January 20

Adam Oehlenschläger is regarded as the leading figure of the Danish Golden Age and introduced Romantic ideals into Danish literature. Born in 1779, he wrote dramas such as 'Correggio' and the poem 'Aladdin', which became cultural landmarks. Appointed Royal Historiographer, he served at the Danish court and shaped national identity. His works inspired nationalism and artistic renewal across Scandinavia. He died on January 20, 1850.

Born Elisabeth Brentano in 1785, Bettina von Arnim was a prominent figure of German Romanticism alongside her husband Achim von Arnim. She authored 'Goethe’s Correspondence with a Child', a groundbreaking epistolary work blending biography and fiction. Von Arnim also produced illustrations and musical compositions that showcased her creative breadth. Her Berlin salon became a hub for writers, artists, and thinkers of the era. An advocate for women’s rights and educational reform, she left a legacy of social engagement before her death in 1859.

Robert Peter Tristram Coffin was an influential American poet, novelist, and academic born in 1892 in Brunswick, Maine. He won the 1936 Pulitzer Prize for Poetry for his collection 'Strange Holiness,' praised for its vivid imagery. Coffin served as a professor at Bowdoin College, mentoring aspiring writers and shaping literary scholarship. His works include poetry collections, novels, and essays that capture the spirit of the Maine coast and rural life. Coffin chaired the Poetry and Pictorial Section of the Library of Congress Conference on Poetry in 1936. He remained a prominent figure in American letters until his death in 1955.

Robinson Jeffers was a pioneering American poet known for his stoic and nature-centered verse set against the rugged California coastline. Born in 1887, he published influential collections such as 'Tamar and Other Poems' and 'Hurt Hawks.' Jeffers's work explores themes of environmentalism, human folly, and the grandeur of the natural world. His philosophical outlook, often called 'inhumanism,' challenged contemporary social norms and celebrated wilderness. He taught briefly at the University of Southern California before retiring to Carmel-by-the-Sea. Jeffers's poetic legacy continues to inspire readers with its moral depth and lyrical power.

Pavlos Matesis (1933-2013) was a prolific Greek novelist, translator, and playwright whose works captured the complexities of modern Greek identity and history. Born in Nafplio, he studied music and French literature before launching a literary career marked by poetic language and allegorical depth. His acclaimed novel 'Memory of Alexandria' explored exile and cultural memory, while his plays, including 'The Boat', examined political and social upheavals. Matesis also translated classics from French into Greek, enriching the country's literary heritage. He received numerous awards, including the Prix Méditerranée, and his writings remain influential for their fusion of myth, memory, and social commentary.

Toyo Shibata (1911-2013) was a Japanese poet who achieved literary fame late in life after publishing her first collection 'Kujikenaide' (Don't Give Up) at the age of 92. Born in Tokyo, she spent decades nurturing her craft privately before sharing her gentle, encouraging verses that resonated with readers across generations. The book became a national bestseller, leading to sequels and anthologies. Shibata's work often reflected themes of resilience, nature, and the beauty of everyday moments. She inspired many with her late-blooming career, demonstrating that creativity knows no age. Her poetry, translated into several languages, continues to comfort and motivate readers worldwide.

Edmonde Charles-Roux (1920-2016) was a celebrated French journalist, novelist and editor renowned for her influential career in publishing. She began as a contributor to Paris-Match and rose to become its editor-in-chief, shaping the magazine's voice during the post-war era. In 1966, she won the prestigious Prix Goncourt for her novel Oublier Palerme, cementing her reputation in literary circles. Charles-Roux later served as vice-president of the Académie Goncourt, championing new writers and promoting French literature internationally. She also directed Vogue France, bringing a literary sensibility to fashion journalism. Through her writing and leadership, she left a lasting mark on 20th-century French culture.