Rudaki

Born around 858 in the village of Banoj, Rudaki spent most of his career at the court of the Samanids, serving under the amir Nasr II and possibly his predecessor Ahmad Samani. His success hinged on the backing of vizier Abu'l-Fadl al-Bal'ami, who championed the rise of New Persian literature in the 10th century. Of his vast output — which included a versification of the Kalila wa-Dimna fables — only fragments survive. When Bal'ami fell from power in 937, Rudaki was dismissed from court. He spent his final years in poverty, dying blind and alone in his hometown sometime around 940 or 941.