Magda Szabó (1917 - ) Writer, literary translator. Born in Debrecen. Did her school-leaving exam in the town of her birth, and received her Latin-Hungarian teaching diploma in 1940 from Debrecen University. Began teaching during the same year, for two years in Debrecen, then from 1942 till 1945 she worked at the Calvinists’ School for girls in Hódmezővásárhely. Following this, she became an employee of the Ministry of Religion and Education. She was fired from the Ministry in 1949 and was forbidden to publish works until 1958. During this time she worked as an elementary-school teacher. Her novels Fresco and The fawn brought her national fame. Between 1985 and 1990 she was head-assistant at the Tiszántúli Református Egyházkerület and deputy world president of the synod. She was a founder-member of the Széchenyi Literature and Art Academy in 2000, becoming a regular member of the literature department. Originally beginning as a poet, we know Magda Szabó above-all as a novelist and drama writer. The world also recognises her thus, since she is one of the most translated Hungarian writers: Her works have been published in numerous countries and languages. She has received literary prizes and state decorations, the Kossuth award (1978) and the Corvin chain (2001) included.