Kaukaz Wacława Sieroszewskiego

Numerous descriptions of the Caucasus have been preserved in Polish literature, which can serve as valuable sources for historical and ethnographic research of this country. Most of them were created in the years 1830–1860, when many Poles came to the Caucasus, forcibly conscripted into the Tsar’s army for their patriotic activities. These are scientific, travel and romantic poetry with a nostalgic tint. One of the most interesting Polish descriptions of the Caucasus can be found in the novel Risztau by Wacław Sieroszewski from 1898. This novel stems from the writer’s personal experiences. It is distinguished by a different view of these regions of the Russian Empire. Risztau is an adventure novel and an exotic novel at the same time. Sieroszewski created his own exemplar of an exotic novel, distinguished by its focus on universal human issues. It is an adventure novel and an exotic novel at the same time. Sieroszewski developed his own model of an exotic novel, the aim of which is to show universal human issues. The plot in this novel serves to convey a moral lesson about human work and heroism in the fight against nature. What distinguishes Risztau are his painterly descriptions of mountain landscapes, in which color and light play the main role. The novel was highly praised by critics of the time.