On Czeslaw Milosz: Visions from the Other Europe

Czesław Miłosz (1911–2004) was a Nobel Prize-winning writer who lived through the most extreme events of the 20th century, producing an important body of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. Eva Hoffman, a fellow Polish exile, presents a personal portrait of his life and work, exploring how exile, historical disasters, and his origins in Eastern Europe shaped his vision.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 22 August 2023
Publisher: Princeton University Press

Czesław Miłosz, a towering figure in twentieth-century literature, stands out not only for his enduring presence amidst the most turbulent events of that turbulent century but also for his remarkable ability to capture their essence in his writing. Spanning a remarkable seven-decade career, Miłosz produced an extensive and influential body of work, encompassing poetry, fiction, and nonfiction, including timeless classics such as "The Captive Mind," a profound exploration of the mesmerizing influence of ideology, and "Native Realm," a poignant memoir. In this captivating book, fellow Polish exile and acclaimed writer Eva Hoffman presents a deeply personal portrayal of Miłosz's life and work.

Born in Poland, Miłosz witnessed the harrowing realities of World War II firsthand, experiencing the devastating destruction of Warsaw, which served as the epicenter of the inferno. His proximity to the unfolding Holocaust left an indelible mark on his soul, shaping his perspective and inspiring his artistic endeavors. After the war, Miłosz became a permanent exile, fleeing from Poland, communism, and the mainstream American culture that had embraced him earlier. Hoffman delves into the profound impact of exile, historical tragedies, and Miłosz's Eastern European roots on his artistic vision, drawing insightful comparisons between her own postwar journey and Miłosz's to underscore the enduring relevance of the question of "the Other Europe."

Furthermore, Hoffman explores Miłosz's later turn to the poetry of memory and loss, driven by an unwavering desire to remember and honor his dear friends and countless others who were tragically killed during the Holocaust. Through her meticulous analysis and profound insights, "On Czesław Miłosz" emerges as a captivating testament to the life and work of a truly great poet and writer. It captures the essence of Miłosz's profound humanity, his unwavering commitment to social justice, and his enduring legacy as a voice of resistance and compassion in a world plagued by conflict and tragedy.

Weight: 312g
Dimension: 121 x 192 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691212692