Leszek Kołakowski (1927-2009).

Update: Please see the following obituaries:

• Daily Telegraph, July 20, 2009 (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/culture-obituaries/books-obituaries/5873129/Leszek-Kolakowski.html)
• New York Times, July 20, 2009 (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/21/world/europe/21kolakowski.html?_r=2)
• London Times, July 22, 2009 (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/obituaries/article6722105.ece)

Original Post (July 17, 2009): The distinguished Polish philosopher and historian of ideas was best known for his critical analyses of Marxist thought, especially his acclaimed three-volume history, Main Currents of Marxism. For further information on his life and career, visit his Wikipedia page here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leszek_Ko%C5%82akowski.