23 JUNE 1979, Page 21

Polish writing

Sir: May I correct an inaccuracy in one of the two fascinating reports from Poland which you published last week. Peter Hebblethwaite refers to Piotr Skarga as a poet; a Jesuit and court chaplain, Skarga, was an outstanding literary and political figure in late 16th century Poland and, in fact, one of the most prominent writers of earlier Polish prose. His Kazania Seymowe (Parliamentary Sermons'), a series of discourses on the state of the Polish nation and its government published in 1597, constitute his main claim to fame and are undoubtedly the source of the quotation cited by Peter Hebblethwaite in his article. Andrew Michalski 2 Chiselhurst Road, Richmond, Surrey