Author. Born in Bologna, Italy, into a Jewish family. He published his first book, “Una Città di Pianura” (1940),  under a pseudonym because of Mussolini’s anti-Semitic policies,  and was active as an anti-fascist fighter during World War II.  Bassani is best remembered for his novel “Il Giardino dei Finzi-Contini”,  which earned him the Viareggio Award. It was later adapted into an Oscar-winning film. His many works also include “Cinque Stories Ferraresi”, “Passeggiata Prima di Cena”,  and “Gli Occhiali d’Oro”. He died in Rome. (bio by: José L Bernabé Tronchoni)