Mickiewicz's poetry assumed a new interest and value among Polish people during the second World War. The poet M. Jastrun, in his preface to a new edition of Pan Tadeusz, stressed the significance and importance of the poem for those Poles who were compelled to spend the war in the Soviet Union or in the West. Another poet, J. Przyboś, stated in his article, “The Final Word” (“Słowo ostateczne,” Twórczość, No. 4, 1945), that in these cruel times Mickiewicz has become more “contemporary” than ever. The Polish Government decided, as early as May, 1945, to sponsor a full national edition of Mickiewicz's works. Finally, in a poll organized by the periodical Kuźnica in 1947, the Polish public voted first place to a new edition of the works of Mickiewicz. However, in this period (until July, 1948), there were more articles than books published about Mickiewicz, due partly to publishing difficulties.