Vonnegut and Styron in Poland. An Open Meeting at Gdańsk University’s English Institute, March 20, 1985
In March 1985, two internationally known authors appeared in Gdańsk. These were provocative writers who challenged the aesthetics of their time and boldly expressed unconventional, often controversial views. Their books, translated also into Polish, sold in impressive numbers. Kurt Vonnegut (1922–2007) was then particularly popular among Polish readers. His most recognizable novels included Cat’s Cradle (1963) and Breakfast of Champions (1973), but above all, the famed Slaughterhouse‑Five (1969), inspired by the author’s personal experiences as an American prisoner of war who survived the Allied carpet bombing of Dresden in 1945. William Styron (1925–2006) was mainly known to Polish readers as the author of the novel Sophie’s Choice (1979).
The text of the historical interview with Kurt Vonnegut and William Styron was a forgotten document, a treasure lost and accidentally unearthed.
The book is published in Polish and English language.
