Lem, Stanislaw - stänˈĭswäfˌ lĕm, 1921–, 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 Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition Copyright© 2004, Columbia University Press. Licensed from Lernout & Hauspie Speech Products N.V. All rights reserved. |