 After the war, Bartelski studied law at Warsaw University, and began a writing career.He was active in a large number of organizations, including Polish Writer's Association (where he served as the Chair of its Warsaw branch from 1972 to 1978).Over his career, he won numerous awards for his work, including the Prize of Minister of Defense (2nd class) in 1969, Pietrzak Prize in 1969 and 1985, Warsaw Prize in 1969, Prize of Minister Culture and Art (1st class) in 1977, Prize of president of Warsaw in 1990 and Reymont Prize in 1988