Sienkiewicz, Henryk

syen-kye'vich, Henryk (1846-), a Polish novelist. After graduation from the University of Warsaw he contributed a series of critical essays to a Warsaw literary journal and was later the editor of a paper published in that city. He wrote his first novel, Na Marne, in 1870. It at once attracted attention and was translated into English and other European languages. A number of other works followed, all of which were favorably received. The work by which he is best known, indeed thought by some his masterpiece, Quo Vadis, was published in 1897. The scene is laid in Rome in the time of Nero, who is one of the characters described. One strong chapter of Quo Vadis describes the burning of Rome; another a banquet attended by members of Nero's dissolute court. Sienkiewicz borrowed his title from a story told of St. Peter. While fleeing from Rome and his persecutors the Apostle met Christ, so it was said, on the Appian Way, and addressed him with, "Dominie, quo vadis?" (Lord, whither goest thou?). "To Rome, to be crucified again," was the reply. Peter, taking the rebuke to himself, turned back to meet the fate and win the crown of a martyr. Sienkiewicz visited the United States in 1876 and remained for some time in California. In 1891 he traveled in South Africa.