Jaroslaw Grzedowicz Polish science fiction writer, journalist, literary critic, publisher and translator Date of Birth: 03.05.1965 Country: Poland

Biography of Jarosław Grzędowicz

Jarosław Grzędowicz is a Polish science fiction writer, journalist, literary critic, publisher, and translator. He is regarded as one of the most prominent representatives of the Polish science fiction "Generation 80s." Grzędowicz was born in 1965. At the age of 17, he made his debut as a science fiction author in 1982 with the short story "Azyl dla starych pilotów" published in the weekly magazine "Odgłosy." In 1983, his story "Fortress of the Three Wells" was published, which is considered by many critics to be the first Polish fantasy story. From the beginning of his career, Grzędowicz showcased his unique creative approach, combining elements of science fiction and fantasy, which would later become characteristic of Polish science fiction as a whole.

In 1990, Grzędowicz co-founded the science fiction literary magazine "Fenix" together with Andrzej Laski, Krzysztof Sokolowski, Dariusz Zentalak, and Rafal Zemkevich. He became the head of the Polish prose department and later the editor-in-chief of the magazine in 1993. "Fenix" aimed to offer a different perspective on science fiction literature compared to the established magazine "Fantastyka," focusing on more democratic and popular directions. Many popular Polish science fiction authors, such as Andrzej Pilipik, Izabella Schultz, and Romuald Pawlak, made their debut and gained popularity through "Fenix."

During the 1990s, Grzędowicz worked as a journalist, writing a regular popular science column for "Gazeta Polska." Starting from 1999, he also contributed to the magazine "Science Fiction: Fantasy i Horror," translating comics and occasionally publishing new science fiction stories. His story "Klub absolutnej karty kredytowej" (1998) was nominated for the "Elektrybałta" award for the best internet work in 1999. In 2002, his story "Buran wieje z tamtej strony" from the anthology "Wizje alternatywne-4" also became a nominee for the prestigious Polish "SFinks" award. However, Grzędowicz's professional writing career took off in 2003 with the release of his debut collection of stories, "Księga jesiennych demonów," which received enthusiastic reviews from readers. Critics started referring to Grzędowicz as an "award collector."

In 2005, Grzędowicz was awarded the "SFinks" award for his story "Buran wieje z tamtej strony." He also became the first-ever recipient of two different Janusz A. Zajdel awards in the same year, winning the Best Novel category for "Pan Lodowego Ogrodu: Tom 1" and the Best Short Story award for "Wilcza zamieć." His novel "Pan Lodowego Ogrodu: Tom 1" was also recognized as the best science fiction novel of the year and received the "Nautilus" award based on readers' polls. Grzędowicz was further honored as the "Writer of the Year" by the "Śląkfą" award, given by science fiction fans.

In 2006, "Pan Lodowego Ogrodu: Tom 1" received the "SFinks" award for Best Novel of the Year. The second book of the series established Grzędowicz as one of the most popular Polish science fiction writers. The third volume of the series brought him another "SFinks" and "Nautilus" awards in 2009. The world of the "Pan Lodowego Ogrodu" trilogy is rooted in the mythology of the ancient Icelandic "Edda," successfully combining elements of science fiction and fantasy. Grzędowicz's works often fall into the horror genre, such as his novel "Popiół i kurz. Opowieść ze świata Pomiędzy" (Janusz A. Zajdel Award 2006) and some of his short stories.

According to critics, Grzędowicz's literary style and language put him on par with another renowned Polish science fiction author, Andrzej Sapkowski. His anti-utopian story "Przespać piekło" (1991) is included in the list of the 100 best Polish science fiction stories. Grzędowicz is married to the well-known Polish science fiction writer Maja Lidia Kossakowska-Grzędowicz.