Andrzej Szczypiorski facts for kids

Andrzej Szczypiorski's grave

Andrzej Szczypiorski (born February 3, 1928 – died May 16, 2000) was an important Polish novelist and politician. He wrote many books, including novels and short stories. He also served as a member of the Polish parliament. He was a brave activist for Solidarity, a movement that helped bring freedom to Poland. Because of his activism, he was held in a special camp during a time of military rule in 1981.

His Early Life and World War II

Andrzej Szczypiorski was born in Warsaw, Poland. His father, Adam Szczypiorski, was a historian and political activist. Andrzej had a sister named Wiesława. He spent his childhood years growing up in Warsaw.

During World War II, Poland was under occupation. Andrzej continued his studies at a secret "flying university." This university had to keep changing its location to stay safe from the authorities. He also joined the People's Army, a group fighting against the occupation.

Andrzej took part in the Warsaw Uprising, a major fight for freedom in Warsaw. After the uprising, he was arrested. He was sent to the Sachsenhausen concentration camp, a prison camp, where he stayed until 1945. Luckily, he survived this difficult time.

Career and Later Life

After the war, from 1946 to 1947, Andrzej studied political science. He attended the Warsaw Consular Diplomatic Academy. From 1948 to 1956, he worked as an editor at the Katowice Silesian Theater.

In 1952, he started his writing career. His first work was published in a magazine called "Życie Literackie." He used the pen name 'Maurice S. Andrews' for his early writings. He also became a member of the Polish Writers' Union.

Andrzej Szczypiorski also worked as a diplomat. From 1956 to 1958, he worked at the Polish Embassy in Denmark. After returning to Poland, he continued working as an editor for radio and other publications.

He later became a member of the Polish parliament, helping to shape laws for his country. He was also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, working to help children around the world. Before he passed away, Szczypiorski became a follower of Calvinism, a type of Protestant Christianity. He is buried in the Protestant Reformed Cemetery in Warsaw.

Awards and Recognition

Andrzej Szczypiorski received several important awards for his writing and contributions:

• 1972 Polish PEN-Club Prize
• 1988 Austrian State Prize for European Literature
• 1989 Nelly Sachs Prize
• 1994 Herder Prize

See Also

In Spanish: Andrzej Szczypiorski para niños