Today marks the 75th birthday of Andrzej Sapkowski, the Polish fantasy writer and the creator of the popular Witcher series, both in Poland and abroad. His books have been translated into 20 languages, solidifying his place as a renowned international author. Born and raised in Łódź, Sapkowski was granted the title of Honorary Citizen of the City in 2008, highlighting his significant contributions to the cultural landscape.
Sapkowski attended the XXI High School named after Bolesław Prus in Łódź and later pursued his studies at the University of Łódź, where he graduated with a degree in foreign trade in 1972. Initially, he worked in foreign trade, specifically dealing with fur trading at the company “Skórimpex.” In 2016, Sapkowski served as the ambassador of Łódź in the bid for the title of European Capital of Culture.
His literary career began as a translator, rendering Cyril M. Kornbluth’s short story “Guru’s Words” into Polish for the magazine “Fantastyka.” His first published work, “The Witcher,” appeared in 1984 in an unexpected place – the fishing magazine “Wiadomości Wędkarskie.” The story revolved around catching a fictional fish called “Stalogłowy.” This was the humble beginning of Sapkowski’s fantasy tales, introducing readers to the white-haired monster slayer, Geralt of Rivia.
Sapkowski’s saga is regarded by critics as a literary phenomenon of the 1990s. Each installment of his series consistently tops the bestseller lists, captivating readers with its unique blend of fantasy and storytelling mastery.
His books have been translated into twenty languages, including English, German, Russian, Spanish, French, Belarusian, Lithuanian, Czech, Slovak, Ukrainian, Portuguese, Bulgarian, Serbian, Finnish, Italian, Swedish, Dutch, Estonian, Chinese, and Hungarian. Sapkowski has been the recipient of numerous prestigious literary awards, both in Poland and abroad. In 2012, the Minister of Culture and National Heritage honored him with the Silver Gloria Artis Medal in recognition of his contributions to the arts.
Andrzej Sapkowski’s imagination has sparked the imaginations of millions of readers worldwide. His characters, particularly the enigmatic Geralt of Rivia, have become cultural icons and have inspired adaptations in various media, including a successful video game series and a Netflix television show. As he celebrates his 75th birthday, we commend Sapkowski for his literary accomplishments and eagerly anticipate the new worlds and adventures that he will continue to bring to life through his words. Happy birthday, Andrzej Sapkowski!