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About the Author
Michael Ende (1929–1995) grew up in Bavaria. His childhood was badly affected by the Second World War: he experienced the trauma of air raids in Munich and Hamburg and served in the resistance in 1945. As a young man he aspired to be a playwright. After studying at drama school, he worked as an actor and began to write cabaret sketches and film criticism. His first novel for children was published in 1960. Ende rapidly began to enjoy financial success and a high reputation: he was nominated for the Hans Christian Andersen Award and his books were adapted for radio and TV. His books, with fantastical settings and a sometimes surreal style, sold millions of copies and were widely translated; Ende was particularly popular in Japan, and travelled widely there to promote new releases. For many years he lived near Rome, and latterly in Munich.