Poles you should know - Jerzy Kosinski

Alex Webber - 14th January 2010

Born in Łódź, 1933, Jerzy Kosiński stands out as one of the 20th centuries great literary talents, with a life story every bit as sinister and dramatic as his books.

Originally named Jerzy Nitodem Lewintopf, his life was turned upside down with the outbreak of WWII. His father chose to hide his families Jewish blood, and Kosiński was sent away – forged papers et al – to live with a catholic family in the east. Having survived WWII he was reunited with his family and went on to gain degrees in history and political science from the University of Łódź.

In 1957 he emigrated to the States, later claiming he forged the required documents himself. Having graduated from Columbia Uni ...