Leonardo Sciascia

Leonardo Sciascia (1921–1989) was an Italian writer, journalist, and politician. Born in Racalmuto, Sicily, he worked as an elementary school teacher until 1957 before turning increasingly to literature and journalism. His best-known works include the crime novel *The Day of the Owl* (1961), *The Council of Egypt* (1963), *To Each His Own* (1966), *The Context* (1971), and *The Knight and Death* (1988). In his novels, essays, and historical studies, Sciascia frequently examined power, justice, political institutions, and Sicilian society. From 1975 to 1977, he served on the Palermo city council. Several of his widely acclaimed works were adapted for film.