Paweł Jasienica

Paweł Jasienica (1909–1970) (b. Leon Lech Beynar) was a major historian and essayist, and a publicist for ‘Tygodnik Powszechny’ [The Catholic Weekly]. Jasienica’s best known works are the historical essays in the volumes Polska Piastów [Piast Poland], Polska Jagiellonów [Jagiellon Poland] and Rzeczpospolita Obojga Narodów [The Commonwealth of Both Nations]. These flamboyant writings stood at odds with the Marxist historical philosophy that was de facto obligatory at the time in that they reflected Jasienica’s own views on the role played by individuals in shaping history. Jasienica was subjected to surveillance and persecution on account of his anti-communist attitudes and his opposition to censorship.