Described by Robert Hass as "unquestionably one of the great living European poets" and by Charles Simic as "one of the finest poets living today," Szymborska mesmerizes her readers with witty and philosophical poetry that captivates their minds and captures their hearts.

This is the book that her many fans have been anxiously awaiting, including 164 poems in all, as well as the full text of her Nobel acceptance speech of December 7, 1996, in Stockholm. Beautifully translated by Stanislaw Baranczak and Clare Cavanagh, who won a 1996 PEN Translation Prize for their work, this landmark volume of Polish poetry in translation is a must-have for all readers of poetry.

This essential volume brings together:

• The Complete Polish Poetry: 164 poems spanning four decades, from her breakthrough Calling Out to Yeti to her later works, showcasing her evolution as a singular voice in world literature.
• Nobel Prize-Winning Vision: The full text of her 1996 Nobel Lecture, "The Poet and the World," a profound and accessible meditation on poetry, inspiration, and the power of "I don't know."
• Award-Winning Translation: A masterful English translation by Stanisław Barańczak and Clare Cavanagh, celebrated with the PEN Translation Prize for its fidelity and lyrical grace.
• Astonishment and Irony: Discover the signature blend of intellectual depth, playful wit, and profound wonder that led critics to call her one of the greatest poets of our time.