Kunwar Narain (1927–2017) is considered one of India’s foremost poets, thinkers and literary figures in modern times. He read widely, across disciplines and literatures, and blended an international sensibility with a grounding in Indian history and thought. He has written in diverse genres of poetry and prose which include three epic poems, eight poetry collections, translations of world poetry, and books of short stories, criticism, essays, diaries, conversations, and writings on world cinema and the arts. His oeuvre of seven decades, since his first book in 1956, evolved continuously and embodies, above all, a unique interplay of the simple and the complex. After more than five decades in Lucknow, where a significant part of his writing was done, he moved to Delhi. His honours include the Sahitya Akademi Award; Kabir Samman; Kumaran Asan Award; Warsaw University's honorary medal; Italy’s Premio Feronia for distinguished world author; India's civilian honour Padma Bhushan; the senior fellowship of India's Academy of Letters; and the Jnanpith, India's highest literary award. Some of his works remain unpublished.

Apurva Narain is Kunwar Narain’s son and translator. His books include a collection of poetry translations, No Other World, and a co-translated collection of short stories, The Play of Dolls. His work has appeared in several literary journals over the years. Educated in India and at the University of Cambridge, he writes in English, consults in the field of international development, and has professional interests in ecology, public health and ethics.