Józef Czapski’s wide-ranging interests—spanning figures from Norwid to Miłosz and other prominent émigré writers—are complemented by reflections on foreign literature. The book features portraits of French writers (Mauriac, Proust, Valéry) and Russian writers (Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, Rozanov, Remizov).

This book takes the reader on an exquisite journey through the world of literature, presenting an extensive collection of essays and reviews originally published in the journals *Bely Orel* and *Kultura* over the course of forty years.

The author’s deeply personal tone, free-flowing narrative style, erudition, and profound knowledge make this book an excellent read for lovers of literature and art.