Commenting on Łukasz Bertram’s book on Polish communists, Kula appreciates Bertram’s efforts in presenting and understanding the communists and their movement. Bertram does not limit himself to presenting solely the facts; he does not judge communism, since a great deal has already been said on that topic. He analyses, or above all takes a good look at, how the communists thought and the conditioning they were subjected to. He creates a picture significantly more complex than that currently functioning in Poland, and skilfully combines the approaches of historians and sociologists. This is a connection worth supporting, and the book in question constitutes a good example of how much it can give.

The history of literature and art history were not included in the programme of my historical studies (1960–1965). Naturally, all history professors would usually include something about art and literature in their lectures on “their” historical period, but not as a key element. Efforts were made to separate history and belles‑lettres (in its various manifestations). A strongly positivist vision of research and transferring its results to the general public was cultivated – which had its advantages in the face of ideological pressure on science in the People's Republic of Poland. Today, the function of both historical sources and statements on history are frequently taken on by literature, which I define very broadly: literary texts (sometimes even of clearly inferior quality), political texts, diaries and journals, journalistic reports, petitions, defence speeches, sometimes letters. Also interesting for the historian is the route these texts take to the reading or listening public, as well as their reception, sometimes their renaissance after many years. There is no need to add that with such an approach, the people who are the authors of even outstanding historical works are not necessarily those who are professional historians.

The article is a commentary to the Code of ethics by Polish Historical Society published in 2020.