Let’s face it—history books can be boring. But what if someone told you history could be as exciting as a treasure hunt? That’s exactly the vibe we went for in How to Become a Brilliant Rascal (Jak zostać genialnym hultajem), a book packed with tales of extraordinary Poles who changed the world with their wit, courage, and unshakable determination.
A Book Unlike Any Other
We realized there was a glaring gap in how Polish history was presented to young people. Where were the stories about our giants of science, culture, and politics? Why wasn’t anyone shouting from the rooftops about the genius of Stefan Drzewiecki, who invented submarines, or Helena Rubinstein, the woman who transformed the beauty industry? How to Become a Brilliant Rascal is here to fill that gap, and let me tell you—it’s a wild ride.
This book isn’t just for kids (though they’ll love it); adults find themselves captivated too. Why? Because it doesn’t just tell history—it brings it to life with humor, grit, and a touch of mischief.
Adding a contemporary touch, one of the two living Poles featured in the book, Jan Mela, recorded a podcast for us, sharing his extraordinary story of resilience and adventure. And if that weren’t enough, the other—world-famous footballer Robert Lewandowski—wrote a personal dedication and glowing endorsement featured on the cover. It’s a testament to the book’s power to connect past and present, making history truly unforgettable.
Meet the Rascals
Every chapter introduces a new “rascal,” a Polish icon who broke the rules, challenged the norms, and made history. Here’s a sneak peek:
- Maria Skłodowska-Curie – The woman who didn’t just win one Nobel Prize but two, and still found time to be a loving mother.
- Mikołaj Kopernik – The original rebel who told the world, “Hey, maybe the Earth isn’t the center of the universe.”
- Ignacy Domeyko – A mining pioneer whose ideas shaped Chile’s industry.
- Maurycy Beniowski – Adventurer, rebel, and self-proclaimed king of Madagascar (yes, really).
- Tadeusz Kościuszko – A hero on two continents, fighting for both Polish and American independence.
- Jan Szczepanik – The “Polish Edison,” who invented the bulletproof vest and revolutionized weaving.
- Stefan Banach – A math genius who co-founded modern functional analysis in his spare time (often scribbling equations on café napkins).
- Kazimierz Funk – The scientist who discovered vitamins and literally saved lives around the globe.
- Janusz Korczak – A revolutionary educator and advocate for children’s rights, who lived and died for his students.
- Irena Sendler – The fearless social worker who smuggled 2,500 Jewish children out of the Warsaw Ghetto.
And we’re not done yet. Here are ten more rascals who made the cut:
- Henryk Arctowski – A polar explorer who mapped uncharted territories.
- Bronisław Malinowski – The anthropologist who redefined how we understand cultures.
- Wanda Rutkiewicz – The first European woman to climb Mount Everest.
- Fryderyk Chopin – The musical genius whose works still give us goosebumps.
- Jerzy Kukuczka – One of the world’s greatest high-altitude climbers, conquering 14 eight-thousanders.
- Zygmunt Pułaski – The father of modern helicopter engineering.
- Helena Modrzejewska – The actress who conquered stages in Europe and America.
- Kazimierz Żegleń – A Catholic priest who invented the modern bulletproof vest.
- Józef Piłsudski – The statesman who resurrected Poland after 123 years of nonexistence.
- Władysław Bartoszewski – A diplomat and historian who taught us that decency is the foundation of greatness.
Stunning Illustrations by Poland’s Best
What sets this book apart is its visual magic. Top-tier Polish illustrators, including Tomasz Broda, Anna Halarewicz, and Tomasz Bieniek, have created art that captures the spirit of these legends. Their work bridges the past and present, making each rascal feel as relatable as your eccentric next-door neighbor.
The illustrations are bold, dynamic, and unforgettable, turning history into an adventure you can see, not just read about.
A Design You’ll Want to Show Off
We didn’t just want this to be another book on a shelf. How to Become a Brilliant Rascal is designed to be a keepsake—simple yet sophisticated, with an elegant layout and vibrant pages that practically beg to be flipped. It’s the kind of book you’d proudly display on your coffee table or gift to someone you love.
Why It Matters
Poland has a rich history of rebels, innovators, and visionaries. But we’ve often been too shy to celebrate them. This book changes that. It’s a love letter to Polish ingenuity, a reminder that our history isn’t just about hardships—it’s about people who dared to dream bigger, think smarter, and do better.
It’s a call to action for the next generation: Be bold. Be curious. Be a rascal.
If you’re ready to meet the Poles who made the impossible possible, How to Become a Brilliant Rascal is your guide. These aren’t just stories—they’re lessons in courage, wit, and the power of never taking “no” for an answer.
So, what are you waiting for? Dive in, and let these legendary rascals inspire you to be one too.
Authors and Language Editions:
Danuta Nierada, Tobiasz Piątkowski
Illustrators:
Wojciech Stefaniec
Tomasz Bieniek
Tomasz Broda
Paulina Dudek
Anna Halarewicz
Jan Kallwejt
Marek Oleksicki
Adam Pękalski
Wiesław Skupniewicz
Languages:
The book is available in Polish and English, making these extraordinary Polish stories accessible to a global audience.
The Premiere in Zachęta National Gallery
The launch of “Jak zostać genialnym hultajem” was an unforgettable event, held at the prestigious Zachęta National Gallery of Art. The venue itself holds deep historical significance—it was here that one of the book’s featured icons, Poland’s first president, Gabriel Narutowicz, tragically lost his life. This symbolic location added a poignant layer to the evening, bridging Poland’s history with its vibrant present.
The event was hosted by the charismatic journalist Sławomir Jastrzębowski, who expertly guided us through the evening with humor and thought-provoking insights. We were honored to welcome the book’s authors, illustrators, and all the incredible collaborators who brought this project to life. It was a night of celebration, reflection, and gratitude, as everyone involved shared their stories, inspirations, and the challenges of creating such a remarkable work.
Adding a special touch of magic, excerpts from the book were brought to life through captivating readings by talented actors Rafał Zawierucha, Mateusz Pawłowski, and Kasia Łaska. With their spirited interpretations, they transformed the historical figures and narratives into vivid, engaging performances, making the stories resonate with the audience in a whole new way.
The gallery buzzed with energy as guests admired the stunning illustrations, shared anecdotes, and discussed the fascinating lives of the book’s protagonists. From scientists to artists, the larger-than-life figures portrayed in the book felt alive in the hands of the country’s most talented illustrators.
We were also thrilled to unveil a photo exhibition capturing the journey of the book’s creation and moments from the launch event itself. The images radiate the passion and dedication that went into every page of “Jak zostać genialnym hultajem.”
It was more than a book launch—it was a celebration of Poland’s spirit, ingenuity, and creativity.
Here are exclusive photos from the event.