Several people have contributed to this work with practical help and support. Professor Jerzy MaroÅ from the Historical Institute at the University of WrocÅaw was my mentor and true guide to the world of military thought, and has made an enormous impact on shaping the concept of this book. His influence includes also the very happy choice of the reviewers of my dissertation. Without the support of and the many interesting discussions with professors Norbert Kasparek from the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn and Tomasz Przerwa from the University of WrocÅaw, my doctoral thesis could never have been converted into this book. My colleagues from so-called âWrocÅaw School of Military Historyâ, established by Professor MaroÅ, were also key contributors, in particular my closest friends Krzysztof WidziÅski and Daniel KoreÅ, who always offered me their advice and help, as well as constant moral support.
I would like to thank sincerely my supervisors, who were essential in securing financial support. Iâm especially grateful to the Deputy Director of the Historical Institute, Dr hab. Lucyna Harc, for the idea to translate my work. My direct supervisor, Professor Tomasz GÅowiÅski, must also be thanked for his unerring faith in the eventual success of the work and his patience with the many delays that other responsibilities suffered. Iâm also thankful to the Dean of the Faculty of Historical and Pedagogical Sciences, Professor PrzemysÅaw Wiszewski, the Director of the Historical Institute, Professor RoÅcisÅaw Å»erelik, and the Deputy Director of the Historical Institute, Professor Filip WolaÅski, for their goodwill and support during many procedures. I would like to offer special thanks for the specialists of our university administration, Mr. Katarzyna Polak and Teresa Bednarz, who always assisted me in the necessary formalities.
I also want to mention Vanya Eftimova Bellinger, who provided very practical advice on publishers and useful contacts. Iâm grateful for support of my colleagues from the Military Historical Bureau, and its director, Professor SÅawomir Cenckiewicz. To Witold Zbirohowski-KoÅcia I owe thanks for the translation, and to Timothy Wardell for his proof-reading of the English. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with Marcella Mulder, and appreciated her kindness at every stage of the manuscript preparation.
I give special thanks to my father, who used his masterful artistic skills to create the ideal image for use on the cover. Thanks to his talent, my book looks like how I always dreamed it would. My brother, a witness to my work for
Last, but undoubtedly the most important, my beloved fiancée Anna. Her support, understanding, help and patience were the key to finding the will to finish this hard task. For this Iâll always be a grateful and happy debtor.