January 27

Hester Thrale was born in 1741 in Wales and became a prominent literary figure in Georgian England. She married Henry Thrale and hosted gatherings of leading intellectuals at their London home. Thrale's memoirs and diaries provide a vivid portrait of 18th-century literary society and her close relationship with Samuel Johnson. After her husband's death, she continued to write, publishing her 'Retrospection' and letters. She later remarried and moved to Wales, maintaining her literary connections. Thrale's writings remain valuable sources for scholars of Samuel Johnson and Georgian culture. She died in 1821, leaving behind a rich personal and literary legacy.

Eunice Hale Waite Cobb was born in 1803 in Maine and emerged as an influential figure in American social reform. She wrote essays and delivered lectures advocating for temperance, education, and women's rights. Cobb was active in the Unitarian Church and served as an editor for religious publications. She hosted salons that brought together intellectuals and reformers to discuss progressive ideas. Cobb's work helped pave the way for later women's suffrage movements in New England. She balanced her public activities with roles as a wife and mother, demonstrating leadership in multiple spheres. Cobb died in 1880, remembered for her contributions to literacy, morality, and gender equality.

Born in Munich in 1808, David Strauss studied theology at the University of Tübingen. In 1835 his groundbreaking work 'Das Leben Jesu kritisch bearbeitet' challenged traditional Gospel narratives and sparked widespread controversy. Strauss was dismissed from his post and lived in exile in Zurich before eventually returning to Germany to continue his scholarship. His critical methods laid the foundations of modern biblical criticism and influenced later thinkers such as Feuerbach and Renan. He published numerous works on religion and philosophy, weaving intellectual rigor with literary clarity. Strauss died in 1874, leaving a legacy of bold inquiry that reshaped theological scholarship.

Born in 1826 to a noble family, Mikhail Saltykov-Shchedrin studied law at the University of Saint Petersburg. He served in provincial government posts, where he witnessed the abuses of the czarist bureaucracy firsthand. His satirical writings, including the novel 'The Golovlyov Family', exposed the moral decay of the aristocracy and civil service. He edited influential journals and used humor and irony to challenge social injustices. Saltykov-Shchedrin's work laid the groundwork for modern Russian satire and influenced later writers such as Chekhov. He died in 1889, leaving a legacy as one of Russia's greatest satirists.

Lewis Carroll, the pen name of Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, was born in 1832 and became one of the most inventive storytellers of Victorian England. He studied mathematics at Oxford and later lectured in geometry and logic, publishing academic papers alongside his fiction. His playful use of language and puzzles in 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' and 'Through the Looking-Glass' revolutionized children's literature. Carroll was also an accomplished photographer and logician, exploring paradoxes and symbolic logic in his spare time. His works have been translated into dozens of languages and continue to inspire adaptations across film, theater, and art.

Leopold von Sacher-Masoch was born in 1836 into Austrian nobility but became renowned for his vivid literary explorations of eroticism and social conflict. His most famous work, 'Venus in Furs', delves into themes of dominance and submission, challenging contemporary morals and psychology. He worked as a journalist and historian before turning to fiction, often blending mythic motifs with personal narrative. Sacher-Masoch's candid portrayal of unconventional relationships sparked controversy and fascinated psychoanalysts such as Sigmund Freud. Although he died in relative obscurity in 1895, his legacy endures through the psychological term derived from his name and the continued study of his works.

John Collier was a prolific English artist and writer born in 1850 who bridged the worlds of painting and literature with equal skill. Trained at the Royal Academy Schools, he produced Romantic and Pre-Raphaelite-influenced portraits and mythological scenes characterized by rich detail and color. Parallel to his visual art, Collier wrote novels and short stories, often exploring themes of fantasy and social satire. His literary works, such as 'Tommy and Co.' and 'The Moon Emporium', displayed wit and imagination that complemented his artistic vision. Over his lifetime, Collier exhibited widely and contributed to the Victorian cultural renaissance before his death in 1934.

Neel Doff was born in 1858 and experienced poverty firsthand before becoming a voice for the disenfranchised through her writing. Her semi-autobiographical works, such as 'Jours de Famine et de Détresse', offer vivid accounts of labor exploitation, hunger, and social injustice in late 19th-century Europe. Doff's candid style and empathetic characterizations earned critical praise and influenced early social realist literature. Despite personal hardships, she continued to publish essays, stories, and memoirs that highlighted the struggles of women and children. Doff's contributions remain significant in the history of feminist and proletarian narratives.

Dorothy Scarborough was an American author celebrated for her vivid depictions of the American South. Born in Corsicana, Texas, she studied at the University of Texas and Columbia University. Her works often explored regional folklore and the psychological effects of isolation. Her best-known novel, "The Wind," remains a classic for its haunting portrayal of life on the Texas plains. Scarborough also wrote poetry and non-fiction, contributing to the study of American folk music and culture. Through her teaching and writing, she influenced a generation of Southern writers and helped define the Southern Gothic tradition.

Harry Ruby began his career as a Tin Pan Alley songwriter before moving to Hollywood in the 1930s. He co-wrote iconic songs such as "Who’s Sorry Now?" and collaborated with lyricist Bert Kalmar on Broadway hits like "The Cocoanuts" and "Animal Crackers." Transitioning to screenwriting, Ruby contributed to musicals and comedies for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, helping define the sound of American entertainment during the Depression and wartime years. His witty lyrics and catchy melodies earned acclaim in both theater and film, and his songs continue to be performed. Ruby remained active in the industry until the 1960s, leaving a rich artistic legacy across stage and screen.

Jules Archer (1915–2008) was an American historian and prolific author who specialized in making history accessible to young readers. He wrote over eighty books covering aspects of military history, political figures, and social movements. His works often combined rigorous research with engaging storytelling. Archer's popular titles include biographies and war narratives that remain in print decades after publication. He drew upon primary sources and firsthand accounts to bring historical events to life. Archer's clear writing style and focus on human stories appealed to both academic and general audiences. His contributions have influenced generations of students and history enthusiasts.

Born in 1924, Harvey Shapiro was part of the New York School of poets and published his first collection in the 1950s. He served as poetry editor at The New York Times for over four decades, shaping the paper's literary coverage. His collections, including 'Spring in New Hampshire' and 'The Last Happy Frontier', are noted for their precision and emotional depth. Shapiro's work often explored themes of identity, family bonds, and the human condition with restraint and clarity. He received numerous honors, including a MacArthur Fellowship, and continued writing and teaching until his death in 2013.