Dictionary.net

A Polish novelist and miscellaneous writer; born in East Galicia, about 1825. At various times in his life he became involved in political difficulties, and passed several years in prison; and these experiences have colored all his books. His first publication was "A Passage from the Life of Unknown People" (1853). In "The Red Cap" and "The Secret Fund", he describes the spy system of the police force; and of like nature are "Covered Cards" (1875), "A Bad Business" (1876), etc. He has also written a few art novels.