Pope John Paul II (Karol Wojtyla) 1920 - 2005

Karol Wojtyla was born on May 18, 1920 in Wadowice, Poland. When his studies in Polish literature at the Jagiellonian University of Krakow were interrupted by World War II, he became a chemical worker; in 1942, determined to become a priest, he went into hiding in the palace of the archbishop of Krakow. Ordained on November 1, 1946, he studied at the Angelicum University in Rome (earning a doctorate in ethics) and at the Catholic University of Lublin.

A professor of philosophy at Lublin and the University of Krakow, he was made auxiliary bishop (1958) and archbishop (1964) of Krakow and cardinal in 1967. More info...

Czeslaw Milosz 1911 - 2004: 1980 Nobel Prize in Literature

Wislawa Szymborska 1923 - 1996: Nobel Prize in Literature

Born in 1923, is the most popular woman poet now living in Krakow, Poland. She made her debut in 1952 and in subsequent years has published seven more volumes: aphoristical, lyric poetry of moralistic and reflective character. She has also published translations of French poetry and collections of essays.

The most recent volume "The People on the Bridge" (1986) is acclaimed as one of the most important collections published in Poland in the 1980's. Her publications in English include: "Sounds", "Feelings", "Thoughts: Seventy Poems by Wieslawa Szymborska."

Witold Lutoslawski 1913 - 1994

Leading contemporary composer noted for his pioneering work using the modern atonal twelve note scale. Recipient of numerous international awards and doctorates honoris causa including several from American universities, Lutoslawski's chief compositions are: "Funeral Music For String Orchestra," "Venetian Games,"
"Three Poems by Hen ri Michaux," several symphonies and quartet works. He is acclaimed throughout the world as an exponent of new trends in music.

Stefan Cardinal Wyszynski 1901 - 1981

Primate of Poland, Archbishop of Warsaw and Gniezno, appointed Cardinal in 1952. A fearless spokesman of Catholic Poland, Wyszynski was imprisoned by the communist government between 1953 and 1956. After his release, Cardinal Wyszynski resumed his position of the spiritual leader of the nation, defending the freedom of religious worship guaranteed by the Constitution, but not always respected by the communist authorities.

In a profoundly Catholic country, he wields a moral authority not matched by any other leader.

Wladyslaw Sikorski 1881-1943

Politician, general, co-founder of the Polish army during World War I. Elected premier of Poland in 1922; following Pilsudski's coup d'etat, he settled in Paris where he wrote military history.

During World War II, he fought in France. In 1940, became commander-in-chief of the Polish Military Forces and premier of the Polish government-in-exile in London. Most prominent figure of Polish political life during World War II. He was killed in an airplane crash at Gibraltar.

Lech Walesa 1943

Lech Walesa was born on September 29, 1943 in Popowo, near Wloclawek, Poland.

The son of a carpenter, received only primary and vocational education and in 1967 began work as an electrician at the huge Lenin Shipyard in Gdansk. He witnessed the 1970 food riots in Gdansk in which police killed a number of demonstrators. When new protests against Poland's Communist government erupted in 1976, Walesa emerged as an antigovernment union activist and lost his job as a result. On Aug. 14, 1980, during protests at the Lenin shipyards caused by an increase in food prices, More info...

Saint Maximilian Kolbe 1894 - 1941

Franciscan friar beatified by the Catholic Church in 1971 and canonized in 1982. Father Kolbe was the founder of the great Catholic publishing center in Niepokolanow and had previously worked as a missionary in Japan. When a prisoner in the Auschwitz concentration camp in 1941, Father Kolbe offered voluntarily to die instead of a fellow inmate. The Nazis agreed to the exchange and the heroic priest was starved to death. The man he saved is still living.

Ignacy Paderewski 1860 - 1941

The world first knew and honored him as a composer and virtuoso pianist.

With the advent of World War I, he turned to new careers: orator, diplomat, statesman, constantly working for Polish independence. After helping Poland's rebirth through the Treaty of Versailles he returned to Warsaw to form a coalition government. After 1939 he once again raised his voice - first from France, then from the U.S.
- in a call for Poland's liberty.

Stanislaw Ignacy Witkiewicz (Witkacy) 1885 - 1939

Writer painter philosopher theoretician of art, creator of the theory of "pure form" in art, theater and poetry. Chief representative of "catastrophism" and of a unique, innate expressionism.

Author of grotesque parodic novels: A Farewell to Autumn, Insatiability, dramas: The Madman and the Nun,
The Water Hen, The Shoemakers, all of them introducing the future avant-garde theatre.
His paintings are symbolistic.

Karol Szymanowski 1882 - 1937

One of Poland's outstanding composers. He evolved from Neoromanticism, through Impressionism and Expressionism to a style based upon the elements of Polish folklore.

Worked on many forms: opera - Hagith King Roger; ballet - Harnasie; oratorio - Stabat Mater; symphonies;
piano and violin concertos, chamber music choral works and songs.

Jozef Pilsudski 1867 - 1935

His eventful career as a revolutionary soldier and statesman was devoted to fighting for aid then securing the freedom of Poland. After World War I he was the chief architect of the newly independent state.

His moral authority and national prestige gave him the strength to unite the nation. He served in the government and finally became virtually a dictator. Despite political failures, he was one of the strongest, most effective leaders of Poland.

Maria Sklodowska - Curie 1867 - 1934

Madame Curie was born Marya Sklodowska on November 7, 1867, in Warsaw, Poland. Moving to Paris in 1891, she changed her name to Marie, and upon marrying the French physicist Pierre Curie, became Madame Curie. Madame Curie surpassed many boundaries set for women of her time. Let us briefly look at a list of her "first" accomplishments, before exploring more carefully who Madame Curie was, and how her extraordinary character was formed. More info...

Wladyslaw Reymont 1867 - 1925

Author of novels in which epic realism is combined with naturalism. He excelled in depicting the provincial atmosphere with its different social groups - as well as the social panorama of an industrial city.

In 1924, he received the Nobel Prize for literature for his four-volume novel, The Peasants (1904- 1910).
Never before had an author dealt with the daily life of the farmers with such perception.

Jozef Konrad Korzeniowski (Joseph Conrad) 1857 - 1924

A unique figure in English literature, not only because of his genius as a writer of novels, short stories, and essays but also because of the variety of his experience, Joseph Conrad (original name Jozef Teodor Konrad Korzeniowski) born in Berdyczow, Poland, on December 3, 1857, died in 1924, came from the nobility of Russian-dominated Poland. More info...

Gabriel Narutowicz 1865 - 1922

Began his notable career as an engineer Designed and directed the construction of hydroelectric plants in Switzerland, Italy and Spain. After the war became Minister of Public Works, then of Foreign Affairs, and in 1922 first president of the Polish Republic. Was assassinated a few days after taking office.

Henryk Sienkiewicz 1846 - 1916

In 1905, four years after the first Nobel Prize, he was the first Polish author to receive the award for literature. He wrote about the most heroic and tragic episodes of Polish history. His best known work is Quo Vadis? (1896), an analogy of his compatriots and Russia to the early Christians and Imperial Rome but his greatest work is the trilogy With Fire and Sword, The Deluge and Pan Wolodyjowski (1883-1888).

In his day, his country had ceased to exist politically. Through his historical writings he was, as he said, the Ambassador of Poland to the world at large.

Boleslaw Prus (Aleksander Glowacki) 1847 - 1912

A major representative of 19th century realism in Polish literature. His thorough knowledge of contemporary society, his inventiveness in composition and style, and his specific sense of humor brought about the modernization of the Polish novel. His major works include Chronicles, The Outpost, The Doll, The Emancipated Women and The Pharaoh.

Maria Konopnicka 1842 - 1910

Prolific poet, novelist, translator and essayist. She wrote many sensitive poetical works which project realism, freshness and spontaneity. In her writings, she touched upon many social issues besetting the society of her time and thus influenced the next generation of Polish poets and novelists.

Konopnicka expressed ideals of democracy and patriotism in her cycle of folk songs and in a poem about peasant emigrants, Mr Balcer in Brasil. She also wrote novels for children.

Stanislaw Wyspianski 1869 - 1907

An extraordinarily multi-faceted talent - playwright, poet, painter, sculptor, architect, and designer Wyspianski displayed genius in whatever he did but his greatest contribution was in writing and producing extremely original plays dealing with the problem of Poland's destiny.

Jan Matejko 1838 - 1893

His love for Poland's history and tradition, and his extraordinary capacity for work, gave Europe many vast narrative paintings. The Prussian Homage, The Battle of Grunwald, and The Union of Lublin - kept alive the memory of his nation's greatness and gave Poland new insights into her past as well as a sense of the individuality of her culture.

Cyprian Kamil Norwid 1821 - 1883

One of Poland's most original minds of the 19th century: poet, dramatist, sculptor, painter, and engraver. Ignored by critics and publishers. His works were rediscovered in this century and have influenced Polish writers. His style, precursory of 20th century poetry, is characterized by great beauty and lucidity. The content is philosophical and ironic.

His collections of poems are: Vademecum, Quidam, dramas:
The Actor The Ring of a Great Lady, philosophical essays: Black Flowers, White Flowers.

Ignacy Lukasiewicz 1822 - 1882

The founder of the petroleum industry. A pharmacist by profession, he was first to drill for and distill crude oil in Poland; founded oil distilleries in Gorlice and Jaslo. In 1853 he literally illuminated a dark world by inventing the kerosene lamp.

Henryk Wieniawski 1835 - 1880

Internationally regarded as one of the greatest violin virtuosos of his era. As a composer he wrote concertos, etudes and dance miniatures that are still in the symphonic repertoire. Every five years Poland organizes the Wieniawski International Violin Competition in Poznan, dedicated to the memory of his great talent.

Winning this contest assures a violinist world renown. The Henryk Wieniawski Music Society of Poznan organizes International Violin Makers Competitions.

Stanislaw Moniuszko 1819 - 1872

The year 1858 marks the birth of Poland's national opera - the Warsaw premiere of Moniuszko's master-work Halka. His creative adaptation of folk melodies, heightened by his great talent, lifted Polish morale during the period of partition. Halka was acclaimed as a success in leading European opera houses and in 1905, in the U.S. His other works include: The Haunted Castle, The Countess, and The Raftsman.

Prince Adam Czartoryski 1770 - 1861

Friend of Alexander I, he helped the tsar in his reform of the government, served as minister of foreign affairs, and spoke for Poland at the Congress of Vienna, 1815. Disillusioned with the tsar, he retired from public life, returning later as President of the Polish provisional government. After the Polish Insurrection of 1830 he fled to Paris. His home there became a center of political activities aimed at restoring Polish independence.

Count Zygmunt Krasinski 1812 - 1859

Traditionally ranked with Mickiewicz and Slowacki as one of Poland's great roman- tic poets, dramatists and writers. He is more socio- politically conservative than the other two. Krasinski is best known for his philosophical messianic The Dawn and his dram as: Undivine Comedy, portrays the tragedy of old-world aristocracy defeated by the new democracy, Irydion, (in the con text of Christian ethic), deals with the problem of the struggle of a subjugated nation against the oppressor.

Adam Mickiewicz 1798 - 1855

Acknowledged as Poland's greatest poet. Whatever his chosen form - ballad, poetic tale, romantic drama, or epic - the result was artistically brilliant and profound in meaning. The leader of Polish Romanticism, he created such masterpieces as The Forefathers' Eve, Grazyna, Konrad Wallenrod, and the great Pan Tadeusz. Succeeding generations of Polish poets were to feel the force of his genius. Was an exile in Russia between 1824 and 1829 for his political activities. Spent the rest of his life in Western Europe.

Fryderyk Chopin 1810 - 1849

Began composing music when he was seven and was giving public recitals at the age of eight. A giant among composers of all time, he is perfection itself within the self-imposed limits of short compositions. His music is simultaneously deeply Polish and universal; its beauty and lyricism still speak to all men.

Chopin's keyboard technique and novel handling of harmony influenced generations of pianists and composers alike. He composed 58 mazurkas, 17 polonaises, 21 nocturnes, 4 ballads, 4 scherzos, 3 sonatas, 2 fantasies, 26 preludes, 27 etudes, 17 waltzes, 4 impromptus, rondos, variations, lullabies, barcaroles, 2 concertos, 4 other compositions with orchestra, songs and chamber music.

Juliusz Slowacki 1809 - 1849

Second only to Mickiewicz this Romantic poet and playwright came to be appreciated after his death for his skill with language and his lyric philosophic approach to reality. His work fused the Romanticism of Northern Europe with the classic tradition of the South. His major works include Maria Stuart, Kordian, Anhelli, Balladyna, Lilia Weneda, The King Spirit. In 1831, Slowacki emigrated as political refugee to Western Europe.

Stanislaw Staszic 1755 - 1826

Priest, philosopher; statesman, geologist, scholar; poet and writer one of the leaders of the Polish Enlightenment. He was a strong partisan of reforms and advocated the interests of the lower classes. After the partitions, he organized mining schools, societies of learning, departments of industry and arts. His works include Warnings for Poland and The Human Race.

Thaddeus Kosciuszko 1746 - 1817

One of Poland's greatest heroes and patriots, he fought for freedom with the American Revolutionary Army. Kosciuszko distinguished himself by building and fortifying West Point, and became engineer of the Southern Army. In 1783, the United States Congress offered him citizenship, land, a pension and the rank of Brigadier General. He returned to Poland where he led the Insurrection of1794. His indomitable devotion to the cause of freedom made him a symbol of the pursuit of freedom everywhere.

Prince Jozef Poniatowski 1762 - 1813

Nephew of King Stanislaw Poniatowski, minister of war and leader of the Polish army, participated in the war of 1792 and in the insurrection of 1794. He aided Kosciuszko and formed a Polish Army Corps. As a commander in Napoleon's army during the battle of Leipzig, he was given the rank of Marshal of France. Died in battle.

Hugo Kollatay 1750 - 1812

Priest, statesman, scholar, and writer. Reformed the University of Cracow. Guided movement of national regeneration, and inspired the Constitution of the Third of May, joined Tadeusz Kosciuszko in 1794 and was
co-author of the principle documents of the Kosciuszko Insurrection. Created a system of social philosophy and ethics in his book The Moral and Physical Order (1810).

Casimir Pulaski 1747 - 1779

He fought courageously but unsuccessfully to save Poland from partition. In 1777, he came to America to fight in the war for independence and, as a cavalry general, won distinction in numerous campaigns.

Mortally wounded in the Battle of Savannah, he left behind him a cavalry unit which became the nucleus for future squadrons and earned him the title of "Father of the American Cavalry." In recognition of his services numerous towns, schools, highways, bridges, etc. were named after him in U.S.A.

Jan Heweliusz 1611 - 1687

Polish astronomer, member of the Royal Academy, and councilor. Studied law at the University of Leiden. In 1641, he built a well- equipped observatory and constructed its instruments, then charted the lunar surface in Selenographia (1647), catalogued in 1564 stars, observed sunspots, discovered four comets and studied the phases of Saturn. A crater on the moon was named in his honor His writings are Prodcomus Cometicus (1665), Cometographia (1668), Annus Climactericus (1685).

Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski (Andreas Fricius Modrevius) 1503-1572

Studied at the University of Cracow and of Wittenberg, tried to mediate between Protestants and Catholics. Political writer major political theorist and philosopher of the Polish Renaissance.

In the lengthy socio-political treatise Commentariorum de Republica Emendanda - (On the Reform of the Republic), 1551, he gave an incisive analysis of the state as a whole and presented an all-inclusive program of change Pioneer of the modern European science of state and law ("Laws should be the same for all estates.")

Mikolaj Rej 1505-1569

Poet and prose writer of the Polish Renaissance, recognized as the Father of Polish Literature. The first Polish writer to forsake Latin in favor of his native tongue, he was a self-educated man of great vitality.
As a Protestant he took an active part in the Reformation movement.

Was a member of parliament. His satires criticized the faults of the society in a picturesque and terse language.

Jan Kochanowski 1530 - 1548

The greatest pre-Romantic writer in all Slavdom, he was the father of Polish poetry.

A humanist educated in Italy and Poland. From 1564 till 1570, the king's secretary. He was a vital, many-sided and prolific writer: his surviving lyrical poems and satires include 16,700 verses in Polish and 7000 in Latin. Among his works are his Laments, translations of the Psalms into Polish and The Dismissal of the Greek Envoys, the first Polish drama.

Mikolaj Kopernik (Nicolaus Copernicus) 1473-1543

Studied at the universities of Cracow, Bologna, Padua and Ferrara. Great Polish scientist, mathematician, economist, physician, astronomer Considered universally the father of modern astronomy. His revolutionary heliocentric theory: the earth rotates daily on its axis and planets revolve in orbit around the sun.

After years of study, delayed by the religious and political climate, Copernicus published his great work, De Revolutionibus Orbium Coelestium in the year of his death, thus laying the foundation for modern developments in astronomy.

Jan Dlugosz (Johannes Longinus) 1415-1480

Historian, diplomat of King Casimir Jagiellonczyk, secretary of Bishop Z. Olesnicki, canon of Cracow. Studied at the University of Cracow, made three journeys to Italy.

From 1467 teacher of the King's sons, named Archbishop of Lwow in 1478. His monumental twelve-volume Historia Polonica or the Chronicle of the Famous Kingdom of Poland written in Latin, took a quarter of a century to prepare. Author of many historical works of great value.