January 26

Born into a humanist family in 1541 in Orléans, France. Distinguished himself as a poet and translator at the court of Catherine de' Medici. Translated classical works from Greek and Latin, including Epictetus and Lucian. His satirical poetry and elegant style earned him recognition among Renaissance scholars. Served as tutor to the future King Henry III of France. Published collections of epigrams and odes that influenced later French literature.

Born in Edinburgh in 1722, Carlyle was educated at the University of Edinburgh. Ordained as a minister in the Church of Scotland and a leading figure among the Moderate Party. Friend and collaborator of Enlightenment thinkers such as Adam Smith. Authored influential memoirs and essays on Scottish religious and social life. Advocated for religious tolerance and rational theology. Died in 1805, his writings provide key insights into the Scottish Enlightenment.

Ludwig Achim von Arnim was a leading figure in the German Romantic movement. He collaborated with Clemens Brentano to publish the folk poetry collection 'Des Knaben Wunderhorn'. His own works include novellas such as 'Die Kronenwächter', which blend folklore and poetic imagination. Arnim also published travel diaries that capture the spirit of European Romanticism. His writings emphasized nature, emotion, and folkloric themes, influencing later generations of poets. Despite a relatively short life, his contributions helped shape German literature in the 19th century.

François Coppée was a French poet, novelist, and playwright prominent in the late 19th century. Often called the 'poet of the people,' he wrote sentimental verses that resonated with a broad audience. Coppée was a member of the Parnassian school, emphasizing form and clarity in poetry. His works include volumes such as 'La grève des forgerons' and the play 'Le Passant,' which was later set to music by Georges Bizet. He served as Secretary of the Académie Française and influenced the literary salons of Paris. Coppée’s accessible style and heartfelt themes made him one of France’s most beloved poets of his era.

József Pusztai was a Slovene-Hungarian poet, writer, and journalist active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Writing in both Hungarian and Slovene, he explored themes of regional culture, folklore, and national identity. Pusztai contributed articles and essays to local newspapers, advocating for minority rights and cultural preservation. His poetry collections blended lyrical imagery with social commentary. Though less widely known today, his work remains significant for its insight into the diverse cultural landscape of the Austro-Hungarian borderlands. Pusztai’s legacy endures in studies of Central European literary history.

Menno ter Braak was born in The Hague in 1902 and became a leading figure in Dutch literature during the interwar period. He co-founded the Forum literary movement, advocating for intellectual freedom and stylistic innovation. Ter Braak wrote influential essays, novels, and criticism that challenged social norms and nationalism. He was an outspoken opponent of fascism and Nazism in his later writings. In 1940, during the German invasion of the Netherlands, he tragically took his own life to avoid collaboration. His work continues to be studied for its impact on modern Dutch thought and letters.

Philip José Farmer pioneered adult and boundary-pushing science fiction with works like the Riverworld saga. He explored themes of sexuality, religion, and identity in a diverse body of novels and short stories. Farmer also wrote pastiche and crossover novels featuring iconic characters. Over his career, he received multiple Hugo and World Fantasy Award nominations. His imaginative world-building and genre-blending influenced later generations of speculative fiction writers.

Michael Bentine was a founding member of the influential BBC radio comedy series The Goon Show alongside Peter Sellers and Spike Milligan. He brought inventive humor and memorable characters to the show. Beyond radio, Bentine starred in television programs and films, including his own comedy-adventure series 'Michael Bentine's Potty Time.' He co-wrote screenplays and authored books on science and the paranormal. Known for his wit and creativity, Bentine remained a beloved figure in British entertainment until his death in 1996.

Jules Feiffer was an American cartoonist and author best known for his long-running satirical comic strip in The Village Voice, which earned him a Pulitzer Prize in 1986. His sharp wit and social commentary extended to plays like 'Little Murders' and screenwriting for films including 'Carnal Knowledge.' A pioneer in alternative comics, Feiffer also wrote children's books and essays, showcasing versatility across genres. As an educator, he taught at prestigious institutions, influencing aspiring writers and artists. His work, combining humor and critique, made him a defining voice in 20th-century American culture.

Charles Marowitz (1934–2014) was an innovative American theatre director, playwright, and critic. Over his career, he was known for his fearless reinterpretations of classical works, bringing fresh perspectives to established plays. His original scripts and adaptations challenged conventional storytelling and influenced the evolution of modern theatre. As a critic, his incisive analyses were featured in leading arts publications, where he championed avant-garde performances. Marowitz collaborated with theatre troupes and mentored emerging talent, leaving a lasting impact on contemporary drama. His publications on theatre theory continue to be referenced in academic and creative circles. Through his dynamic contributions, he cemented his reputation as a key figure in 20th-century theatre.

Henry Jaglom (born 1938) is an English-American film director and screenwriter recognized for his improvisational approach to storytelling. Often working outside the Hollywood studio system, Jaglom has created independent films that explore personal and relational themes. His works frequently feature naturalistic dialogue and recurring collaborations with a close-knit group of actors. Jaglom's signature style blurs the line between reality and fiction, inviting audiences into intimate, character-driven narratives. Over his career, he has written and directed films showcased at major international film festivals. His commitment to creative freedom and actor collaboration has earned him a devoted following among independent cinema enthusiasts. Jaglom continues to produce and direct films that challenge cinematic conventions.

Angela Davis was born on January 26, 1944, in Birmingham, Alabama. She studied philosophy and became a member of the Communist Party USA, intertwining her academic work with radical politics. In the late 1960s, she was charged with conspiracy in a high-profile courtroom case that sparked global protests and debate about the U.S. justice system. After her acquittal, Davis continued her academic career, earning a professorship at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Her writings on race, gender, and the prison-industrial complex have become foundational texts in critical theory and feminist studies. She founded organizations dedicated to prison abolition and civil rights, inspiring activists worldwide. Davis has received numerous awards for her scholarship and activism, including the Lenin Peace Prize. Throughout her career, she has remained a leading voice for systemic change and social equality. Her work continues to influence movements for justice and human rights around the globe.