This is an extraordinarily moving account of an epic journey which gives a remarkable insight into the reality of a Europe laid waste by war. Alone and fending for themselves in a Poland devastated by World War II, Jan and his three homeless friends cling to the silver sword as a symbol of hope. They travel through war-torn Europe towards Switzerland, where they believe they will be reunited with their parents, they encounter many hardships and dangers.
"Inspiring wartime story of the Balicki family in Warsaw." John Walsh, author and Independent columnist
Author
About Ian Serraillier
Ian Serraillier (September 24, 1912 - November 28, 1994), was a British novelist and poet. Serraillier was best known for his children's books, especially The Silver Sword (1956), a wartime adventure story which was adapted for television by the BBC in 1957 and again in 1971.
Born in London, Serraillier was educated at Brighton College and took his degree at St Edmund Hall, Oxford. He became an English teacher and it was during this period that his first published work appeared, in the form of poetry for both adults and children. In 1946 his first children’s novel was published. It was followed by several more adventure stories of treasure and spies. His best known work, The Silver Sword has become a classic, bringing to life the story of four refugee children and their search for their parents in the chaos of Europe immediately after World War II.
As well as children’s novels and poetry, Serrailler produced his own retellings of classic tales, in prose and verse, including Beowulf, Chaucer and Greek myth. Together with his wife Anne he founded the New Windmill Series in 1948, published by Heinemann Educational Books, which set out to provide inexpensive editions of good stories. He continued as co-editor of the series until the onset of Alzheimer's disease.
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