During his life in America Czesław Miłosz met many people but few of
them were more important than a man whom he saw only twice – Thomas Merton.
Miłosz and Merton corresponded regularly for almost ten years (1959–1960) and their
letters, published in Polish and English, show two great minds involved in a deep and
sincere dialogue, revealing their most intimate thoughts as well as fears and hopes.
Close to each other, they nevertheless remained independent in their thinking. This
article presents their exchanges on political issues such as the Cold War, the Civil Right
Movement or communist Russia. It also describes how each of them perceived the
changes in the Catholic Church initiated by the Second Vatican Council. Interesting
parallels in their biographies are also mentioned.

During his life in America Czesław Miłosz met many people but few of
them were more important than a man whom he saw only twice – Thomas Merton.
Miłosz and Merton corresponded regularly for almost ten years (1959–1960) and their
letters, published in Polish and English, show two great minds involved in a deep and
sincere dialogue, revealing their most intimate thoughts as well as fears and hopes.
Close to each other, they nevertheless remained independent in their thinking. This
article presents their exchanges on political issues such as the Cold War, the Civil Right
Movement or communist Russia. It also describes how each of them perceived the
changes in the Catholic Church initiated by the Second Vatican Council. Interesting
parallels in their biographies are also mentioned.