Gałczyński: ironia, filologia i przeznaczenie

Abstract

In this sketch, the author builds a narrative that will provide an introduction to the volume of studies on the prominent 20th-century Polish poet – Konstanty Ildefons Gałczyński (1905–1953). Gałczyński is presented as a poet, whose biography has raised controversies until the present day, because of his flirting with nationalism before World War II and after the war – with Communism. In spite of that, all critics of Gałczyński agree that he was an outstanding, original poet, a lyricist and ironist, a melancholic and a mocker. The passing of the poet’s daughter, Kira Gałczyńska (1936–2022) commenced a new stage in the dialogue with the poet and his works. This is what always happens when the guardians and custodians of the Life and Work pass away. Both the Life and Work become liberated and open to new biographical testimonies and interpretations of the heritage. The author also poses the question: In the 21st century, should we not consider publishing a critical, academic edition of the complete works of Gałczyński?