Famous Poles Over the centuries

National Heroes

John Paul II (1920-2005)

The world's most recognized Pole was born in Wadowice, as Karol Jozef Wojtyla. In 1978 he was elected head of the Catholic Church, thus becoming the first non-Italian pope from 445 years. The period of his pontificate is characterized by a number of reforms within the Church itself, and also change the international image of the Holy See. He made many pilgrimages abroad, which have always attracted thousands of the faithful. Much attention was also devoted a dialogue with representatives of other faiths.

Zbigniew Brzezinski

Born in Warsaw in 1928, Zbigniew Brzezinski was an advisor to the President of the United States Security Affairs in 1977-1981. In 1981 he was awarded the Medal of Freedom by the President for his contribution to the normalization of US-Chinese relations, the establishment of U.S. security policy and a commitment to human rights.

Tadeusz Kosciuszko (1746-1817)

The leader of the national uprising of 1794 in defense of the Constitution of May 3 and sovereignty of the Polish state (Kosciuszko Insurrection). Their skills and military engineering distinguished himself during the battles of Saratoga during the War of Independence of the United States.

Jozef Pilsudski

Undoubtedly, a leading figure in Polish history of the first half of the twentieth century. At least twice his actions have affected the fate of the entire European community: in November 1918 and summer of 1920 (1918 - regaining independence by Poland, 1920 - halting Soviet expansion to the West of Europe).

Writers

Adam Mickiewicz

Edition of "Ballads and Romances" of the Polish national poet in 1822 opened the era of Romanticism in Polish literature. Famous drama "Forefathers' Eve" (1823-1832), according to Mickiewicz's messianic concept, determines the special role of Poland Saviour of nations, which equated to the suffering of the Passion.

Henryk Sienkiewicz

Novelist, winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature (1905) for "Quo Vadis", a book superior to many languages and many ekranizowanej. Catholic author's belief largely determined the shape of his work. Sienkiewicz Works have been translated into 50 languages.

Czeslaw Milosz

Poet, novelist, translator, literary critic, awarded the Nobel Prize in literature (1980). Milosz's poetry and essay writing is steeped in autobiographical threads, memories of the time of emigration, reflections of a religious nature and the metaphysical and the historical and literary analysis. In his work can also be seen pantheistic elements.

Wislawa Szymborska

The poet and translator, one of the few female Nobel Prize winners in literature (1996). Her initial works have been created yet in the spirit of socialist realism. Particularly noteworthy are the later works of Szymborska, full of pessimistic reflection on the future of man, covered in a deceptively everyday and heavily ironic form.

Musicians

Frederic Chopin

Musical genius of the nineteenth century, most of his life in Paris. Romantic composer, who introduced a revolutionary change in the world of piano music. His highly expressive style is reflected in two piano concertos, and many other smaller works.

Stanislaw Moniuszko

He is considered the father of Polish opera. His operatic adaptations of folk tunes during the partitions raised the spirits of the Polish nation.

Zbigniew Preisner

The most famous Polish composer of film music. Collaborated with Krzysztof Kieslowski and Agnieszka Holland. Brought him international fame compositions for films, "The Decalogue", "The Double Life of Veronique", "Three Colours: Blue, White, Red." Winner of many prestigious music awards, including the Silver Bear at the Berlin Film Festival and the Critics Association Awards in Los Angeles.

The Inventors, explorers, scientists

Nicolaus Copernicus

The creator of modern astronomy. Born in 1473 in Torun. He became famous after the publication of the work "On the Revolutions of the heavenly bodies," depicting his heliocentric theory, which set the direction for all subsequent studies.

Marie Curie

Discovery of the radioactive element radium has made a big step in the development of atomic physics and cancer therapy. She was a woman full of passion and determination. Completely devoted to science ultimately died as a result of disease caused by exposure to radioactive substances.

Ernest Malinowski

The creator of the railway line linking the Atlantic coast with the interior of Peru. Episode Callao-Oroya until 2005 was the highest in the world situated Route railway. It is also emphasized its contribution to the development of sociological sciences.

Henry Arctowski

The scientist, oceanographer, explorer of Antarctica. His name was given to a special kind of halo phenomena, resulting in clouds composed of ice crystals (called arc Arctowski), which observed and described.

Athletes

Andrew Golota

The most famous Polish heavyweight boxer. Pinnacle of his career was 111 amateur victories in Europe, punctuated by a bronze medal at the Olympics in 1988. As a professional boxer, he fought the best fighters in the world.

Adam Malysz

Ski jumper, still the most popular Polish athlete. 4 Hills Tournament winner and gold medalist in ski flying in Harrahowa. Repeatedly won the jumps in Salt Lake City, Spporo, Wilingen, Falnu, Trondheim or Holmenkolen. At the end of the season set a new record in Polanica Polish - 218.5 m. Twotime World Cup winner. He made the ski jumping almost a national sport.

Irena Szewinska

Szewinskiej sporting career was one of the longest internationally and has sealed a number of victories. She participated in five Olympics, winning seven medals, including three gold. Lay down six world records and was the first woman, to which both were records for 100, 200 and 400m.

Filmmakers

Roman Polanski

One of the most famous Polish film directors, Oscar winner. His life is stigmatized tragedies, which is reflected also in his works. Survived miraculously stay in the Krakow ghetto, his mother died in a gas chamber.

Andrew Wajda

Winner of an Oscar for lifetime achievement in 2003, the father of modern Polish cinema, known especially for its magnificent screening of Polish literature. Placed in the forefront of the world's greatest directors, particularly appreciated for his ability to create moving works in support of the intellect at the same time to the viewer.

Jerzy Skolimowski

Director, one of the most original filmmakers in Eastern Europe. A graduate of the Lodz Film School, he studied with Roman Polanski. Tried their hand in the British film world. His films, taking weighty and difficult subjects, included with imagination, gained recognition worldwide critical acclaim.

Krystyna Janda

One of the most famous Polish actress, she played in many films by Andrew Wajda. His fame owes roles in politically engaged cinema. Currently mainly occurs on stage, as well as directing productions.

Thank you for your attention Matthew Cwill