Best known for his works relating to classical antiquity, he was also the president of the Polish PEN Club between 1933 and 1978, with a break during World War II.

He became a regular member of Warszawskie Towarzystwo Naukowe (loosely translated, Warsaw Association of Sciences), worked with publications such as the Universal Weekly, Meander, Creation, and renewed his activities as chairman of the Polish PEN Club.

In 1964 he received the Polish State Award of the First Degree, and in the same year he was a signatory to the Letter of 34 scholars and writers in defense of freedom of speech.

As a literary figure, Parandowski began writing in Lwow in 1913, though he came to experience international prominence after his much cited Mythology in 1924.

His knowledge, crisp and engaging writing style, and ability to tackle the most controversial subjects contributed greatly to Parandowski's popularity.