The Tower of Fools

The Tower of Fools by Andrzej Sapkowski, translated by David French, is the first novel in the Hussite Trilogy, blending historical fiction, fantasy, adventure, political conflict, and dark humor. Set in 15th-century Silesia during the Hussite Wars, the story follows Reinmar of Bielawa, known as Reynevan, a young doctor, magician, and scholar who is forced to flee after being discovered having an affair with a knight’s wife. Pursued by the vengeful Stercza brothers and the Holy Inquisition, Reynevan becomes caught in a turbulent world of religious conflict, political intrigue, war, magic, and persecution. His journey eventually leads him to the Narrenturm, or Tower of Fools, a medieval asylum populated by eccentric and dangerous characters. The novel combines real historical events and figures with supernatural elements, creating a richly detailed and often darkly comic medieval world.