Krzysztof Kamil Baczyński; White Magic and Other Poems

Translated from the Polish with an Introduction by Bill Johnston

A Bilingual Edition

Series No.: 138

ISBN: 978-1-931243-81-0, Pages: 192

Polish Literature, Poetry

Krzysztof Kamil Baczyński (1921–1944), born in Warsaw, began writing poetry at an early age. He graduated from school just a few months before World War II broke out and the Nazis invaded Poland in 1939. While studying literature at the underground university, he met Barbara Drapczyńska, whom he married in 1942. His beautiful love poems to her make up an important part of his writings.

In 1943, he joined the Polish Resistance, and remained on the front lines despite ill health. He died fighting in the Warsaw Uprising in 1944. A few days later, his wife, without knowing of her husband’s death, also was killed.

The poet’s mother preserved his manuscripts, and in 1961 they were published for the first time, expanding the legend of Baczyński, who is now recognized as the greatest Polish poet of his generation.

Bill Johnston’s translation reveals this poet’s importance.