The book tells about the events pre-, during, and post the great Polish revolution. It describes the prerequisites of the war, the analysis of the political and social situation, and the complete account of the revolution from the perspective of an eyewitness. Being an experienced participant of Napoleonic wars, Hordynskiy gives an expert assessment of the flaws and wins of the revolution, tells about the chief leaders such as Marshal Diebitsch, Prince Wirtemberg, and others. Since this book is a memoir, it is full of interesting details, not typical for the official records—a valuable source for reference for everyone interested in the history of the events described. Joseph Hordynski (1792 – 1840) was a Polish Sapper Corps officer, an experienced veteran of the Napoleon wars, and an active participant of November 1830 Upraising. Being forced to flee after the November events, he emigrated to the United States, where he created and published the memoirs of the Polish revolution. After, he moved to France to continue for his fight for Poland.

"I have undertaken merely to give a sketch of the work my husband did for his country during the years of the great war, to tell the motives and impulses which animated him, to explain to his friends throughout the world how it came that he abandoned his art and his career to plunge into politics and to indicate how little he regards the sacrifice he has made.... I simply know that he has given to Poland the best that was in him and more than that can be asked of no man."