Dino Buzzati (1906–1972) was born in Belluno, Italy, and spent most of his life in Milan. By vocation he was an editor and correspondent for Corriere della Sera, but he is best known for his five novels, including Il deserto dei Tartari (The Tartar Steppe), numerous poetry and short-story collections, several plays, his paintings, and his libretti for operas by composers such as Luciano Chailly and Giulio Viozzi.