Mordecai Richler was a renowned Canadian writer, best known for his novels and essays that often explored themes of Jewish life in Canada, as well as Canadian and Quebec nationalism. His notable works include The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz (1959), which brought him widespread recognition, and Barney's Version (1997). Richler's St. Urbain's Horseman (1970) and Solomon Gursky Was Here (1989) were both nominated for the esteemed Booker Prize.

In addition to his fiction writing, Richler authored numerous essays, including the controversial Oh Canada! Oh Quebec! (1992), which addressed nationalism and anti-Semitism. He is also known for the beloved children's fantasy series featuring Jacob Two-Two.

Born and raised in the Mile End area of Montréal to a working-class Jewish family, Richler was educated in Yiddish and English. He attended Baron Byng High School and later enrolled at Sir George Williams College, now known as Concordia University, but left before completing his degree.