Milosz: A Biography Hardcover – April 24, 2017

Today, I at last completed this difficult biography on Czesław Miłosz. It was a relief, and I look forward to choosing my next book with joy. For me, this biography was confusing, as well as a bit depressing. However, I’ll quickly add that much of the fault was mine. I came to the book unprepared. Being of Lithuanian ethnic background, I wanted to get some sense of life in Lithuania and Poland during the time before World War II and afterward. I was completely unfamiliar with Milosz’ writings and so also wanted to obtain some background information on his life and read a sampling of his poetry. In my ignorance, I thought I could pick up this complex book and, with some careful reading, get much more out of it than I did. I knew nothing about this man before, and now only know a little more. I persevered to the end, but most of the book was, to put it simply, over my head. I congratulate those with greater intellect who obviously enjoyed the book.

For those who love Milosz's poetry, this is a must read. Milosz comes alive in this biography, good and bad. His poetry only gains in depth as his life unfolds amidst the most turbulent times of the 20th century.

An indispensable biography of one of the century's greatest artists whose poetry speaks to us more profoundly with each passing year.

Good in-depth biography. .. deals with the controversial post war period.

Excellent.

I just finished this astonishing biography. How could anyone outdo it! We owe the author, Andrzej Franaszek, a huge debt of gratitude. I've always loved Milosz's poetry but now I begin to know the man. Franaszek has encyclopedic knowledge of Milosz's world: geography, history, friendships; but every detail is skillfully put at the service of helping us understand the man.