Man Before his Work

Kosiński`s real name was Józef Lewinkopf. A Jewish author born in Poland who wrote in English. Initially, he published under the penname of Joseph Novak. Kosiński studied under Professor Józef Chałasiński at the University of Łódź. He graduated with a diploma from the Institute of Sociology and History. After studies, Kosiński worked as an assistant at the Polish Academy of Sciences. In 1957, he left Poland with a scholarship to the United States, where he stayed permanently, and in 1965, he became an American citizen. Kosiński received grants from the Guggenheim Fellowship (1968), Ford Foundation (1968) and the American Academy (1971). He graduated from Columbia University and lectured at Yale University, Princeton University, Davenport University and Wesleyan University. In 1969, Kosiński received the prestigious National Book Award (1969). Awards and distinctions: National Institute of Arts and Letters (1970), Le Prix du Meilleur Livre Etranger (1966) and many others. He was also honoured by the American Academy of Arts and Letters. In 1973, the writer was appointed the President of the American PEN Club, holding the chair for two terms. He was also the President of the Oxford Institute of Polish-Jewish Studies. Kosiński committed suicide on 3 May 1991.