The Doll (novel)
（重定向自Lalka）
![](/Images/godic/202501/23/Lalka_-_strona_tytulowa_1_wydania0705.jpg")
![Bolesław Prus, by Józef Holewiński. Frontispiece to 1st book edition of The Doll, 1890.](/Images/godic/202501/23/Prus_na_frontopisie_pierwszego_wydania_Lalki0705.jpg")
![Krakowskie Przedmieście, looking from the Castle Square south toward site of Wokulski's shop.](/Images/godic/202501/23/Bellotto_Cracow_Suburb_as_seen_from_the_Cracow_Gate0705.jpg")
The Doll (Polish title: Lalka) is the second of four major novels by the Polish writer Bolesław Prus (real name Aleksander Głowacki). It was composed for periodical serialization in 1887-89 and appeared in book form in 1890.
The Doll has been regarded by some, including Nobel laureate Czesław Miłosz, as the greatest Polish novel. According to Prus biographer Zygmunt Szweykowski, it may be unique in 19th-century world literature as a comprehensive, compelling picture of an entire society.