Józef Mackiewicz is one of the most important historical writers of the 20^th century. In his prose and journalism, he has dealt with issues related to war and politics as well as Eastern European society – primarily concerning Polish-Russian relations. He was a strong anti-communist and opponent of all kinds of nationalism – he proclaimed the idea of equality of all nations.

Gustaw Herling-Grudziński was one of the most popular Polish writers and journalists, author of memoirs (A World Apart), diaries (Journal Written at Night), journalistic texts (including Upiory rewolucji [Specters of Revolution]), essays (Six Medallions and Silver Casket), and novels (The Invincible Prince).