January 25

Daniel Casper von Lohenstein was born in 1635 in Ottmachau, Silesia. He studied law and served as a diplomat for the Silesian estates, negotiating on behalf of his homeland. Parallel to his political career, Lohenstein became a leading Baroque dramatist, writing plays such as Die verstoßene Prinzessin and Ibrahim Sultan. His works are noted for their elaborate language and complex characters. Lohenstein’s dual career bridged literature and statecraft until his death in 1683, leaving a rich cultural legacy.

Robert Burns (1759–1796) was a Scottish poet and lyricist celebrated as the national bard of Scotland. His works, including 'Auld Lang Syne' and 'To a Mouse', capture the spirit, dialect, and social life of his country. Burns wrote in Scots and English, blending romanticism with political commentary, and championing liberty and egalitarianism. He traveled extensively collecting folk songs, which he preserved and adapted. His poetry and songs have had a lasting influence on literature and music worldwide, inspiring annual global celebrations on Burns Night.

Michael Madhusudan Dutt was a groundbreaking 19th-century Bengali poet and dramatist who revolutionized Bengali literature. Born in Madras, he adopted Western poetic forms and introduced blank verse into Bengali poetry. His epic poem 'Meghnad Badh Kavya' reimagines the Ramayana in a tragic style and is considered a masterpiece of Bengali literature. Dutt also wrote several plays and sonnets, blending Romantic influences with indigenous themes. His innovative use of language and form laid the foundations for modern Bengali literary movements.

William Somerset Maugham (1874–1965) achieved international fame with his plays and novels exploring themes of love, betrayal, and colonial life. Educated as a physician, he abandoned medicine to pursue writing, publishing his first novel, "Liza of Lambeth," in 1897. Maugham's works such as "Of Human Bondage" and "The Moon and Sixpence" showcased his skillful storytelling and psychological insight. He traveled extensively, drawing inspiration from his experiences in Asia and Europe. Maugham's clear prose style and sharp wit made him one of the most popular authors of his era, and his plays were staples of early 20th-century theatre.

Adeline Virginia Woolf (1882–1941) revolutionized the novel with her experimental narratives and stream-of-consciousness style. A founding member of the Bloomsbury Group, she wrote influential works such as "Mrs Dalloway," "To the Lighthouse," and "Orlando." Woolf explored themes of gender, mental illness, and societal constraints in her essays and fiction. She also co-founded the Hogarth Press, publishing her own and other avant-garde writers' works. Despite personal struggles with depression, Woolf's literary achievements cemented her reputation as one of the 20th century's greatest novelists.

Kitahara Hakushū (1885–1942) played a pivotal role in transforming traditional Japanese poetry with his modern tanka style. A graduate of Tokyo Imperial University, he combined classical aesthetics with contemporary themes in collections like "Jashumon" and "Akikaze." Hakushū also wrote stories and poems for children, establishing him as a versatile literary figure. He was an influential critic and magazine editor, promoting new poetic movements in early 20th-century Japan. His lyrical language and innovative approach left a lasting impact on Japanese literature.

Born in 1900, Fekete devoted his life to capturing the spirit of the Hungarian countryside in his novels and short stories. His most famous work, 'Tüskevár' (The Reed Castle), remains a beloved classic in Hungary, inspiring generations with its depiction of youth and nature. A keen observer of wildlife, he brought animal characters to life with empathy and realism. Fekete received numerous literary awards, including the Kossuth Prize, in recognition of his contributions to Hungarian literature. His works have been translated into multiple languages, spreading his vision of rural Hungary abroad. Beyond writing, he taught literature to young students, passing on his passion for storytelling. He died in 1970, but his literary legacy endures.

Born in 1900 in Aomori Prefecture, Ishizaka studied literature at Waseda University before launching his writing career. He gained acclaim for works such as 'Blue Mountain Range' and 'Season in the Sun,' which offered compassionate portraits of ordinary people rebuilding their lives after World War II. As an educator, he taught at various institutions, influencing a generation of students with his humanistic approach to literature. His writing was praised for its lyrical style and deep empathy for his characters. He received the Order of Culture in 1963 for his literary achievements. Ishizaka's novels and essays remain studied in Japanese schools and continue to resonate with readers today. He passed away in 1986, leaving behind a rich body of work that offers insight into twentieth-century Japan.

Born in 1905, Sharp authored over forty novels, many featuring strong female protagonists and sharp social commentary. She gained international fame with 'The Rescuers' series, inspired by her lifelong love of animals, which later became popular Disney films. Sharp's works, including 'Cluny Brown' and 'The Foolish Gentlewoman,' were praised for their humor, warmth, and keen observation of human nature. A prolific journalist as well, she contributed articles and reviews to leading newspapers and magazines. Her engaging storytelling earned her a dedicated readership and several literary awards. Sharp remained active in writing until her death in 1991, leaving a charming and varied body of work. Today, her novels continue to be reissued and enjoyed by new generations of readers.

Edgar V. Saks was a prominent Estonian historian and author born in 1910. He dedicated his career to researching and publishing works on Estonian cultural heritage and national identity. As a politician, Saks held the office of Minister of Education, where he championed reforms to strengthen the nation's educational system. His scholarly writings and political leadership left a lasting impact on Estonia's academic institutions. He passed away in 1984.

Edwin Newman was an American journalist whose career spanned over five decades in radio and television. He joined NBC News in the 1950s, serving as a national and foreign correspondent and later anchoring evening broadcasts. Newman covered landmark events such as the civil rights movement, US presidential elections, and international conflicts. Renowned for his sharp wit and command of language, he authored several books on journalism and English usage, including the popular "Strictly Speaking." He also served as NBC's bureau chief in London and Paris, earning acclaim for his versatility and articulate commentary.

Born in 1929 in Shepperton, England, Robert Faurisson was a professor of English literature at the University of Lyon. He published scholarly works on Shakespeare and 19th-century literature before turning to contentious historical revisionism. Faurisson became infamous for denying the existence of Nazi gas chambers, a position that sparked international outrage. He faced legal action under French laws against Holocaust denial and was fined and convicted multiple times. His writings and trials fueled global debates on freedom of speech and the responsibility of academics. Critics condemned his work as pseudohistory, while supporters defended his right to publish controversial views. Faurisson died in 2018, leaving a legacy marked by both scholarly achievement and profound controversy.