Jan Kott belongs to that outstanding group of Polish writers and intellectuals who stand as living proof of the immense talent and genius of their generation which triumphantly emerged from the Nazis' attempts to annihilate the Polish nation, not only physically but culturally as well. He is the embodiment of all the best qualities of the great tradition of Central European men of letters: intellectuals of universal erudition, critical insight, deep humanity, combined with a divine sense of humour – a worthy peer of giants like Kantor, Milosz, and Mrozek.