January 22

R. C. Lehmann was a versatile English writer and lawmaker, celebrated for his humorous essays and pioneering sports journalism. He wrote widely on cricket and rowing, becoming a leading voice in late 19th-century athletic commentary. Later in life, Lehmann served as a Member of Parliament, bringing his characteristic wit to political debates. His diverse career bridged literature, journalism, and public service.

A central figure in German Expressionism, Else Lasker-Schüler (1869–1945) produced poetry and plays that fused intense emotion with surreal visual imagery. Born in Elberfeld, she moved to Berlin in 1905, where her avant-garde circle included Franz Marc and August Macke. Her works, such as the play 'The Warlords' and the poetry collection 'My Blue Piano,' challenged conventions with bold symbolism and lyrical depth. Facing persecution as a Jewish artist under the Nazi regime, she fled to Switzerland and later Palestine, where she continued her creative work. Her exploration of love, exile, and spirituality influenced generations of writers and cemented her legacy in modern literature.

Born in Kansas City in 1891, William Thomas Walsh became renowned for his historical novels exploring Catholic and Spanish themes, such as 'Don John of Austria' and 'Philip of Spain.' A prolific poet and playwright, he also lectured widely on art and literature, shaping American Catholic culture in the early 20th century. His works blended scholarly research with narrative flair, earning him acclaim among readers and critics alike. Walsh's devotion to faith and history infused his writing with spiritual depth. His legacy endures in modern devotional literature and historical fiction.

S. Vithiananthan was born in 1924 in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). He was a pioneering scholar of Tamil literature and served as a professor at the University of Ceylon. Vithiananthan authored critical studies on classical and modern Tamil poetry. His academic leadership fostered scholarly exchange between Sri Lanka and international institutions. He played a key role in preserving Tamil cultural heritage during times of political unrest. His writings remain influential in South Asian literary and educational circles.

Robert Choquette was born in 1905 in Ontario, Canada and emerged as a leading French-Canadian poet. He published collections of poetry that explored themes of identity, nature, and human emotion. Choquette also served as Canada's ambassador to France, Ireland, and Belgium during the 1960s. His diplomatic work strengthened cultural ties between Canada and Europe. He was awarded multiple literary prizes and honours for his contributions to Canadian letters. Choquette's dual career bridged the worlds of art and international relations.

Kōbō Abe was born in 1924 in Tokyo and studied medicine before turning to literature and art. He gained acclaim with his play 'Friends', blending absurdism and existential themes. Abe's photographs documented post-war Japan with a distinctive surreal style. He was a close associate of fellow artist Tatsumi Hijikata and influenced the Japanese avant-garde movement. His multidisciplinary approach challenged artistic boundaries and inspired later generations. Abe's work remains celebrated for its originality and psychological depth.

Israel Eldad was born in 1910 in Galicia (then Austrian Poland) and studied law and philosophy. He joined the Zionist underground group Lehi and was imprisoned by British authorities. Eldad became a leading ideological voice for Revisionist Zionism and Jewish self-defence. His philosophical writings explored Jewish identity, nationalism, and the ethics of resistance. After Israel's independence, he lectured at universities and wrote essays shaping Israeli political thought. Eldad's bold ideas continue to spark debate in discussions of Middle Eastern politics and philosophy.

Anne Hébert was born in 1916 in Quebec and became one of Canada's most celebrated writers. Her novels and poetry explore themes of identity, oppression, and human resilience, often set against the backdrop of rural Quebec. Hébert's distinctive style combines lyrical prose with psychological depth, as seen in works like 'Kamouraska' and 'Les fous de Bassan'. She received numerous literary awards, including the Governor General's Award for both fiction and poetry. Her work has been translated into multiple languages, influencing writers around the world. Hébert's legacy endures through her powerful storytelling and pioneering role in Canadian literature.

Simon Marsden was a prolific English photographer celebrated for his haunting black-and-white images of ancient ruins, remote landscapes, and reputedly haunted locations. Born in 1948, he mastered infrared photography to create otherworldly atmospheres in his work. Marsden authored and contributed to numerous books on photography and the supernatural, including The Haunted Realm. His photographs have been exhibited internationally and are prized by collectors for their dramatic composition and mood. Beyond his photographic work, he lectured widely and curated exhibitions that explored the intersection of art and folklore. Marsden’s unique vision helped popularize ghost photography and inspired a generation of photographers drawn to the mysterious and the sublime. His contributions continue to influence the field of atmospheric and historical photography.

Margaret Bloy Graham was a Canadian author and illustrator renowned for her gentle watercolor illustrations and heartfelt narratives. Born in 1920, she created and collaborated on dozens of children's books that resonated with young readers worldwide. Her delicate artwork and engaging stories brought warmth and imagination to classics like "Harry the Dirty Dog" and many original tales. She studied at the Ontario College of Art and later continued her creative work across North America. Graham's contributions helped define mid-20th-century children's literature. She passed away on January 22, 2015, leaving a legacy of beloved books.

Ursula K. Le Guin was born in 1929 into a family of anthropologists and became one of the most influential voices in speculative fiction. Her novels, including "A Wizard of Earthsea" and "The Left Hand of Darkness," innovatively examined themes of gender, politics, and ecological interdependence. Le Guin earned multiple Hugo, Nebula, and National Book Awards, and her work transcended genre boundaries to probe philosophical and social questions. A professor and poet, she also translated literature from French and Japanese. Her profound literary legacy continues to inspire writers and readers following her death on January 22, 2018.