening a clear window of this somewhat opaque period of European history and a key figure of the time. Highly recommend and one for the library of any with an interest in those less than peaceful times after the Great War."
The Wessex Branch of the Western Front Association

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"The description of the Polish-Soviet war offers insight and analysis of his (Jozef Pilsudski) thinking process, actions, and results. This is a fine bio about a fellow I had not heard of, but who is basically the George Washington of Poland. For his talents and faults, he helped create an independent Polish country. It's an interesting tale. Enjoyed it."

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The Historical Miniatures Gaming Society

4 Stars

"I have to say that I enjoyed this book immensely, as there was so much in it which was completely new to me."

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Army Rumour Service

"...this offers a highly-readable account of a fascinating period of Mediterranean history. Definitely recommended – and of course with ample wargame figure manufacturers available."
Miniature Wargames magazine

About Evan McGilvray

Evan McGilvray specializes in 20th century military history. His previous works include Hamilton & Gallipoli : British Command in an Age of Military Transformation (2015), Ander's Army: General Wladislaw Anders and the Polish Second Corps 1941-1946 (2018), Poland and the Second World War 1938-48 (2019) and De Gaulle and Churchill (2024). He lives in Leeds, Yorkshire.

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