greatreporter.com, December 31st, 2006
Polish science-fiction author (b. Sept. 12, 1921, Lwow, Pol. [now
Lviv, Ukraine
]—d. March 27, 2006,
Krakow, Pol.
), wrote both traditional science fiction and dark allegorical tales that veered between humanism and despair about human limitations. His best-known novel was Cannes Festival in 1972; an American remake (
Lem
's renown rested primarily on
Lem
's first novel,
U.S.
title
Lem
also wrote nonfiction criticism. His scathing evaluations of other writers' work led the Science Fiction Writers of America, which had granted him an honorary membership in 1973, to oust him in 1976.
Lem
's books were translated into more than 40 languages.
Solaris
(1961; Eng. trans. 1970), a deeply philosophical work about contact with an alien intelligence—a planet-girdling, sentient ocean. The Soviet screen adaptation
Solyaris
won a Special Jury Prize at the
Solaris
) was released in 2002.
Solaris
,
Głos pana
(1968;
His Master's Voice
, 1983), and
Cyberiada
(1965;
The Cyberiad: Fables for the Cybernetic Age
, 1974), a collection of profound yet comic tales about two intelligent robots who travel about the galaxy.
Czlowiek z Marsa
("The Man from Mars"), was serialized in the Polish magazine
Nowy swiat przygod
("New World of Adventures") in 1946.
Szpital przemienienia
(1955;
Hospital of the Transfiguration
, 1988; filmed 1979), was written in 1948 but was initially suppressed by Communist Party censors. His first published book,
Astronauci
(1951; "The Astronauts"), was adapted for an East German film,
Der schweigende Stern
(1960;
First Spaceship on Venus
).
Copyright © 1994-2007 Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
