Jerzy Kosinski was a Polish-American author born on June 14, 1933, in Łódź, Poland. He is best known for his novels, including The Painted Bird, which depicts the harrowing experiences of a young boy during World War II. Kosinski's writing often explores themes of identity, alienation, and the impact of war. In addition to his literary work, Kosinski was a controversial figure due to allegations of plagiarism and questions about his personal history. He moved to the United States in 1957 and became a naturalized citizen. Kosinski passed away on May 3, 1991, in New York City.