Publisher's Synopsis
In the history of Romania, there have been many periods of suffering and hardship. From its formation, initially as small provinces, to the moment it became a true nation, Romania has gone through numerous trials and sacrifices. Almost constantly under the influence of the Ottoman Empire, which controlled everything and replaced rulers at its will, depending on how well they paid their tribute to the "Sublime Porte," the two Romanian principalities came to be treated as mere Turkish colonies. The life of peasants in these lands was harsh beyond words. The subjugation by the boyars turned them into virtual serfs on their own land. Over time, many brave men rose against this injustice, trying to free the people from such harsh domination. Among them stood out the outlaw Iancu Jianu, the only real historical figure in this story, whose acts of bravery are recounted in the following pages. The rest of the characters are purely fictional.
