Ahmet Hamdi Tanpinar (1901-62) is considered one of the most important Turkish novelist of the twentieth century. Deeply influenced by Paul Valery and Bergson, Tanpinar created a cultural universe in in his work, bringing together a Western literary voice and the sensibilities of the Ottoman culture. He taught aesthetics, mythology, and literature at the University of Istanbul.
Pankaj Mishra is currently editing an anthology of contemporary Indian writers. He divides his time between New Delhi & Simla.