A Professor from Chylonia: Jan Ciechowicz (1949–2017)

Edward Krasiński

Abstract

Jan Ciechowicz, who died on 16 Sept. 2017 in Gdynia, was a master of short forms of literary and theatre criticism. His last two volumes of collected works that include essays, articles, conference papers, and contributions are notable for their academic erudition, broad and varied area of interest, writing skilfulness, and the quality of looking at things from numerous points of view: theatrical, literary, sociological, or political. Ciechowicz was also a gifted editor. He edited and published 21 titles in total, collaborating on his projects with other outstanding editors. One can only marvel at his editorial achievements, the projects he devised, the historical areas he penetrated, his resourcefulness and creativity, thought-through composition, aesthetic taste, editing skills and organisational talents. He reviewed research projects on numerous occasions and took part in academic research grants; he organised more than a dozen national and international conferences. He was a member of numerous scholarly societies; he organised and initiated cultural and artistic events in Pomerania; he served as advisor to municipal and voivodeship authorities.