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<rss xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:podcast="https://podcastindex.org/namespace/1.0" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" version="2.0"><channel><title>With Fire and Sword</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/with-fire-and-sword--7069461</link><description><![CDATA[In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the traitor Hmyelnitski leads the Cossacks in a devastating revolt. Or it may come simply because the nation’s leaders and nobility have become selfish, lazy, and complacent, and are ill-equipped to face the horrors coming their way. If Poland is to survive, it will depend on the heroes who rise in her time of need. Yeremi Vishnovyetski, the warrior-prince who alone can lead his people to victory … if they are wise enough to accept his leadership. The diminutive soldier Michael Volodiyovski, ever unlucky at love, but never equaled as a swordsman. Longin Podbipyenta, the Lithuanian giant whose sacred vow to remain unmarried until he performs an impossible feat in battle is complicated when he falls madly in love. Pan Zagloba, Poland’s Falstaff, whose thirst for ale and penchant for self-preservation are exceeded only by his loyalty to his friends. But in the end, Poland’s fate will rest on the shoulders of the knight Jan Skshetuski, who must choose between the safety of his beloved Helena and his allegiance to prince and country. With Fire and Sword is the first novel of Sienkiewicz’s epic “Trilogy”, but is a stand-alone story in its own right. (Introduction by D. Leeson)]]></description><atom:link href="https://www.spreaker.com/show/7069461/episodes/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><language>en</language><category>Books</category><copyright>Copyright Historical Genre</copyright><image><url>https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/6d3d69a8b421fa939a501fda8c8bb45c.jpg</url><title>With Fire and Sword</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/with-fire-and-sword--7069461</link></image><lastBuildDate>Sun, 06 Sep 2026 23:45:33 +0000</lastBuildDate><itunes:author>Henryk Sienkiewicz</itunes:author><itunes:owner><itunes:name>Historical Genre</itunes:name><itunes:email>spreaker57@podcastlibrary.org</itunes:email></itunes:owner><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/6d3d69a8b421fa939a501fda8c8bb45c.jpg"/><itunes:subtitle>In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the traitor Hmyelnitski leads the Cossacks in a devastating revolt. Or it may come simply because the nation’s leaders and nobility have become selfish, lazy, and complacent, and are ill-equipped to face the horrors coming their way. If Poland is to survive, it will depend on the heroes who rise in her time of need. Yeremi Vishnovyetski, the warrior-prince who alone can lead his people to victory … if they are wise enough to accept his leadership. The diminutive soldier Michael Volodiyovski, ever unlucky at love, but never equaled as a swordsman. Longin Podbipyenta, the Lithuanian giant whose sacred vow to remain unmarried until he performs an impossible feat in battle is complicated when he falls madly in love. Pan Zagloba, Poland’s Falstaff, whose thirst for ale and penchant for self-preservation are exceeded only by his loyalty to his friends. But in the end, Poland’s fate will rest on the shoulders of the knight Jan Skshetuski, who must choose between the safety of his beloved Helena and his allegiance to prince and country. With Fire and Sword is the first novel of Sienkiewicz’s epic “Trilogy”, but is a stand-alone story in its own right. (Introduction by D. Leeson)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:category text="Arts"><itunes:category text="Books"/></itunes:category><itunes:category text="Kids &amp; Family"><itunes:category text="Pets &amp; Animals"/></itunes:category><itunes:category text="Science"><itunes:category text="Nature"/></itunes:category><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><podcast:guid>b3e707c6-ced6-5c22-9395-cf1176941ea7</podcast:guid><itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type><item><title>St. George and St. Michael, Volume 2-George MacDonald</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/st-george-and-st-michael-volume-2-george-macdonald--74946414</link><description><![CDATA[St. George and St. Michael, Volume 2 by George MacDonald is a compelling exploration of themes such as faith, courage, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. This volume continues the rich tapestry of MacDonald's storytelling, inviting listeners to engage with profound moral questions and the complexities of human nature. Its enduring relevance lies in its ability to resonate with contemporary audiences, reminding us of the timeless battle for integrity and the pursuit of righteousness. MacDonald's lyrical prose and deep philosophical insights offer a captivating experience that encourages reflection and inspires the listener to confront their own inner conflicts.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74946414</guid><pubDate>Sun, 06 Sep 2026 23:45:32 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74946414/st_george_and_st_michael_volume_2_george_macdonald.mp3" length="171539302" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Henryk Sienkiewicz</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>St. George and St. Michael, Volume 2 by George MacDonald is a compelling exploration of themes such as faith, courage, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. This volume continues the rich tapestry of MacDonald's storytelling, inviting...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[St. George and St. Michael, Volume 2 by George MacDonald is a compelling exploration of themes such as faith, courage, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. This volume continues the rich tapestry of MacDonald's storytelling, inviting listeners to engage with profound moral questions and the complexities of human nature. Its enduring relevance lies in its ability to resonate with contemporary audiences, reminding us of the timeless battle for integrity and the pursuit of righteousness. MacDonald's lyrical prose and deep philosophical insights offer a captivating experience that encourages reflection and inspires the listener to confront their own inner conflicts.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>21421</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/6d3d69a8b421fa939a501fda8c8bb45c.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>As a Man Thinketh (version 2)-James Allen</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/as-a-man-thinketh-version-2-james-allen--74643987</link><description><![CDATA[In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the traitor Hmyelnitski leads the Cossacks in a devastating revolt. Or it may come simply because the nation’s leaders and nobility have become selfish, lazy, and complacent, and are ill-equipped to face the horrors coming their way. If Poland is to survive, it will depend on the heroes who rise in her time of need. Yeremi Vishnovyetski, the warrior-prince who alone can lead his people to victory … if they are wise enough to accept his leadership. The diminutive soldier Michael Volodiyovski, ever unlucky at love, but never equaled as a swordsman. Longin Podbipyenta, the Lithuanian giant whose sacred vow to remain unmarried until he performs an impossible feat in battle is complicated when he falls madly in love. Pan Zagloba, Poland’s Falstaff, whose thirst for ale and penchant for self-preservation are exceeded only by his loyalty to his friends. But in the end, Poland’s fate will rest on the shoulders of the knight Jan Skshetuski, who must choose between the safety of his beloved Helena and his allegiance to prince and country. 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Pan Zagloba, Poland’s Falstaff, whose thirst for ale and penchant for self-preservation are exceeded only by his loyalty to his friends. But in the end, Poland’s fate will rest on the shoulders of the knight Jan Skshetuski, who must choose between the safety of his beloved Helena and his allegiance to prince and country. With Fire and Sword is the first novel of Sienkiewicz’s epic “Trilogy”, but is a stand-alone story in its own right. (Introduction by D. 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But in the end, Poland’s fate will rest on the shoulders of the knight Jan Skshetuski, who must choose between the safety of his beloved Helena and his allegiance to prince and country. With Fire and Sword is the first novel of Sienkiewicz’s epic “Trilogy”, but is a stand-alone story in its own right. (Introduction by D. Leeson)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>25822</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/6d3d69a8b421fa939a501fda8c8bb45c.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>But Thy Love and Thy Grace-Francis J. Finn, S.J</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/but-thy-love-and-thy-grace-francis-j-finn-s-j--74568011</link><description><![CDATA[In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the traitor Hmyelnitski leads the Cossacks in a devastating revolt. Or it may come simply because the nation’s leaders and nobility have become selfish, lazy, and complacent, and are ill-equipped to face the horrors coming their way. If Poland is to survive, it will depend on the heroes who rise in her time of need. Yeremi Vishnovyetski, the warrior-prince who alone can lead his people to victory … if they are wise enough to accept his leadership. The diminutive soldier Michael Volodiyovski, ever unlucky at love, but never equaled as a swordsman. Longin Podbipyenta, the Lithuanian giant whose sacred vow to remain unmarried until he performs an impossible feat in battle is complicated when he falls madly in love. Pan Zagloba, Poland’s Falstaff, whose thirst for ale and penchant for self-preservation are exceeded only by his loyalty to his friends. But in the end, Poland’s fate will rest on the shoulders of the knight Jan Skshetuski, who must choose between the safety of his beloved Helena and his allegiance to prince and country. With Fire and Sword is the first novel of Sienkiewicz’s epic “Trilogy”, but is a stand-alone story in its own right. (Introduction by D. Leeson)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74568011</guid><pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 2026 09:01:42 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74568011/but_thy_love_and_thy_grace_francis_j_finn_s_j.mp3" length="37225278" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Henryk Sienkiewicz</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. 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The diminutive soldier Michael Volodiyovski, ever unlucky at love, but never equaled as a swordsman. Longin Podbipyenta, the Lithuanian giant whose sacred vow to remain unmarried until he performs an impossible feat in battle is complicated when he falls madly in love. Pan Zagloba, Poland’s Falstaff, whose thirst for ale and penchant for self-preservation are exceeded only by his loyalty to his friends. But in the end, Poland’s fate will rest on the shoulders of the knight Jan Skshetuski, who must choose between the safety of his beloved Helena and his allegiance to prince and country. With Fire and Sword is the first novel of Sienkiewicz’s epic “Trilogy”, but is a stand-alone story in its own right. (Introduction by D. 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If Poland is to survive, it will depend on the heroes who rise in her time of need. Yeremi Vishnovyetski, the warrior-prince who alone can lead his people to victory … if they are wise enough to accept his leadership. The diminutive soldier Michael Volodiyovski, ever unlucky at love, but never equaled as a swordsman. Longin Podbipyenta, the Lithuanian giant whose sacred vow to remain unmarried until he performs an impossible feat in battle is complicated when he falls madly in love. Pan Zagloba, Poland’s Falstaff, whose thirst for ale and penchant for self-preservation are exceeded only by his loyalty to his friends. But in the end, Poland’s fate will rest on the shoulders of the knight Jan Skshetuski, who must choose between the safety of his beloved Helena and his allegiance to prince and country. With Fire and Sword is the first novel of Sienkiewicz’s epic “Trilogy”, but is a stand-alone story in its own right. (Introduction by D. Leeson)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74531571</guid><pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2026 09:01:52 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74531571/life_of_king_henry_v_version_2_william_shakespeare.mp3" length="93050223" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Henryk Sienkiewicz</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the traitor Hmyelnitski leads the Cossacks in a devastating revolt. Or it may come simply because the nation’s leaders and nobility have become selfish, lazy, and complacent, and are ill-equipped to face the horrors coming their way. If Poland is to survive, it will depend on the heroes who rise in her time of need. Yeremi Vishnovyetski, the warrior-prince who alone can lead his people to victory … if they are wise enough to accept his leadership. The diminutive soldier Michael Volodiyovski, ever unlucky at love, but never equaled as a swordsman. Longin Podbipyenta, the Lithuanian giant whose sacred vow to remain unmarried until he performs an impossible feat in battle is complicated when he falls madly in love. Pan Zagloba, Poland’s Falstaff, whose thirst for ale and penchant for self-preservation are exceeded only by his loyalty to his friends. But in the end, Poland’s fate will rest on the shoulders of the knight Jan Skshetuski, who must choose between the safety of his beloved Helena and his allegiance to prince and country. With Fire and Sword is the first novel of Sienkiewicz’s epic “Trilogy”, but is a stand-alone story in its own right. (Introduction by D. Leeson)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>11619</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/6d3d69a8b421fa939a501fda8c8bb45c.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Unaddressed Letters-Anonymous, Frank Athelstane Swettenham</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/unaddressed-letters-anonymous-frank-athelstane-swettenham--74495561</link><description><![CDATA[In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the traitor Hmyelnitski leads the Cossacks in a devastating revolt. Or it may come simply because the nation’s leaders and nobility have become selfish, lazy, and complacent, and are ill-equipped to face the horrors coming their way. If Poland is to survive, it will depend on the heroes who rise in her time of need. Yeremi Vishnovyetski, the warrior-prince who alone can lead his people to victory … if they are wise enough to accept his leadership. The diminutive soldier Michael Volodiyovski, ever unlucky at love, but never equaled as a swordsman. Longin Podbipyenta, the Lithuanian giant whose sacred vow to remain unmarried until he performs an impossible feat in battle is complicated when he falls madly in love. Pan Zagloba, Poland’s Falstaff, whose thirst for ale and penchant for self-preservation are exceeded only by his loyalty to his friends. But in the end, Poland’s fate will rest on the shoulders of the knight Jan Skshetuski, who must choose between the safety of his beloved Helena and his allegiance to prince and country. With Fire and Sword is the first novel of Sienkiewicz’s epic “Trilogy”, but is a stand-alone story in its own right. (Introduction by D. Leeson)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74495561</guid><pubDate>Wed, 26 Aug 2026 09:02:07 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74495561/unaddressed_letters_anonymous_frank_athelstane_swettenham.mp3" length="206803564" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Henryk Sienkiewicz</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. 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The diminutive soldier Michael Volodiyovski, ever unlucky at love, but never equaled as a swordsman. Longin Podbipyenta, the Lithuanian giant whose sacred vow to remain unmarried until he performs an impossible feat in battle is complicated when he falls madly in love. Pan Zagloba, Poland’s Falstaff, whose thirst for ale and penchant for self-preservation are exceeded only by his loyalty to his friends. But in the end, Poland’s fate will rest on the shoulders of the knight Jan Skshetuski, who must choose between the safety of his beloved Helena and his allegiance to prince and country. With Fire and Sword is the first novel of Sienkiewicz’s epic “Trilogy”, but is a stand-alone story in its own right. (Introduction by D. Leeson)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>25825</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/6d3d69a8b421fa939a501fda8c8bb45c.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Antigone (Plumptre Translation)-Sophocles</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/antigone-plumptre-translation-sophocles--74450536</link><description><![CDATA[In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the traitor Hmyelnitski leads the Cossacks in a devastating revolt. Or it may come simply because the nation’s leaders and nobility have become selfish, lazy, and complacent, and are ill-equipped to face the horrors coming their way. If Poland is to survive, it will depend on the heroes who rise in her time of need. Yeremi Vishnovyetski, the warrior-prince who alone can lead his people to victory … if they are wise enough to accept his leadership. The diminutive soldier Michael Volodiyovski, ever unlucky at love, but never equaled as a swordsman. Longin Podbipyenta, the Lithuanian giant whose sacred vow to remain unmarried until he performs an impossible feat in battle is complicated when he falls madly in love. Pan Zagloba, Poland’s Falstaff, whose thirst for ale and penchant for self-preservation are exceeded only by his loyalty to his friends. But in the end, Poland’s fate will rest on the shoulders of the knight Jan Skshetuski, who must choose between the safety of his beloved Helena and his allegiance to prince and country. With Fire and Sword is the first novel of Sienkiewicz’s epic “Trilogy”, but is a stand-alone story in its own right. (Introduction by D. Leeson)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74450536</guid><pubDate>Tue, 25 Aug 2026 09:02:00 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74450536/10085_antigone_plumptre_translation_sophocles.mp3" length="38118350" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Henryk Sienkiewicz</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the traitor Hmyelnitski leads the Cossacks in a devastating revolt. Or it may come simply because the nation’s leaders and nobility have become selfish, lazy, and complacent, and are ill-equipped to face the horrors coming their way. If Poland is to survive, it will depend on the heroes who rise in her time of need. Yeremi Vishnovyetski, the warrior-prince who alone can lead his people to victory … if they are wise enough to accept his leadership. The diminutive soldier Michael Volodiyovski, ever unlucky at love, but never equaled as a swordsman. Longin Podbipyenta, the Lithuanian giant whose sacred vow to remain unmarried until he performs an impossible feat in battle is complicated when he falls madly in love. Pan Zagloba, Poland’s Falstaff, whose thirst for ale and penchant for self-preservation are exceeded only by his loyalty to his friends. But in the end, Poland’s fate will rest on the shoulders of the knight Jan Skshetuski, who must choose between the safety of his beloved Helena and his allegiance to prince and country. With Fire and Sword is the first novel of Sienkiewicz’s epic “Trilogy”, but is a stand-alone story in its own right. (Introduction by D. Leeson)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>4760</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/6d3d69a8b421fa939a501fda8c8bb45c.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>War Workers-E. M. Delafield</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/war-workers-e-m-delafield--74410883</link><description><![CDATA[In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the traitor Hmyelnitski leads the Cossacks in a devastating revolt. Or it may come simply because the nation’s leaders and nobility have become selfish, lazy, and complacent, and are ill-equipped to face the horrors coming their way. If Poland is to survive, it will depend on the heroes who rise in her time of need. Yeremi Vishnovyetski, the warrior-prince who alone can lead his people to victory … if they are wise enough to accept his leadership. The diminutive soldier Michael Volodiyovski, ever unlucky at love, but never equaled as a swordsman. Longin Podbipyenta, the Lithuanian giant whose sacred vow to remain unmarried until he performs an impossible feat in battle is complicated when he falls madly in love. Pan Zagloba, Poland’s Falstaff, whose thirst for ale and penchant for self-preservation are exceeded only by his loyalty to his friends. But in the end, Poland’s fate will rest on the shoulders of the knight Jan Skshetuski, who must choose between the safety of his beloved Helena and his allegiance to prince and country. With Fire and Sword is the first novel of Sienkiewicz’s epic “Trilogy”, but is a stand-alone story in its own right. (Introduction by D. Leeson)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74410883</guid><pubDate>Mon, 24 Aug 2026 09:04:29 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74410883/war_workers_e_m_delafield.mp3" length="247069570" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Henryk Sienkiewicz</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the traitor Hmyelnitski leads the Cossacks in a devastating revolt. Or it may come simply because the nation’s leaders and nobility have become selfish, lazy, and complacent, and are ill-equipped to face the horrors coming their way. If Poland is to survive, it will depend on the heroes who rise in her time of need. Yeremi Vishnovyetski, the warrior-prince who alone can lead his people to victory … if they are wise enough to accept his leadership. The diminutive soldier Michael Volodiyovski, ever unlucky at love, but never equaled as a swordsman. Longin Podbipyenta, the Lithuanian giant whose sacred vow to remain unmarried until he performs an impossible feat in battle is complicated when he falls madly in love. Pan Zagloba, Poland’s Falstaff, whose thirst for ale and penchant for self-preservation are exceeded only by his loyalty to his friends. But in the end, Poland’s fate will rest on the shoulders of the knight Jan Skshetuski, who must choose between the safety of his beloved Helena and his allegiance to prince and country. With Fire and Sword is the first novel of Sienkiewicz’s epic “Trilogy”, but is a stand-alone story in its own right. (Introduction by D. Leeson)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>30853</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/6d3d69a8b421fa939a501fda8c8bb45c.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Great Inventors and Their Inventions-Frank P. Bachman</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/great-inventors-and-their-inventions-frank-p-bachman--74357268</link><description><![CDATA[In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the traitor Hmyelnitski leads the Cossacks in a devastating revolt. Or it may come simply because the nation’s leaders and nobility have become selfish, lazy, and complacent, and are ill-equipped to face the horrors coming their way. If Poland is to survive, it will depend on the heroes who rise in her time of need. Yeremi Vishnovyetski, the warrior-prince who alone can lead his people to victory … if they are wise enough to accept his leadership. The diminutive soldier Michael Volodiyovski, ever unlucky at love, but never equaled as a swordsman. Longin Podbipyenta, the Lithuanian giant whose sacred vow to remain unmarried until he performs an impossible feat in battle is complicated when he falls madly in love. Pan Zagloba, Poland’s Falstaff, whose thirst for ale and penchant for self-preservation are exceeded only by his loyalty to his friends. But in the end, Poland’s fate will rest on the shoulders of the knight Jan Skshetuski, who must choose between the safety of his beloved Helena and his allegiance to prince and country. With Fire and Sword is the first novel of Sienkiewicz’s epic “Trilogy”, but is a stand-alone story in its own right. (Introduction by D. Leeson)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74357268</guid><pubDate>Sun, 23 Aug 2026 09:04:13 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74357268/great_inventors_and_their_inventions_frank_p_bachman.mp3" length="171447302" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Henryk Sienkiewicz</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. 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The diminutive soldier Michael Volodiyovski, ever unlucky at love, but never equaled as a swordsman. Longin Podbipyenta, the Lithuanian giant whose sacred vow to remain unmarried until he performs an impossible feat in battle is complicated when he falls madly in love. Pan Zagloba, Poland’s Falstaff, whose thirst for ale and penchant for self-preservation are exceeded only by his loyalty to his friends. But in the end, Poland’s fate will rest on the shoulders of the knight Jan Skshetuski, who must choose between the safety of his beloved Helena and his allegiance to prince and country. With Fire and Sword is the first novel of Sienkiewicz’s epic “Trilogy”, but is a stand-alone story in its own right. (Introduction by D. Leeson)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>21409</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/6d3d69a8b421fa939a501fda8c8bb45c.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Trees and Other Poems-Joyce Kilmer</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/trees-and-other-poems-joyce-kilmer--74211722</link><description><![CDATA[In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the traitor Hmyelnitski leads the Cossacks in a devastating revolt. Or it may come simply because the nation’s leaders and nobility have become selfish, lazy, and complacent, and are ill-equipped to face the horrors coming their way. If Poland is to survive, it will depend on the heroes who rise in her time of need. Yeremi Vishnovyetski, the warrior-prince who alone can lead his people to victory … if they are wise enough to accept his leadership. The diminutive soldier Michael Volodiyovski, ever unlucky at love, but never equaled as a swordsman. Longin Podbipyenta, the Lithuanian giant whose sacred vow to remain unmarried until he performs an impossible feat in battle is complicated when he falls madly in love. Pan Zagloba, Poland’s Falstaff, whose thirst for ale and penchant for self-preservation are exceeded only by his loyalty to his friends. But in the end, Poland’s fate will rest on the shoulders of the knight Jan Skshetuski, who must choose between the safety of his beloved Helena and his allegiance to prince and country. With Fire and Sword is the first novel of Sienkiewicz’s epic “Trilogy”, but is a stand-alone story in its own right. (Introduction by D. Leeson)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74211722</guid><pubDate>Sat, 22 Aug 2026 09:03:48 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74211722/trees_and_other_poems_joyce_kilmer.mp3" length="23846663" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Henryk Sienkiewicz</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the traitor Hmyelnitski leads the Cossacks in a devastating revolt. Or it may come simply because the nation’s leaders and nobility have become selfish, lazy, and complacent, and are ill-equipped to face the horrors coming their way. If Poland is to survive, it will depend on the heroes who rise in her time of need. Yeremi Vishnovyetski, the warrior-prince who alone can lead his people to victory … if they are wise enough to accept his leadership. The diminutive soldier Michael Volodiyovski, ever unlucky at love, but never equaled as a swordsman. Longin Podbipyenta, the Lithuanian giant whose sacred vow to remain unmarried until he performs an impossible feat in battle is complicated when he falls madly in love. Pan Zagloba, Poland’s Falstaff, whose thirst for ale and penchant for self-preservation are exceeded only by his loyalty to his friends. But in the end, Poland’s fate will rest on the shoulders of the knight Jan Skshetuski, who must choose between the safety of his beloved Helena and his allegiance to prince and country. With Fire and Sword is the first novel of Sienkiewicz’s epic “Trilogy”, but is a stand-alone story in its own right. (Introduction by D. Leeson)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2978</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/6d3d69a8b421fa939a501fda8c8bb45c.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Prelude-William Wordsworth</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/prelude-william-wordsworth--74158330</link><description><![CDATA[In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the traitor Hmyelnitski leads the Cossacks in a devastating revolt. Or it may come simply because the nation’s leaders and nobility have become selfish, lazy, and complacent, and are ill-equipped to face the horrors coming their way. If Poland is to survive, it will depend on the heroes who rise in her time of need. Yeremi Vishnovyetski, the warrior-prince who alone can lead his people to victory … if they are wise enough to accept his leadership. The diminutive soldier Michael Volodiyovski, ever unlucky at love, but never equaled as a swordsman. Longin Podbipyenta, the Lithuanian giant whose sacred vow to remain unmarried until he performs an impossible feat in battle is complicated when he falls madly in love. Pan Zagloba, Poland’s Falstaff, whose thirst for ale and penchant for self-preservation are exceeded only by his loyalty to his friends. But in the end, Poland’s fate will rest on the shoulders of the knight Jan Skshetuski, who must choose between the safety of his beloved Helena and his allegiance to prince and country. With Fire and Sword is the first novel of Sienkiewicz’s epic “Trilogy”, but is a stand-alone story in its own right. (Introduction by D. Leeson)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74158330</guid><pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 2026 09:04:03 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74158330/prelude_william_wordsworth.mp3" length="228543030" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Henryk Sienkiewicz</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the traitor Hmyelnitski leads the Cossacks in a devastating revolt. Or it may come simply because the nation’s leaders and nobility have become selfish, lazy, and complacent, and are ill-equipped to face the horrors coming their way. If Poland is to survive, it will depend on the heroes who rise in her time of need. Yeremi Vishnovyetski, the warrior-prince who alone can lead his people to victory … if they are wise enough to accept his leadership. The diminutive soldier Michael Volodiyovski, ever unlucky at love, but never equaled as a swordsman. Longin Podbipyenta, the Lithuanian giant whose sacred vow to remain unmarried until he performs an impossible feat in battle is complicated when he falls madly in love. Pan Zagloba, Poland’s Falstaff, whose thirst for ale and penchant for self-preservation are exceeded only by his loyalty to his friends. But in the end, Poland’s fate will rest on the shoulders of the knight Jan Skshetuski, who must choose between the safety of his beloved Helena and his allegiance to prince and country. With Fire and Sword is the first novel of Sienkiewicz’s epic “Trilogy”, but is a stand-alone story in its own right. (Introduction by D. Leeson)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>28539</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/6d3d69a8b421fa939a501fda8c8bb45c.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>By Way of the Wilderness-Mrs. C. M. Livingston, Pansy</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/by-way-of-the-wilderness-mrs-c-m-livingston-pansy--74110617</link><description><![CDATA[In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the traitor Hmyelnitski leads the Cossacks in a devastating revolt. Or it may come simply because the nation’s leaders and nobility have become selfish, lazy, and complacent, and are ill-equipped to face the horrors coming their way. If Poland is to survive, it will depend on the heroes who rise in her time of need. Yeremi Vishnovyetski, the warrior-prince who alone can lead his people to victory … if they are wise enough to accept his leadership. The diminutive soldier Michael Volodiyovski, ever unlucky at love, but never equaled as a swordsman. Longin Podbipyenta, the Lithuanian giant whose sacred vow to remain unmarried until he performs an impossible feat in battle is complicated when he falls madly in love. Pan Zagloba, Poland’s Falstaff, whose thirst for ale and penchant for self-preservation are exceeded only by his loyalty to his friends. But in the end, Poland’s fate will rest on the shoulders of the knight Jan Skshetuski, who must choose between the safety of his beloved Helena and his allegiance to prince and country. With Fire and Sword is the first novel of Sienkiewicz’s epic “Trilogy”, but is a stand-alone story in its own right. (Introduction by D. Leeson)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74110617</guid><pubDate>Thu, 20 Aug 2026 09:04:23 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74110617/by_way_of_the_wilderness_mrs_c_m_livingston_pansy.mp3" length="282525178" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Henryk Sienkiewicz</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the traitor Hmyelnitski leads the Cossacks in a devastating revolt. Or it may come simply because the nation’s leaders and nobility have become selfish, lazy, and complacent, and are ill-equipped to face the horrors coming their way. If Poland is to survive, it will depend on the heroes who rise in her time of need. Yeremi Vishnovyetski, the warrior-prince who alone can lead his people to victory … if they are wise enough to accept his leadership. The diminutive soldier Michael Volodiyovski, ever unlucky at love, but never equaled as a swordsman. Longin Podbipyenta, the Lithuanian giant whose sacred vow to remain unmarried until he performs an impossible feat in battle is complicated when he falls madly in love. Pan Zagloba, Poland’s Falstaff, whose thirst for ale and penchant for self-preservation are exceeded only by his loyalty to his friends. But in the end, Poland’s fate will rest on the shoulders of the knight Jan Skshetuski, who must choose between the safety of his beloved Helena and his allegiance to prince and country. With Fire and Sword is the first novel of Sienkiewicz’s epic “Trilogy”, but is a stand-alone story in its own right. (Introduction by D. Leeson)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>35280</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/6d3d69a8b421fa939a501fda8c8bb45c.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Broken Hearts-W. S. Gilbert</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/broken-hearts-w-s-gilbert--74075442</link><description><![CDATA[In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the traitor Hmyelnitski leads the Cossacks in a devastating revolt. Or it may come simply because the nation’s leaders and nobility have become selfish, lazy, and complacent, and are ill-equipped to face the horrors coming their way. If Poland is to survive, it will depend on the heroes who rise in her time of need. Yeremi Vishnovyetski, the warrior-prince who alone can lead his people to victory … if they are wise enough to accept his leadership. The diminutive soldier Michael Volodiyovski, ever unlucky at love, but never equaled as a swordsman. Longin Podbipyenta, the Lithuanian giant whose sacred vow to remain unmarried until he performs an impossible feat in battle is complicated when he falls madly in love. Pan Zagloba, Poland’s Falstaff, whose thirst for ale and penchant for self-preservation are exceeded only by his loyalty to his friends. But in the end, Poland’s fate will rest on the shoulders of the knight Jan Skshetuski, who must choose between the safety of his beloved Helena and his allegiance to prince and country. With Fire and Sword is the first novel of Sienkiewicz’s epic “Trilogy”, but is a stand-alone story in its own right. (Introduction by D. Leeson)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74075442</guid><pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2026 09:04:21 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74075442/broken_hearts_w_s_gilbert.mp3" length="43013745" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Henryk Sienkiewicz</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the traitor Hmyelnitski leads the Cossacks in a devastating revolt. Or it may come simply because the nation’s leaders and nobility have become selfish, lazy, and complacent, and are ill-equipped to face the horrors coming their way. If Poland is to survive, it will depend on the heroes who rise in her time of need. Yeremi Vishnovyetski, the warrior-prince who alone can lead his people to victory … if they are wise enough to accept his leadership. The diminutive soldier Michael Volodiyovski, ever unlucky at love, but never equaled as a swordsman. Longin Podbipyenta, the Lithuanian giant whose sacred vow to remain unmarried until he performs an impossible feat in battle is complicated when he falls madly in love. Pan Zagloba, Poland’s Falstaff, whose thirst for ale and penchant for self-preservation are exceeded only by his loyalty to his friends. But in the end, Poland’s fate will rest on the shoulders of the knight Jan Skshetuski, who must choose between the safety of his beloved Helena and his allegiance to prince and country. With Fire and Sword is the first novel of Sienkiewicz’s epic “Trilogy”, but is a stand-alone story in its own right. (Introduction by D. Leeson)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>5371</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/6d3d69a8b421fa939a501fda8c8bb45c.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Agathos, the Rocky Island, and Other Sunday Stories and Parables-Samuel Wilberforce</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/agathos-the-rocky-island-and-other-sunday-stories-and-parables-samuel-wilberforce--74037362</link><description><![CDATA[In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the traitor Hmyelnitski leads the Cossacks in a devastating revolt. Or it may come simply because the nation’s leaders and nobility have become selfish, lazy, and complacent, and are ill-equipped to face the horrors coming their way. If Poland is to survive, it will depend on the heroes who rise in her time of need. Yeremi Vishnovyetski, the warrior-prince who alone can lead his people to victory … if they are wise enough to accept his leadership. The diminutive soldier Michael Volodiyovski, ever unlucky at love, but never equaled as a swordsman. Longin Podbipyenta, the Lithuanian giant whose sacred vow to remain unmarried until he performs an impossible feat in battle is complicated when he falls madly in love. Pan Zagloba, Poland’s Falstaff, whose thirst for ale and penchant for self-preservation are exceeded only by his loyalty to his friends. But in the end, Poland’s fate will rest on the shoulders of the knight Jan Skshetuski, who must choose between the safety of his beloved Helena and his allegiance to prince and country. With Fire and Sword is the first novel of Sienkiewicz’s epic “Trilogy”, but is a stand-alone story in its own right. (Introduction by D. Leeson)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74037362</guid><pubDate>Tue, 18 Aug 2026 09:05:13 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74037362/agathos_the_rocky_island_and_other_sunday_stories_and_parables_samuel_wilberforce.mp3" length="133840715" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Henryk Sienkiewicz</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the traitor Hmyelnitski leads the Cossacks in a devastating revolt. Or it may come simply because the nation’s leaders and nobility have become selfish, lazy, and complacent, and are ill-equipped to face the horrors coming their way. If Poland is to survive, it will depend on the heroes who rise in her time of need. Yeremi Vishnovyetski, the warrior-prince who alone can lead his people to victory … if they are wise enough to accept his leadership. The diminutive soldier Michael Volodiyovski, ever unlucky at love, but never equaled as a swordsman. Longin Podbipyenta, the Lithuanian giant whose sacred vow to remain unmarried until he performs an impossible feat in battle is complicated when he falls madly in love. Pan Zagloba, Poland’s Falstaff, whose thirst for ale and penchant for self-preservation are exceeded only by his loyalty to his friends. But in the end, Poland’s fate will rest on the shoulders of the knight Jan Skshetuski, who must choose between the safety of his beloved Helena and his allegiance to prince and country. With Fire and Sword is the first novel of Sienkiewicz’s epic “Trilogy”, but is a stand-alone story in its own right. (Introduction by D. Leeson)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>16713</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/6d3d69a8b421fa939a501fda8c8bb45c.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>First Part of King Henry IV (version 2)-William Shakespeare</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/first-part-of-king-henry-iv-version-2-william-shakespeare--73973916</link><description><![CDATA[In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the traitor Hmyelnitski leads the Cossacks in a devastating revolt. Or it may come simply because the nation’s leaders and nobility have become selfish, lazy, and complacent, and are ill-equipped to face the horrors coming their way. If Poland is to survive, it will depend on the heroes who rise in her time of need. Yeremi Vishnovyetski, the warrior-prince who alone can lead his people to victory … if they are wise enough to accept his leadership. The diminutive soldier Michael Volodiyovski, ever unlucky at love, but never equaled as a swordsman. Longin Podbipyenta, the Lithuanian giant whose sacred vow to remain unmarried until he performs an impossible feat in battle is complicated when he falls madly in love. Pan Zagloba, Poland’s Falstaff, whose thirst for ale and penchant for self-preservation are exceeded only by his loyalty to his friends. But in the end, Poland’s fate will rest on the shoulders of the knight Jan Skshetuski, who must choose between the safety of his beloved Helena and his allegiance to prince and country. With Fire and Sword is the first novel of Sienkiewicz’s epic “Trilogy”, but is a stand-alone story in its own right. (Introduction by D. Leeson)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73973916</guid><pubDate>Mon, 17 Aug 2026 09:04:56 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73973916/first_part_of_king_henry_iv_version_2_william_shakespeare.mp3" length="89777405" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Henryk Sienkiewicz</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the traitor Hmyelnitski leads the Cossacks in a devastating revolt. Or it may come simply because the nation’s leaders and nobility have become selfish, lazy, and complacent, and are ill-equipped to face the horrors coming their way. If Poland is to survive, it will depend on the heroes who rise in her time of need. Yeremi Vishnovyetski, the warrior-prince who alone can lead his people to victory … if they are wise enough to accept his leadership. The diminutive soldier Michael Volodiyovski, ever unlucky at love, but never equaled as a swordsman. Longin Podbipyenta, the Lithuanian giant whose sacred vow to remain unmarried until he performs an impossible feat in battle is complicated when he falls madly in love. Pan Zagloba, Poland’s Falstaff, whose thirst for ale and penchant for self-preservation are exceeded only by his loyalty to his friends. But in the end, Poland’s fate will rest on the shoulders of the knight Jan Skshetuski, who must choose between the safety of his beloved Helena and his allegiance to prince and country. With Fire and Sword is the first novel of Sienkiewicz’s epic “Trilogy”, but is a stand-alone story in its own right. (Introduction by D. Leeson)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>11211</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/6d3d69a8b421fa939a501fda8c8bb45c.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Hermann and Dorothea-Johann Wolfgang von Goethe</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/hermann-and-dorothea-johann-wolfgang-von-goethe--73931628</link><description><![CDATA[In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the traitor Hmyelnitski leads the Cossacks in a devastating revolt. Or it may come simply because the nation’s leaders and nobility have become selfish, lazy, and complacent, and are ill-equipped to face the horrors coming their way. If Poland is to survive, it will depend on the heroes who rise in her time of need. Yeremi Vishnovyetski, the warrior-prince who alone can lead his people to victory … if they are wise enough to accept his leadership. The diminutive soldier Michael Volodiyovski, ever unlucky at love, but never equaled as a swordsman. Longin Podbipyenta, the Lithuanian giant whose sacred vow to remain unmarried until he performs an impossible feat in battle is complicated when he falls madly in love. Pan Zagloba, Poland’s Falstaff, whose thirst for ale and penchant for self-preservation are exceeded only by his loyalty to his friends. But in the end, Poland’s fate will rest on the shoulders of the knight Jan Skshetuski, who must choose between the safety of his beloved Helena and his allegiance to prince and country. With Fire and Sword is the first novel of Sienkiewicz’s epic “Trilogy”, but is a stand-alone story in its own right. (Introduction by D. Leeson)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73931628</guid><pubDate>Sun, 16 Aug 2026 09:05:10 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73931628/hermann_and_dorothea_johann_wolfgang_von_goethe.mp3" length="71920116" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Henryk Sienkiewicz</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the traitor Hmyelnitski leads the Cossacks in a devastating revolt. Or it may come simply because the nation’s leaders and nobility have become selfish, lazy, and complacent, and are ill-equipped to face the horrors coming their way. If Poland is to survive, it will depend on the heroes who rise in her time of need. Yeremi Vishnovyetski, the warrior-prince who alone can lead his people to victory … if they are wise enough to accept his leadership. The diminutive soldier Michael Volodiyovski, ever unlucky at love, but never equaled as a swordsman. Longin Podbipyenta, the Lithuanian giant whose sacred vow to remain unmarried until he performs an impossible feat in battle is complicated when he falls madly in love. Pan Zagloba, Poland’s Falstaff, whose thirst for ale and penchant for self-preservation are exceeded only by his loyalty to his friends. But in the end, Poland’s fate will rest on the shoulders of the knight Jan Skshetuski, who must choose between the safety of his beloved Helena and his allegiance to prince and country. With Fire and Sword is the first novel of Sienkiewicz’s epic “Trilogy”, but is a stand-alone story in its own right. (Introduction by D. Leeson)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>8981</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/6d3d69a8b421fa939a501fda8c8bb45c.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Recruiting Officer-George Farquhar</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/recruiting-officer-george-farquhar--73888976</link><description><![CDATA[In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the traitor Hmyelnitski leads the Cossacks in a devastating revolt. Or it may come simply because the nation’s leaders and nobility have become selfish, lazy, and complacent, and are ill-equipped to face the horrors coming their way. If Poland is to survive, it will depend on the heroes who rise in her time of need. Yeremi Vishnovyetski, the warrior-prince who alone can lead his people to victory … if they are wise enough to accept his leadership. The diminutive soldier Michael Volodiyovski, ever unlucky at love, but never equaled as a swordsman. Longin Podbipyenta, the Lithuanian giant whose sacred vow to remain unmarried until he performs an impossible feat in battle is complicated when he falls madly in love. Pan Zagloba, Poland’s Falstaff, whose thirst for ale and penchant for self-preservation are exceeded only by his loyalty to his friends. But in the end, Poland’s fate will rest on the shoulders of the knight Jan Skshetuski, who must choose between the safety of his beloved Helena and his allegiance to prince and country. With Fire and Sword is the first novel of Sienkiewicz’s epic “Trilogy”, but is a stand-alone story in its own right. (Introduction by D. Leeson)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73888976</guid><pubDate>Sat, 15 Aug 2026 09:07:32 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73888976/recruiting_officer_george_farquhar.mp3" length="63696532" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Henryk Sienkiewicz</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the traitor Hmyelnitski leads the Cossacks in a devastating revolt. Or it may come simply because the nation’s leaders and nobility have become selfish, lazy, and complacent, and are ill-equipped to face the horrors coming their way. If Poland is to survive, it will depend on the heroes who rise in her time of need. Yeremi Vishnovyetski, the warrior-prince who alone can lead his people to victory … if they are wise enough to accept his leadership. The diminutive soldier Michael Volodiyovski, ever unlucky at love, but never equaled as a swordsman. Longin Podbipyenta, the Lithuanian giant whose sacred vow to remain unmarried until he performs an impossible feat in battle is complicated when he falls madly in love. Pan Zagloba, Poland’s Falstaff, whose thirst for ale and penchant for self-preservation are exceeded only by his loyalty to his friends. But in the end, Poland’s fate will rest on the shoulders of the knight Jan Skshetuski, who must choose between the safety of his beloved Helena and his allegiance to prince and country. With Fire and Sword is the first novel of Sienkiewicz’s epic “Trilogy”, but is a stand-alone story in its own right. (Introduction by D. Leeson)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>7954</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/6d3d69a8b421fa939a501fda8c8bb45c.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Real Latin Quarter-Frank Berkeley Smith</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/real-latin-quarter-frank-berkeley-smith--73802123</link><description><![CDATA[In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the traitor Hmyelnitski leads the Cossacks in a devastating revolt. Or it may come simply because the nation’s leaders and nobility have become selfish, lazy, and complacent, and are ill-equipped to face the horrors coming their way. If Poland is to survive, it will depend on the heroes who rise in her time of need. Yeremi Vishnovyetski, the warrior-prince who alone can lead his people to victory … if they are wise enough to accept his leadership. The diminutive soldier Michael Volodiyovski, ever unlucky at love, but never equaled as a swordsman. Longin Podbipyenta, the Lithuanian giant whose sacred vow to remain unmarried until he performs an impossible feat in battle is complicated when he falls madly in love. Pan Zagloba, Poland’s Falstaff, whose thirst for ale and penchant for self-preservation are exceeded only by his loyalty to his friends. But in the end, Poland’s fate will rest on the shoulders of the knight Jan Skshetuski, who must choose between the safety of his beloved Helena and his allegiance to prince and country. With Fire and Sword is the first novel of Sienkiewicz’s epic “Trilogy”, but is a stand-alone story in its own right. (Introduction by D. Leeson)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73802123</guid><pubDate>Tue, 11 Aug 2026 06:10:04 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73802123/real_latin_quarter_frank_berkeley_smith.mp3" length="75710840" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Henryk Sienkiewicz</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the traitor Hmyelnitski leads the Cossacks in a devastating revolt. Or it may come simply because the nation’s leaders and nobility have become selfish, lazy, and complacent, and are ill-equipped to face the horrors coming their way. If Poland is to survive, it will depend on the heroes who rise in her time of need. Yeremi Vishnovyetski, the warrior-prince who alone can lead his people to victory … if they are wise enough to accept his leadership. The diminutive soldier Michael Volodiyovski, ever unlucky at love, but never equaled as a swordsman. Longin Podbipyenta, the Lithuanian giant whose sacred vow to remain unmarried until he performs an impossible feat in battle is complicated when he falls madly in love. Pan Zagloba, Poland’s Falstaff, whose thirst for ale and penchant for self-preservation are exceeded only by his loyalty to his friends. But in the end, Poland’s fate will rest on the shoulders of the knight Jan Skshetuski, who must choose between the safety of his beloved Helena and his allegiance to prince and country. With Fire and Sword is the first novel of Sienkiewicz’s epic “Trilogy”, but is a stand-alone story in its own right. (Introduction by D. Leeson)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>9454</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/6d3d69a8b421fa939a501fda8c8bb45c.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Voice and Public Speaking-John Poole Sandlands</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/voice-and-public-speaking-john-poole-sandlands--73771266</link><description><![CDATA[In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the traitor Hmyelnitski leads the Cossacks in a devastating revolt. Or it may come simply because the nation’s leaders and nobility have become selfish, lazy, and complacent, and are ill-equipped to face the horrors coming their way. If Poland is to survive, it will depend on the heroes who rise in her time of need. Yeremi Vishnovyetski, the warrior-prince who alone can lead his people to victory … if they are wise enough to accept his leadership. The diminutive soldier Michael Volodiyovski, ever unlucky at love, but never equaled as a swordsman. Longin Podbipyenta, the Lithuanian giant whose sacred vow to remain unmarried until he performs an impossible feat in battle is complicated when he falls madly in love. Pan Zagloba, Poland’s Falstaff, whose thirst for ale and penchant for self-preservation are exceeded only by his loyalty to his friends. But in the end, Poland’s fate will rest on the shoulders of the knight Jan Skshetuski, who must choose between the safety of his beloved Helena and his allegiance to prince and country. With Fire and Sword is the first novel of Sienkiewicz’s epic “Trilogy”, but is a stand-alone story in its own right. (Introduction by D. Leeson)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73771266</guid><pubDate>Mon, 10 Aug 2026 18:10:01 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73771266/voice_and_public_speaking_john_poole_sandlands.mp3" length="120606608" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Henryk Sienkiewicz</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the traitor Hmyelnitski leads the Cossacks in a devastating revolt. Or it may come simply because the nation’s leaders and nobility have become selfish, lazy, and complacent, and are ill-equipped to face the horrors coming their way. If Poland is to survive, it will depend on the heroes who rise in her time of need. Yeremi Vishnovyetski, the warrior-prince who alone can lead his people to victory … if they are wise enough to accept his leadership. The diminutive soldier Michael Volodiyovski, ever unlucky at love, but never equaled as a swordsman. Longin Podbipyenta, the Lithuanian giant whose sacred vow to remain unmarried until he performs an impossible feat in battle is complicated when he falls madly in love. Pan Zagloba, Poland’s Falstaff, whose thirst for ale and penchant for self-preservation are exceeded only by his loyalty to his friends. But in the end, Poland’s fate will rest on the shoulders of the knight Jan Skshetuski, who must choose between the safety of his beloved Helena and his allegiance to prince and country. With Fire and Sword is the first novel of Sienkiewicz’s epic “Trilogy”, but is a stand-alone story in its own right. (Introduction by D. Leeson)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>15061</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/6d3d69a8b421fa939a501fda8c8bb45c.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>By Desert Ways to Baghdad-Louisa Jebb Wilkins</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/by-desert-ways-to-baghdad-louisa-jebb-wilkins--73742900</link><description><![CDATA[In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the traitor Hmyelnitski leads the Cossacks in a devastating revolt. Or it may come simply because the nation’s leaders and nobility have become selfish, lazy, and complacent, and are ill-equipped to face the horrors coming their way. If Poland is to survive, it will depend on the heroes who rise in her time of need. Yeremi Vishnovyetski, the warrior-prince who alone can lead his people to victory … if they are wise enough to accept his leadership. The diminutive soldier Michael Volodiyovski, ever unlucky at love, but never equaled as a swordsman. Longin Podbipyenta, the Lithuanian giant whose sacred vow to remain unmarried until he performs an impossible feat in battle is complicated when he falls madly in love. Pan Zagloba, Poland’s Falstaff, whose thirst for ale and penchant for self-preservation are exceeded only by his loyalty to his friends. But in the end, Poland’s fate will rest on the shoulders of the knight Jan Skshetuski, who must choose between the safety of his beloved Helena and his allegiance to prince and country. With Fire and Sword is the first novel of Sienkiewicz’s epic “Trilogy”, but is a stand-alone story in its own right. (Introduction by D. Leeson)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73742900</guid><pubDate>Mon, 10 Aug 2026 06:25:35 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73742900/by_desert_ways_to_baghdad_louisa_jebb_wilkins.mp3" length="204894570" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Henryk Sienkiewicz</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the traitor Hmyelnitski leads the Cossacks in a devastating revolt. Or it may come simply because the nation’s leaders and nobility have become selfish, lazy, and complacent, and are ill-equipped to face the horrors coming their way. If Poland is to survive, it will depend on the heroes who rise in her time of need. Yeremi Vishnovyetski, the warrior-prince who alone can lead his people to victory … if they are wise enough to accept his leadership. The diminutive soldier Michael Volodiyovski, ever unlucky at love, but never equaled as a swordsman. Longin Podbipyenta, the Lithuanian giant whose sacred vow to remain unmarried until he performs an impossible feat in battle is complicated when he falls madly in love. Pan Zagloba, Poland’s Falstaff, whose thirst for ale and penchant for self-preservation are exceeded only by his loyalty to his friends. But in the end, Poland’s fate will rest on the shoulders of the knight Jan Skshetuski, who must choose between the safety of his beloved Helena and his allegiance to prince and country. With Fire and Sword is the first novel of Sienkiewicz’s epic “Trilogy”, but is a stand-alone story in its own right. (Introduction by D. Leeson)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>25586</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/6d3d69a8b421fa939a501fda8c8bb45c.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Astrophel and Stella - Sir Philip Sidney</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/astrophel-and-stella-sir-philip-sidney--73321279</link><description><![CDATA[Astrophel and Stella by Sir Philip Sidney is a poignant exploration of love and longing, encapsulated in a sequence of sonnets that delve into the complexities of desire and the heart's struggles. This timeless work resonates with themes of unrequited love and the interplay between passion and reason, making it a profound reflection on the human experience. Sidney's lyrical craftsmanship and emotional depth invite listeners to immerse themselves in the beauty of his verse, which continues to speak to the challenges of love that remain relevant today. The enduring nature of these themes ensures that Astrophel and Stella remains a significant touchstone in the landscape of poetry and romance.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73321279</guid><pubDate>Sat, 01 Aug 2026 17:40:41 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73321279/astrophel_and_stella_sir_philip_sidney.mp3" length="48482480" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Henryk Sienkiewicz</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Astrophel and Stella by Sir Philip Sidney is a poignant exploration of love and longing, encapsulated in a sequence of sonnets that delve into the complexities of desire and the heart's struggles. This timeless work resonates with themes of unrequited...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Astrophel and Stella by Sir Philip Sidney is a poignant exploration of love and longing, encapsulated in a sequence of sonnets that delve into the complexities of desire and the heart's struggles. This timeless work resonates with themes of unrequited love and the interplay between passion and reason, making it a profound reflection on the human experience. Sidney's lyrical craftsmanship and emotional depth invite listeners to immerse themselves in the beauty of his verse, which continues to speak to the challenges of love that remain relevant today. The enduring nature of these themes ensures that Astrophel and Stella remains a significant touchstone in the landscape of poetry and romance.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>6054</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/6d3d69a8b421fa939a501fda8c8bb45c.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>With Fire and Sword - Henryk Sienkiewicz - Part 4</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/with-fire-and-sword-henryk-sienkiewicz-part-4--72248245</link><description><![CDATA[In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the traitor Hmyelnitski leads the Cossacks in a devastating revolt. Or it may come simply because the nation’s leaders and nobility have become selfish, lazy, and complacent, and are ill-equipped to face the horrors coming their way. If Poland is to survive, it will depend on the heroes who rise in her time of need. Yeremi Vishnovyetski, the warrior-prince who alone can lead his people to victory … if they are wise enough to accept his leadership. The diminutive soldier Michael Volodiyovski, ever unlucky at love, but never equaled as a swordsman. Longin Podbipyenta, the Lithuanian giant whose sacred vow to remain unmarried until he performs an impossible feat in battle is complicated when he falls madly in love. Pan Zagloba, Poland’s Falstaff, whose thirst for ale and penchant for self-preservation are exceeded only by his loyalty to his friends. But in the end, Poland’s fate will rest on the shoulders of the knight Jan Skshetuski, who must choose between the safety of his beloved Helena and his allegiance to prince and country. With Fire and Sword is the first novel of Sienkiewicz’s epic “Trilogy”, but is a stand-alone story in its own right. (Introduction by D. Leeson)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72248245</guid><pubDate>Tue, 02 Jun 2026 09:00:14 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/72248245/with_fire_and_sword_henryk_sienkiewicz_part_4.mp3" length="23920683" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/23cc448d-eebf-46d6-a352-d03c938f4311/23cc448d-eebf-46d6-a352-d03c938f4311.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/23cc448d-eebf-46d6-a352-d03c938f4311/23cc448d-eebf-46d6-a352-d03c938f4311.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/23cc448d-eebf-46d6-a352-d03c938f4311/23cc448d-eebf-46d6-a352-d03c938f4311.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Henryk Sienkiewicz</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the traitor Hmyelnitski leads the Cossacks in a devastating revolt. Or it may come simply because the nation’s leaders and nobility have become selfish, lazy, and complacent, and are ill-equipped to face the horrors coming their way. If Poland is to survive, it will depend on the heroes who rise in her time of need. Yeremi Vishnovyetski, the warrior-prince who alone can lead his people to victory … if they are wise enough to accept his leadership. The diminutive soldier Michael Volodiyovski, ever unlucky at love, but never equaled as a swordsman. Longin Podbipyenta, the Lithuanian giant whose sacred vow to remain unmarried until he performs an impossible feat in battle is complicated when he falls madly in love. Pan Zagloba, Poland’s Falstaff, whose thirst for ale and penchant for self-preservation are exceeded only by his loyalty to his friends. But in the end, Poland’s fate will rest on the shoulders of the knight Jan Skshetuski, who must choose between the safety of his beloved Helena and his allegiance to prince and country. With Fire and Sword is the first novel of Sienkiewicz’s epic “Trilogy”, but is a stand-alone story in its own right. (Introduction by D. Leeson)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2991</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>come,fire,historical,poland,sienkiewicz,sword,vishnovyetski,volodiyovski,yeremi,zagloba</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/6d3d69a8b421fa939a501fda8c8bb45c.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>With Fire and Sword - Henryk Sienkiewicz - Part 3</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/with-fire-and-sword-henryk-sienkiewicz-part-3--72248243</link><description><![CDATA[In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the traitor Hmyelnitski leads the Cossacks in a devastating revolt. Or it may come simply because the nation’s leaders and nobility have become selfish, lazy, and complacent, and are ill-equipped to face the horrors coming their way. If Poland is to survive, it will depend on the heroes who rise in her time of need. Yeremi Vishnovyetski, the warrior-prince who alone can lead his people to victory … if they are wise enough to accept his leadership. The diminutive soldier Michael Volodiyovski, ever unlucky at love, but never equaled as a swordsman. Longin Podbipyenta, the Lithuanian giant whose sacred vow to remain unmarried until he performs an impossible feat in battle is complicated when he falls madly in love. Pan Zagloba, Poland’s Falstaff, whose thirst for ale and penchant for self-preservation are exceeded only by his loyalty to his friends. But in the end, Poland’s fate will rest on the shoulders of the knight Jan Skshetuski, who must choose between the safety of his beloved Helena and his allegiance to prince and country. With Fire and Sword is the first novel of Sienkiewicz’s epic “Trilogy”, but is a stand-alone story in its own right. (Introduction by D. Leeson)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72248243</guid><pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 09:00:21 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/72248243/with_fire_and_sword_henryk_sienkiewicz_part_3.mp3" length="279264479" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Henryk Sienkiewicz</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the traitor Hmyelnitski leads the Cossacks in a devastating revolt. Or it may come simply because the nation’s leaders and nobility have become selfish, lazy, and complacent, and are ill-equipped to face the horrors coming their way. If Poland is to survive, it will depend on the heroes who rise in her time of need. Yeremi Vishnovyetski, the warrior-prince who alone can lead his people to victory … if they are wise enough to accept his leadership. The diminutive soldier Michael Volodiyovski, ever unlucky at love, but never equaled as a swordsman. Longin Podbipyenta, the Lithuanian giant whose sacred vow to remain unmarried until he performs an impossible feat in battle is complicated when he falls madly in love. Pan Zagloba, Poland’s Falstaff, whose thirst for ale and penchant for self-preservation are exceeded only by his loyalty to his friends. But in the end, Poland’s fate will rest on the shoulders of the knight Jan Skshetuski, who must choose between the safety of his beloved Helena and his allegiance to prince and country. With Fire and Sword is the first novel of Sienkiewicz’s epic “Trilogy”, but is a stand-alone story in its own right. (Introduction by D. Leeson)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>34909</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>come,fire,historical,poland,sienkiewicz,sword,vishnovyetski,volodiyovski,yeremi,zagloba</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/6d3d69a8b421fa939a501fda8c8bb45c.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>With Fire and Sword - Henryk Sienkiewicz - Part 2</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/with-fire-and-sword-henryk-sienkiewicz-part-2--72248239</link><description><![CDATA[In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the traitor Hmyelnitski leads the Cossacks in a devastating revolt. Or it may come simply because the nation’s leaders and nobility have become selfish, lazy, and complacent, and are ill-equipped to face the horrors coming their way. If Poland is to survive, it will depend on the heroes who rise in her time of need. Yeremi Vishnovyetski, the warrior-prince who alone can lead his people to victory … if they are wise enough to accept his leadership. The diminutive soldier Michael Volodiyovski, ever unlucky at love, but never equaled as a swordsman. Longin Podbipyenta, the Lithuanian giant whose sacred vow to remain unmarried until he performs an impossible feat in battle is complicated when he falls madly in love. Pan Zagloba, Poland’s Falstaff, whose thirst for ale and penchant for self-preservation are exceeded only by his loyalty to his friends. But in the end, Poland’s fate will rest on the shoulders of the knight Jan Skshetuski, who must choose between the safety of his beloved Helena and his allegiance to prince and country. With Fire and Sword is the first novel of Sienkiewicz’s epic “Trilogy”, but is a stand-alone story in its own right. (Introduction by D. Leeson)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72248239</guid><pubDate>Sun, 31 May 2026 09:00:22 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/72248239/with_fire_and_sword_henryk_sienkiewicz_part_2.mp3" length="277555232" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Henryk Sienkiewicz</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the traitor Hmyelnitski leads the Cossacks in a devastating revolt. Or it may come simply because the nation’s leaders and nobility have become selfish, lazy, and complacent, and are ill-equipped to face the horrors coming their way. If Poland is to survive, it will depend on the heroes who rise in her time of need. Yeremi Vishnovyetski, the warrior-prince who alone can lead his people to victory … if they are wise enough to accept his leadership. The diminutive soldier Michael Volodiyovski, ever unlucky at love, but never equaled as a swordsman. Longin Podbipyenta, the Lithuanian giant whose sacred vow to remain unmarried until he performs an impossible feat in battle is complicated when he falls madly in love. Pan Zagloba, Poland’s Falstaff, whose thirst for ale and penchant for self-preservation are exceeded only by his loyalty to his friends. But in the end, Poland’s fate will rest on the shoulders of the knight Jan Skshetuski, who must choose between the safety of his beloved Helena and his allegiance to prince and country. With Fire and Sword is the first novel of Sienkiewicz’s epic “Trilogy”, but is a stand-alone story in its own right. (Introduction by D. Leeson)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>34695</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>come,fire,historical,poland,sienkiewicz,sword,vishnovyetski,volodiyovski,yeremi,zagloba</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/6d3d69a8b421fa939a501fda8c8bb45c.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>With Fire and Sword - Henryk Sienkiewicz - Part 1</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/with-fire-and-sword-henryk-sienkiewicz-part-1--72248230</link><description><![CDATA[In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the traitor Hmyelnitski leads the Cossacks in a devastating revolt. Or it may come simply because the nation’s leaders and nobility have become selfish, lazy, and complacent, and are ill-equipped to face the horrors coming their way. If Poland is to survive, it will depend on the heroes who rise in her time of need. Yeremi Vishnovyetski, the warrior-prince who alone can lead his people to victory … if they are wise enough to accept his leadership. The diminutive soldier Michael Volodiyovski, ever unlucky at love, but never equaled as a swordsman. Longin Podbipyenta, the Lithuanian giant whose sacred vow to remain unmarried until he performs an impossible feat in battle is complicated when he falls madly in love. Pan Zagloba, Poland’s Falstaff, whose thirst for ale and penchant for self-preservation are exceeded only by his loyalty to his friends. But in the end, Poland’s fate will rest on the shoulders of the knight Jan Skshetuski, who must choose between the safety of his beloved Helena and his allegiance to prince and country. With Fire and Sword is the first novel of Sienkiewicz’s epic “Trilogy”, but is a stand-alone story in its own right. (Introduction by D. Leeson)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72248230</guid><pubDate>Sat, 30 May 2026 15:22:01 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/72248230/with_fire_and_sword_henryk_sienkiewicz_part_1.mp3" length="280229131" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Henryk Sienkiewicz</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In 1647, Poland is a land facing complete destruction with fire and sword. It may come from without, as the Tartar hordes swarm over the steppes, turning cities to ash and the Poles to slaves. It may come from within the country’s bounds, as the traitor Hmyelnitski leads the Cossacks in a devastating revolt. Or it may come simply because the nation’s leaders and nobility have become selfish, lazy, and complacent, and are ill-equipped to face the horrors coming their way. If Poland is to survive, it will depend on the heroes who rise in her time of need. Yeremi Vishnovyetski, the warrior-prince who alone can lead his people to victory … if they are wise enough to accept his leadership. The diminutive soldier Michael Volodiyovski, ever unlucky at love, but never equaled as a swordsman. Longin Podbipyenta, the Lithuanian giant whose sacred vow to remain unmarried until he performs an impossible feat in battle is complicated when he falls madly in love. Pan Zagloba, Poland’s Falstaff, whose thirst for ale and penchant for self-preservation are exceeded only by his loyalty to his friends. But in the end, Poland’s fate will rest on the shoulders of the knight Jan Skshetuski, who must choose between the safety of his beloved Helena and his allegiance to prince and country. With Fire and Sword is the first novel of Sienkiewicz’s epic “Trilogy”, but is a stand-alone story in its own right. (Introduction by D. Leeson)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>35029</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>come,fire,historical,poland,sienkiewicz,sword,vishnovyetski,volodiyovski,yeremi,zagloba</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/6d3d69a8b421fa939a501fda8c8bb45c.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item></channel></rss>
