Zigmunds Skujinš (born 1926, Riga) is a renowned and established Latvian author of prose, poetry and drama. His books are among the most widely read and published, many have been adapted for cinema and theatre, and translated into many languages. Skujinš's first short story appeared in 1948, and since then he has published numerous short stories, film scripts, plays, and essays. He is also outspoken on social, political, historical and moral issues, since his interests reach far beyond literature. More than seven million copies of Skujinš's works have been published in various languages. His writings have been collected and published in 10 volumes (the latest in 2011). Skujinš is an Emeritus Member of the Latvian Academy of Sciences. He has also received the Latvian Annual Prize for Literature , and the Latvian Cabinet of Ministers Prize for his lifetime contribution (2007).