4542) The Star Diaries" (A part of the Stanisław Lem – Master of Fantasy Series", Republic of Cameroon: A 2000 Francs CFA Silver, Antique Finish (AF) Coin minted by the Mint of Gdansk, Poland on behalf of the Republic of Cameroon: Date/Year of Coin issue: 06/2026:
Links to posts on Stanislaw Lem on this Blog:
Stanislaw Herman Lem (12.09.1921 – 27.03.2006):
He was a Polish writer and the author of many novels, short stories, and essays on various subjects, including philosophy, futurology, and literary criticism.
Many of his science fiction stories are of satirical and humorous character. Lem's books have been translated into more than 50 languages and have sold more than 45 million copies.
Worldwide, he is best known as the author of the 1961 novel "Solaris". In 1976, Theodore Sturgeon wrote that Lem was the most widely read science fiction writer in the world.
Lem was the author of the fundamental philosophical work "Summa Technologiae", in which he anticipated the creation of virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and also developed the ideas of human autoevolution, the creation of artificial worlds, and many others.
Lem's science fiction works explore philosophical themes through speculations on technology, the nature of intelligence, the impossibility of communication with and understanding of alien intelligence, despair about human limitations, and humanity's place in the universe.
His essays and philosophical books cover these and many other topics. Translating his works is difficult due to Lem's elaborate neologisms and idiomatic wordplay.
The Sejm (the lower house of the Polish Parliament) declared 2021 Stanisław Lem Year.
His works/writings:
Stanisław Lem was a Polish science fiction writer. His works have been translated into 40 languages and over 30 million copies have been sold.
Fiction:
Individual works:
The Man from Mars (1946) –
short novel, originally published in a magazine serial form. In 2009 for the
first time a long excerpt from Chapter 1 was translated into English by Peter
Swirski and published, with permission of Lem's family, in the online literary
magazine Words Without Borders.
Hospital of the Transfiguration (1948) –
partly autobiographical novella about a doctor working in a Polish asylum
during World War II, centred on a German Nazi euthanasia program Action T4. It
was published in expanded form in 1955 as Czas nieutracony: Szpital
przemienienia, and translated into English by William Brand (San Diego:
Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1988).
In Poland it was made into a film in 1979.
The Astronauts [pl] (1951) –
young adult science fiction novel. In the early 21st century, it is discovered
that the Tunguska meteorite was a crash of a reconnaissance ship from Venus,
bound to invade the Earth. A spaceship sent to investigate finds that Venusians
killed themselves in an atomic war first.
It was made into a film in 1960 (Der Schweigende Stern) as a German/Japanese co-production that was translated into English as First Spaceship on Venus. The novel has never been translated into English.
The Magellanic Cloud [pl] (1955) – the first interstellar travel of mankind to the Alpha Centauri system. Not translated into English.
Eden [pl] (1959) –
science fiction novel; after crashing their spaceship on the planet Eden, the
crew discovers it is populated with an unusual society. Translated into English
by Marc E. Heine (San Diego: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1989).
The Hunt [pl] (1950s) –
short story, found in Lem's archives and published in 2018.
The Investigation [pl] (1959) –
philosophical mystery novel. Translated by Adele Milch (New York: The Seabury
Press, 1974). The book was made into a short film of the same name by Marek
Piestrak in 1973.
Memoirs Found in a Bathtub [pl] (1961) –
Kafkaesque novel set in the distant future about a secret agent, whose mission
in an unnamed ministry is so secret that no one can tell him what it is.
Translated by Michael Kandel and Christine Rose (New York: The Seabury Press,
1973)
Return from the Stars [pl] (1961) –
science fiction novel. An astronaut returns to Earth after a 127-year long
mission. Translated by Barbara Marszal and Frank Simpson (New York: Harcourt
Brace Jovanovich, 1980)
Solaris [pl] (1961) –
science fiction novel. The crew of a remote space station is strangely
influenced by the living ocean occupying a whole planet while they attempt
communication with it.
Translated into English from the French translation by Joanna Kilmartin and Steve Cox (New York, Walker & Co., 1970; London: Faber and Faber, 1970). Also translated by Bill Johnston in 2014. Made into two Russian films in 1968 and 1972, and an American film in 2002.
The Invincible [pl] (1964) – a
hard science fiction novel credited with introducing nanotechnology into the
genre. The crew of a space cruiser searches for a disappeared ship on the
planet Regis III, discovering swarms of insect-like micromachines. Translated
from German by Wendayne Ackerman (New York: The Seabury Press, 1973). Also
translated by Bill Johnston in 2014.
Adapted into a video game in 2023.
His Master's Voice [pl] (1968) –
science fiction novel about the effort to translate an extraterrestrial
transmission. Translated by Michael Kandel (San Diego: Harcourt Brace
Jovanovich, 1983).
The Futurological Congress [pl] (1971) –
an Ijon Tichy novella, published in the collection Bezsenność (Insomnia) and Ze
wspomnień Ijona Tichego. Translated by Michael Kandel and published as a
standalone novella. (New York: The Seabury Press, 1974).
The Chain of Chance [pl] (1976) –
borderline SF novel. A former US astronaut is sent to Italy to investigate a
series of mysterious deaths. Translated by Louis Iribarne (New York: Harcourt
Brace Jovanovich, 1978).
Golem XIV [pl] (1981) –
science novel. Expansion of an essay/story from the collection Imaginary
Magnitude [pl].
Observation on the Spot [pl] (1982) –
Ijon Tichy novel about the planet Entia. Not translated into English.
Peace on Earth [pl] (1985) –
Ijon Tichy novel. A callosotomised Tichy returns to Earth, trying to
reconstruct the events of his recent visit to the Moon. Translated by Michael
Kandel and Elinor Ford (New York: Harcourt Brace, 1994).
Fiasco [pl] (1986) –
dystopian science fiction novel about an expedition to communicate with an
alien civilisation that results in a major fiasco. Translated by Michael Kandel
(San Diego: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1987)
Compilations:
Sesame and Other Stories [pl] (1955) –
linked collection of short fiction, dealing with time machines used to clean up
Earth's history in order to be accepted into intergalactic society. Not
translated into English.
The Star Diaries [pl] (1957–1971) –
collection of short fiction dealing with the voyages of Ijon Tichy. English
translations of some stories were published in two volumes: the first, The
Star Diaries, by Michael Kandel (New York: The Seabury Press, 1976) and
the second, Memoirs of a space traveller: further reminiscences
of Ijon Tichy, by Joel Stern and Maria Swiecicka-Ziemianek (New York: Harcourt
Brace Jovanovich, 1982).
The Invasion from Aldebaran [pl] (1959) –
collection of nine science fiction stories, among them three Tales of Pirx the
Pilot and Darkness and Mold [pl], about the creation of Whisteria Cosmolytica
which is described as "a microbe annihilating matter and drawing its vital
energy from that process", creating a grey goo scenario.
The Cyberiad (1965) –
collection of humorous baroque-style stories about the exploits of Trurl and
Klapaucius, "constructors" among robots. The stories of Douglas Adams
have been compared to the Cyberiad. Transl. by Michael Kandel (New York: The
Seabury Press, 1974).
A Perfect Vacuum (1971) –
collection of reviews of fictional books. Transl. by Michael Kandel. (New York:
Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1979).
Imaginary Magnitude [pl] (1973) –
collection of introductions to nonexistent books. Also includes Golem XIV, a
lengthy essay/short story on the nature of intelligence delivered by an
eponymous US military computer. In the personality of Golem XIV, Lem with a
great amount of humor describes an ideal of his own mind. Transl. by Marc E.
Heine (San Diego: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1984).
Tales of Pirx the Pilot [pl] (1973) –
collection of linked short fiction involving the career of astronaut Pirx.
English translations of some stories were published in two volumes: the first,
Tales of Pirx the Pilot, by Louis Iribarne (New York: Harcourt Brace
Jovanovich, 1979) and the second, More Tales of Pirx the Pilot by Louis
Iribarne, Magdalena Majcherczyk and Michael Kandel (San Diego: Harcourt Brace
Jovanovich, 1982).
Mortal Engines (1977) –
also contains The Hunt from Tales of Pirx the Pilot, and eleven of the Fables
for Robots series. Selected translation by Michael Kandel (New York: The
Seabury Press, 1977).
The Cosmic Carnival of Stanisław Lem – edited
with commentary by Michael Kandel. New York: Continuum, 1981.
The Star Diaries (which is depicted on this Coin):
Embark on an extraordinary journey through space with Ijon Tichy thanks to the unique collector's coin "Star Diaries", which is part of the Stanisław Lem – Master of Fantasy series.
The coin refers to one of the most important and recognisable works of Stanisław Lem – a series of short stories created for almost half a century.
"Star Diaries" is a fascinating account of interplanetary expeditions by Ijon Tichy, full of extraordinary civilisations, surprising phenomena and brilliant reflections on man, technological progress and the nature of the universe. Connecting elements of science fiction, satire and philosophy, Lem created a work that still inspires subsequent generations of readers.
The Coin:
Embark on an extraordinary journey through space with Ijon Tichy thanks to the unique collector's coin "Star Diaries", which is part of the Stanisław Lem – Master of Fantasy series.
The coin refers to one of the most important and recognisable works of Stanisław Lem – a series of short stories created for almost half a century.
The 1000 CFA franc coin was issued by the Republic of Cameroon and minted from 2 ounces of pure Ag 999 sterling silver.
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The Reverse of the 1000 CFA franc coin depicts Ijon Tichy leaving the spaceship and taking his first steps on an unknown planet.
In the background, there is a mysterious futuristic building surrounded by elements of an alien civilisation, evoking the atmosphere of the unusual interstellar expeditions described by Lem.
The project captures the spirit of discovering the unknown, unlimited curiosity about the world and courage in crossing the boundaries of human cognition.
The inscriptions are - "STANISLAW LEM" (on the upper periphery) and "THE STAR DIARIES" (on the lower periphery).
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The Obverse of the 1000 CFA franc coin depicts an alien being in the background and the inscription "REPUBLIC OF CAMEROON" (REPUBLIQUE DU CAMEROUN" (on the upper periphery) and the Emblem/Seal of the country (at centre right)
- Advanced minting techniques were used to make the coin, which emphasise the unique character of the design.
- The Antique Finish (AF) gives the composition depth and a noble look, selective gilding exposes the most important elements of the design, and glossy details create the effect of contrast and spaciousness.
In addition, metallic UV printing and fluorescent printing were used, thanks to which the coin gains an additional visual dimension and reveals hidden details in ultraviolet light.
- The mintage has been limited to just 500 pieces, making this coin an extremely attractive item for both numismatic collectors and art lovers Stanisław Lem and classic science fiction literature.
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Each coin is delivered in an elegant wooden collector's box with a certificate of authenticity, emphasising the prestige and unique character of this limited edition.
The Specifications of this Coin are:
Coin Series Theme: "Star Diaries - Stanisław Lem, Master of Fantasy"
Metal Composition/Coin Quality: 2 oz Fine Silver or Ag 999
Denomination: 1000 francs CFA
Country: Republic of Cameroon
Weight: 62.2 g
Size: 45.00 mm
Stamp: Oxidised
Accessories: UV Printing, Fluorescent Printing, Numbered Edge, Selective Gloss, Selective Gold Plating, High Relief, Certificate of Authenticity (COA), Presentation Box/Case
Mintage/Circulation: 500 pcs.
Issue date: 2026-06
Links:
Links on posts from Poland:
Links to posts on Stanislaw Lem on this Blog:
Other posts from Poland:
1) Currency & Coinage of Poland: Zloty and Grosz
7) "Sovka roskoshnaja" ("Staurophora celsia") Moth, Ukraine: Sterling Silver Proof (10 Hryvnia) and Cupro-nickel (2 Hrvynia) coins issued under its "Native Flora and Fauna Coin Series" by the National Bank of Ukraine
8) 1075 years since Princess Olga (890-969 AD), Ukraine: A Silver Proof Coin brought out by the National Bank of Ukraine,minted by the Ukrainian Mint: Year of issue: 2020
Links to some other posts on Kazakhstan coins on this Blog:
For other posts on Latvian Coins/Stamps, please visit the following links:
1) A 100 Rouble Banknote issued by Russia to commemorate the XXII Winter Olympics - (07-23 February 2014) held at Sochi, Russia
2) Commemorative Coins issued when the 1980 22nd Summer Olympics were held in Moscow (19.07.1980 to 03.08.1980)
3) 2018 "Federation Internationale de Football Association" (FIFA) World Cup being held in Russia between 14.06.2018 &15.07.2018: Some Coins and stamps issued by Russia, Australia, Hungary, Spain & France to commemorate the Tournament/Championship
4) "Ancient Postal Routes - the Kholmogory post road (Arkhangelsk - Vologda - Yaroclavi - Moscow), Russia: Europa 2020 theme: A stamp brought out by "Pochta Rossii"(Russian Post) featuring this important post road: Date of Stamp issue: 15.01.2020
1) A 100 Rouble Banknote issued by Russia to commemorate the XXII Winter Olympics - (07-23 February 2014) held at Sochi, Russia
2) Commemorative Coins issued when the 1980 22nd Summer Olympics were held in Moscow (19.07.1980 to 03.08.1980)
3) 2018 "Federation Internationale de Football Association" (FIFA) World Cup being held in Russia between 14.06.2018 &15.07.2018: Some Coins and stamps issued by Russia, Australia, Hungary, Spain & France to commemorate the Tournament/Championship
4) "Ancient Postal Routes - the Kholmogory post road (Arkhangelsk - Vologda - Yaroclavi - Moscow), Russia: Europa 2020 theme: A stamp brought out by "Pochta Rossii"(Russian Post) featuring this important post road: Date of Stamp issue: 15.01.2020
