The Passing of a Giant

Polish science-fiction author Stanislaw Lem has died. Strike the "science-fiction" qualification: Lem was one of the finest, smartest and most humane authors of the 20th century and, sadly, one of the least read in America. Track down and read the Cyberiad, any of the Tichy books like The Star Diaries or the Pirx the Pilot books and you will find yourself increased immeasurably. I recently re-read his masterpiece, Fiasco, and was stunned at how damn good it was, better even than my memory of it from 20 years ago.
Rest in peace, Stanislaw Lem.