Dezso Tandori is one of the most original voices within contemporary Hungarian literature. His works include poems, novels, detective fiction, children's books, and essays on literature and the fine arts. Responsible for initiating a paradigm shift in the poetry of the 1970s, Tandori is also recognized as a leading translator, mainly of works from English and German. Beyond his literary endeavors, Tandori is a well-known artist and popular figure within Hungarian society. His lifestyle, including his attachment to his pet sparrows and his interest in horse racing, is frequently mentioned not only in literary papers and magazines but also on television and among the general public. Throughout his career, Tandori's critical reception has generated heated debate; nevertheless, he is a formidable presence.

Dezso Tandori was born in Budapest on 8 December 1938 to Lenke Nádor, a civil servant, and Dezso Tandori, commercial director of Hungarian Railways and an...