He is recognized as the first successful novelist in Hungarian literature, through the publishing of one of his first works, Abafi (1836), a historical novel set in his native Transylvania in the style of Romantic writers of the era such as Walter Scott.

[2] In 1812 Jósika joined the cavalry regiment of the Hungarian army led by Jenő Savoyai, which was engaged in a campaign in Italy as part of the Sixth Coalition of the Napoleonic Wars.

He was present at the second battle of the Mincio River in February 1814, serving under Austrian command against French and Italian troops, and was promoted to the rank of lieutenant.

Due to his personality, overly humble and careful, Jósika recused himself and left the political assembly to dedicate his time to literature and the arts.

Historians describe Jósika's political views as liberal and aligned with those of writer Sándor Bölöni Farkas, who in turn was an advocate of British and American democracy.

Over the course of the book, the eponymous hero transforms his life from one of debauchery to public respect and promotion, before sacrificing himself in the battle to protect his prince.

[8] Elements of Jósika's liberal political philosophy were evident in his casting of the characters, and the work remained popular among socially progressive Hungarians into the early twentieth century.

His political pursuits continued; in 1847 he appeared before the Transylvanian Diet as a representative for Szolnok to unsuccessfully advocate for a formal union between Transylvania and Hungary.

Once this was obtained Jósika immediately entered into an engagement, and then marriage with Baroness Julia Podmaniczky, a fellow writer and member of an influential Hungarian family.

[2] The Hungarian Revolution of 1848 gave power to the Radical Opposition, including Jósika's erstwhile political foe Lajos Kossuth.