A Chinese-language edition of Edward Kajdański’s book entitled “My Life in China” about the Polish beginnings and the history of the city of Harbin is now available. The Polish Institute in Beijing supported the publishing process of this publication.

The foreword to the Chinese edition was written by the Polish Ambassador to China, Wojciech Zajączkowski:

Edward Kajdański was in many ways an exceptional man. Born, raised and educated in Harbin, a writer, diplomat, historian endowed with a truly Renaissance personality and talents. In the context of Polish-Chinese relations, he can be described as an outstanding “cultural intermediary” – if we were to resort to scientific terminology – who, due to his roots in two traditions, Polish and Chinese, played a huge role in bringing Poles closer to the Middle Kingdom.

He made Michał Boym, a Lviv Jesuit and scholar, who worked on Chinese soil in the 17th century, at the end of the Ming Dynasty, his guide or patron. Boym inspired Edward Kajdański and became the hero of his most important scientific works, but not only. Working over several decades on the history of this outstanding scientist, Edward Kajdański built a special model of interest in Chinese culture based on empathy towards the subject of research, conscientiousness and striving to reach deep meanings. We can guess that such a man and author was previously Michał Boym himself.

Edward Kajdański worked until the last days of his life, which ended on September 10, 2020. With his death, was his unique experience a thing of the past? What remained are his books, especially the fascinating story “How I discovered Polish Marco Polo”, which reports historical research full of unexpected turns. Today, readers receive the memories of Edward Kajdański, which are not only his biography, but also a summary of his life wisdom, which will surely become a source of inspiration for new generations of Chinese researchers.

Photos: China Translation and Publishing House