ZEROMSKI, STEFAN

born Nov. 1, 1864, Strawczyn, Pol., Russian Empire died Nov. 20, 1925, Warsaw Polish novelist admired for his naturalistic and lyrical style. After attending the Gymnasium at Kielce and the veterinary college in Warsaw, Zeromski worked at first as a resident tutor in country houses and then as an assistant librarian in Switzerland and at the Zamoyski Library in Warsaw (18971903). From 1905, while living at Naleczw, he furthered the cause of education for the masses and was arrested by the Russian authorities in 1908 for these activities. Zeromski subsequently lived in Paris (190912) and in Warsaw. Zeromski's first short stories were published in 1889. His first novel, Syzyfowe Prace (Sisyphean Labours), appeared in 1897. Popioly, 3 vol. (1904; The Ashes) finally established his reputation. His last novel, Przedwiosnie (1925; Springtime), is about the first fruits of Polish national independence.