Josef Škvorecký was a Czech-Canadian writer, born on September 27, 1924, in Náchod, Czechoslovakia. He is best known for his novels that often explore themes of identity, exile, and the impact of totalitarianism. His most famous works include The Cowards and The Engineer of Human Souls, which reflect his experiences during and after World War II. In addition to his writing, Škvorecký was a prominent figure in the literary community, founding the 68 Publishers in 1968 to promote banned literature in Czechoslovakia. He later emigrated to Canada in 1968, where he continued to write and teach, influencing many aspiring writers.