Lem, Stanisław

Lem, Stanisław (stän'iswäf" lem) [key], 1921–2006, Polish science-fiction writer. A doctor by training, Lem began his writing career as a poet before turning to the novel. In his many science-fiction works, including Return From the Stars (1961; tr. 1973) and Solaris (1961; tr. 1982), he combines irony and grotesque humor with profound social, psychological, and philosophical analyses. Lem is also the author of notable essays concerning science fiction, including the collection Microworlds (1984).

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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