Warsaw: Interpress, 1990. Translated by Bogna Piotrowska. 1st Edition. 4to - over 9¾" - 12" tall. Cloth hard covers with gilt lettering. 368 pp, color illustrated endpapers, profusely illustrated with b&w photographs and color and b&w reproductions of works by the artist, extensive bibliography of Witkiewicz' publications. English text. Hardcover with cardboard slipcase. FINE.

Witkacy, was one of the most gifted and exceptional figures of the period. Philosopher, painter, dramatist and photographer, he completed a large series of expressionist portraits as well as abstract compositions.

Witkacy was also the originator of several unconventional philosophical concepts the most notable being the `theory of pure form' as well as the creator of the Theatre Of The Absurd.

Only in the 1960's were his plays recognised internationally. There is an excellent and popular Witkacy Theatre in Zakopane.

In September 1939, on hearing the news that the Red Army had crossed the Polish border, Witkacy committed suicide. Full of torment, the act expressed his belief in `catastrophism' or the disintegration of civilisation.