Dino Buzzati (1906-1972) was an Italian novelist, short story writer, poet, and journalist. He is best known for his novel The Tartar Steppe, which has been translated into more than 30 languages. He was also a prolific painter and a respected journalist for the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera. His works often explored themes of alienation, loneliness, and the search for meaning in life. He was a master of the surreal, combining elements of fantasy and realism to create unique and captivating stories. His works have been praised for their insight into the human condition and their ability to capture the beauty of the everyday.