The poet, lyricist, and translator Julian Tuwim (1894 - 1953) was a major figure in Polish literature. In 1918, he was one of the co-founders of the Skamander group of experimental poets who broke with the nationalist aim of poetry to focus instead on the common people. Tuwim's work was wide-ranging and included writing songs for the cabaret as well as beloved children's verses. In 1935, he was awarded the Golden Laurel by the Polish Academy of Literature.