Daniel Kehlmann, 33, made his name in the English-speaking world in 2005 with the translation of Measuring The World, a witty novel about two German scientists. He was born in Munich and published his first novel, Beerholms Vorstellung, while studying philosophy and English literature. His latest novel, Me and Kaminski, tells the story of an art critic who is attempting a biography of artist Manuel Kaminski, a forgotten former pupil of Matisse. Kehlmann lives in Vienna.

What book is currently on your bedside table?
Nicholas Boyle’s wonderful biography of Goethe.