Berthold Schwarz Berthold Schwarz Berthold Schwarz (sometimes spelled Schwartz), also known as Berthold the Black and "der Schwartzer", was a legendary German (or in some accounts Danish or Greek) alchemist of the late 14th century, credited with the invention of gunpowder by 15th- through 19th-century European literature. The purported period of Schwarz' activity (late 14th century) thus falls between the first reports of gunpowder in Europe (late 13th century) and the development of effective applications in artillery (mid 15th century). It is unclear whether Schwarz is a historical person. It has been suggested that he was a historical alchemist who had developed
Simone Schwarz-Bart wrote "Pluie et vent sur Télumée Miracle", which is considered one of the masterpieces of Caribbean literature. In 1979, she published "Ti jean l'horizon". Schwarz-Bart has also written for the theatre: "Ton beau capitaine" was a well-received play in one act. Schwarz-Bart, along with her husband, is deeply committed to political issues, and the issues faced by people, especially women, of colour. She has explored the languages and locations of her ancestry in her works, and examines male domination over women in the Caribbean, as well as themes of alienation in exile. In 1973, Schwarz-Bart's "Pluie et vent sur Télumée