Wisława Szymborska; photo - PAPNobel Prize-winning poet Wisława Szymborska has received the Order of the White Eagle, Poland’s highest distinction, in Krakow today.
The poet, literary critic and translator has published over 20 books since her debut in 1945. Her output includes poetry collections Questioning Yourself, Calling out to Yeti, Colon and Here.
Her work has been translated into over a dozen languages.
Szymborska was one of around 20 personalities granted state distinctions from the hands of President Bronisław Komorowski today for their contribution to Polish culture, including filmmaker Agnieszka Holland, and actors Krystyna Janda and Janusz Gajos.
"Polish culture is the country's most acclaimed brand the world over,” said Culture Minister Bogdan Zdrojewski.
“An expression of gratitude to the greatest artists, the likes of Wisława Szymborska, Krystyna Janda or Franciszek Pieczka is a token of recognition of their talent, their activity, their hard work, but also for what they managed to achieve for Poland in the world, a contribution which is of great value. Poland is very well received beyond its borders through its art - it attracts interest. Their work is a source of great happiness for us," added the minister.
Poles recognized with the Order of the White Eagle include Solidarity icon Lech Wałęsa, Władysław Bartoszewski, the prime minister’s plenipotentiary for international dialogue and the late philosopher, Leszek Kołakowski. (ab)