This is a tough one.

Three well-known European writers – call them A, B, and C -- are linked, in different ways, to the same city X, a city which for centuries has been under Muslim rule. A was not aware of the work of B or C. B was aware of the work of A and C. C was aware of the work of B but not of A. Both B and C are much more famous in their respective countries than is A in the country with which he is identified. A and B both died young, and tragically (in the less strict, modern sense of that adverb). C’s death, too, could not be called an easy one.

A contestant should attempt to:

1. Name that city X.
2. Name A, B, and C.
3. Describe the connections of A, B., and C to that same city X.
4. Supply as much detail as possible about A, B, and C, especially what B knew about A and C, what C knew about B, and why A did not know about B or C.

To be considered, e-mailed entries must be received by midnight on the Ides of March. That applies to every contestant -- yes, you too, Brutus, you too.