Lucjan Wolanowski, Polish journalist and author (d. 2006)

Lucjan Wilhelm Wolanowski: A Life of Words and Wanderlust

Born Lucjan Wilhelm Wolanowski, also known by his birth name Lucjan Kon, on February 26, 1920, in Warsaw, Poland, this prolific figure would become renowned as a Polish journalist, writer, and intrepid traveler. He used several pseudonyms throughout his career, including Wilk, Waldemar Mruczkowski, W. Lucjański, (L.W.), lu, Lu, (lw), and WOL., reflecting a varied professional life that spanned decades until his passing on February 20, 2006, just six days shy of his 86th birthday.

Early Life and Wartime Valor

Wolanowski hailed from a distinguished intellectual family in Warsaw. His father, Henryk Kon, was a respected lawyer, while his mother, Róża Wolanowska, carried the legacy of her great-grandfather, Majer Wolanowski (1844–1900), a prominent Polish manufacturer. Lucjan's sister, Elżbieta (Kon) Wassongowa (1908–2007), also made her mark as a Polish translator and book editor, showcasing a family deeply rooted in intellectual and literary pursuits.

His academic journey initially led him to France, where he pursued chemistry at the Grenoble Polytechnical Institute from 1938 to 1939. However, the shadow of World War II cut short his studies during a vacation back home in Poland. With his homeland under occupation, Wolanowski did not hesitate to join the fight, serving as a brave soldier in the Polish clandestine resistance movement, the Home Army. During this perilous period, he also lent his literary talents to the Polish underground press, using words as a weapon against oppression.

A Post-War Career in Journalism

Once the war concluded, Lucjan Wolanowski transitioned into a dynamic career in journalism. From 1945, he became a fixture at the Polish Press Agency, often serving as a commentator from various international conferences for journalists at the Foreign Secretary in Warsaw. It was during these formative years that he crossed paths with influential international correspondents such as Edward R. Murrow, Sydney Gruson, Flora Lewis, Larry Allen, Vicent Buist, and Pierre Marechal, fostering connections that broadened his perspective on global affairs, especially crucial during the Cold War era.

His editorial contributions graced the pages of several prominent Polish magazines: he worked with the weekly magazine Przekrój (1945–1950), the illustrated weekly Świat (The World, 1951–1969), the magazine Dookoła świata (1969–1976), and finally with Magazyn Polski (1976–1988), leaving an indelible mark on Polish media throughout the latter half of the 20th century.

The World as His Canvas: Adventures and Global Reporting

Wolanowski’s true calling, however, was travel and on-the-ground reporting, which led him on an extraordinary series of adventures. He participated in a ship-rescue operation in a Norwegian fjord and embarked on an extensive journey aboard an Icelandic cutter through the challenging waters of the North Atlantic. From 1960 to 1972, he undertook an astonishing five trips around the world, making him a truly global reporter, especially unique for someone from the Eastern Bloc during the Cold War era. His journeys often took him to the vast Pacific region, where he explored Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, West Irian, French Polynesia, Fiji, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

Among his most notable assignments, he was accredited to the headquarters of the UN Troops in New Guinea during a landing operation from 1962 to 1963. A significant milestone in his career came in 1965 when, as a US stipendist (granted a scholarship by the United States Department of State under its "Program for Leaders"), he joined a select team of reporters—the only one from the Eastern Bloc—to cover the historic take-off of the Gemini 5 space vessel at Cape Kennedy, Florida. His expertise was also sought by the World Health Organization (WHO), where he served as an advisor to the Information Department in Geneva, and later in similar capacities at WHO branches in New Delhi, Bangkok, and Manila from 1967 to 1968.

His adventurous spirit saw him traveling aboard an Australian light-house tender, m.v. Cape Moreton, servicing remote lighthouses on small Coral Sea islands. He even joined an Australian whaling expedition and experienced a dramatic rescue by "black-trackers" during his explorations across the unforgiving Kimberley desert. These experiences provided him with unparalleled insights into diverse cultures and environments, which he masterfully translated into his literary works.

A Writer's Legacy and Affiliations

Lucjan Wolanowski authored 25 books, primarily travelogues, which were translated into seven languages. His writing style was distinct; he didn't focus on dry economics or politics but rather sought "the human side of the story," always striving to witness and experience things firsthand before committing them to paper. Each of his books was richly illustrated with photographs he captured himself, adding an authentic visual dimension to his narratives. He ultimately passed away in his hometown of Warsaw.

Throughout his career, Wolanowski was an active member of several professional organizations, including the Association of Polish Journalists (1951–1982 and 1991–2006), the Polish Writers Union (1959–1983), the Polish PEN Club (1971–2006), and the Association of Polish Writers (1989–2006). Politically, he was a member of the Polish Socialist Party (PPS; 1945–1948) and later the Polish United Workers Party (PZPR; 1948–1980), affiliations typical for journalists in post-war Communist Poland.

Awards and Honors

Lucjan Wolanowski’s extensive contributions did not go unnoticed, earning him numerous distinctions:

• Order of the Romania Star (1949)
• Award of the Polish Club of International Publicists (1962)
• Prize of the Polish Journalists Association for the Best Book of the Year (1973)
• The Cavalier's Cross of Polonia Restituta
• The Golden Cross of Merit
• Honorary Citizen of Springfield, United States (1965)

Frequently Asked Questions about Lucjan Wilhelm Wolanowski

Who was Lucjan Wilhelm Wolanowski?

Lucjan Wilhelm Wolanowski was a prominent Polish journalist, writer, and traveler, renowned for his extensive global expeditions and his human-centered travelogues. He also served as a soldier in the Polish Home Army resistance movement during World War II.

When and where was he born and when did he pass away?

He was born on February 26, 1920, in Warsaw, Poland, and passed away on February 20, 2006, also in Warsaw.

What was his role during World War II?

During World War II, Wolanowski fought as a soldier in the Polish clandestine resistance movement, the Home Army, and contributed as a writer to the Polish underground press.

What are his main professional achievements?

Wolanowski was a long-serving journalist for major Polish magazines, undertook five trips around the world, reported on significant global events like the Gemini 5 space launch, and authored 25 travel books translated into seven languages. He also advised the World Health Organization.

What kind of books did he write?

He primarily wrote travelogues, focusing on "the human side of the story" and illustrating his books with his own photographs from his extensive journeys across the globe, offering unique insights into diverse cultures and landscapes.