Biography: Mordecai Richler, CC (January 27, 1931 – July 3, 2001) was a Canadian author, screenwriter and essayist who shaped literature for nearly 50 years. A leading critic called him "the great shining star of his Canadian literary generation" and a pivotal figure in the country's history. His notable works include "The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz," "St. Urbain’s Horseman," "Solomon Gursky Was Here," and "Barney’s Version," and the Jacob Two-Two Children's stories, adapted into a movie and TV series. His 1989 novel Solomon Gursky Was Here was shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 1990. Known for his provocative essays spanning nationalism to sports, Richler received the Order of Canada before his passing in 2001.