„Letters, or the Resistance of Matter” The reader receivs a selection of Lem's letters, but no replies from Lem's correspondents.  In certain cases even Lem was unable to recall to whom his epistles were addressed.  But – as the readers of this volume will soon find out – this is no obstacle, as we get to know Lem in yet another literary form.  Quite new, witty and fascinating, as Lem is great at dialogue,  struggling with different views and stereotypes.  He articulates his opinions concisely, vividly, bluntly and convincingly at the same time.  We get to know his views on literature and literary studies, what he finds intriguing in the sciences and his opinions about the political system of Poland under communist rule.  Some of these short texts take the form of micro-essays and become an abridged versions of views expressed in articles or books.  Equally interesting are attempts at self-interpretation, the explanation of meaning of his own literary works, a precise analysis of  linguistic and stylistic nuances proving to what extent the writer was aware of his literary technique.

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