February 19

Matthäus Schwarz was a German writer and accountant who documented his personal wardrobes in the 16th century. Employed by the wealthy Fugger family, he created the 'Almanach der Kleider', an illustrated fashion diary recording his changing attire. His manuscript combined watercolor illustrations with detailed notes on clothing styles and social customs. Schwarz's work offers a unique lens into Renaissance fashion, courtly life, and material culture. He continued updating his diary over several decades, reflecting personal milestones and historical events. Schwarz's Almanach remains a valuable resource for historians studying early modern dress and identity. He passed away in 1574, leaving behind a pioneering record of personal style.

Froben Christoph of Zimmern was a German nobleman and author born in 1519. He compiled the Zimmern Chronicle, a comprehensive family history that blends genealogy, anecdotes, and poetic passages. His work provides detailed insights into the lives of Swabian nobility and the cultural landscape of 16th-century Germany. Zimmern's chronicle reflects Renaissance humanist influences and showcases his literary ambitions. Although the manuscript remained unpublished for centuries, it was rediscovered in the 19th century and has since become an important source for historians. Zimmern also served in various courtly roles, engaging with regional politics and cultural exchange. He died in 1566, leaving a lasting contribution to early modern historiography.

Jean-Antoine de Baïf was a French poet and humanist born in 1532. He was a founding member of La Pléiade, a group of poets who sought to enrich French literature by modeling it on classical Greek and Latin works. De Baïf experimented with 'vers mesurés à l'antique', adapting ancient metrical patterns to the French language. He served as a court poet to Kings Charles IX and Henry III, organizing literary and musical performances. In 1570, he founded the Académie de Poésie et de Musique, aiming to unify poetry and music in artistic expression. His innovative experiments influenced subsequent generations of French writers and composers. Jean-Antoine de Baïf died in 1589, remembered for his role in shaping Renaissance poetry in France.

David Garrick was born in 1717 in Hereford, England, and became one of the most celebrated actors of his time. He took London by storm with his naturalistic style, moving away from the declamatory norms of 18th-century theatre. As manager of the Drury Lane Theatre, he introduced elaborate stage effects and improved set design. Garrick was also a prolific playwright and producer, adapting Shakespeare’s works and expanding the theatrical repertoire. His influence extended to theatre etiquette and audience engagement, setting new standards for acting. He retired in 1776 after a distinguished career and left a lasting legacy in the performing arts.

Born in 1869 in the Russian Empire, Tumanyan wrote evocative poetry and prose that captured Armenian life and traditions. His works often blended folklore, humor, and social commentary, resonating with readers of all ages. Tumanyan authored epic poems, short stories, and plays, becoming a pillar of Armenian literature. He championed cultural identity during turbulent times, advocating for unity and heritage preservation. Today, his writings remain a cornerstone of Armenian education and literary studies. Tumanyan died in 1923, leaving an enduring literary legacy.

Born in Aguas Calientes, Colombia, Rivera studied law at the National University of Colombia. He practiced as a lawyer while traveling extensively in the Amazon region. His 1924 novel La Vorágine (The Vortex) became a landmark of Latin American literature. In this work, he exposed the brutal exploitation of indigenous peoples and rubber workers. Rivera's vivid poetic language and social consciousness influenced generations of writers. He died in 1928 under mysterious circumstances, leaving a legacy of powerful social commentary.

Born in Tinchebray, Normandy, Breton trained as a medical student and psychiatric orderly. He published the Surrealist Manifesto in 1924, defining the principles of automatic writing and the unconscious. Breton led the Surrealist movement until World War II, influencing artists like Salvador Dalí and René Magritte. His writings blurred the boundaries between dream and reality, exploring human psyche and creativity. Key works include Nadja (1928) and his theoretical essays on Surrealism. Breton remained a pivotal figure in avant-garde circles until his death in 1966.

Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, Boyle published her first story at the age of 17. She became a prominent literary figure in Paris during the 1920s, mingling with the Lost Generation. Boyle's works, including Pleasure Beach (1926) and Portrait of Duncan (1933), explored themes of love and social justice. During World War II, she worked for the Office of War Information and the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration. Boyle taught creative writing at various universities, influencing generations of writers. She died in 1992, leaving behind a rich body of memoirs, novels, and short stories.

Born Hendrikus Frederikus van der Kallen in Brabant, Netherlands, he adopted the pen name Havank. He worked as a newspaper reporter before turning to fiction in the 1930s. Havank wrote over 30 crime novels, introducing the gentleman detective Robert Sherard. His novels, such as The Night of the Executioner (1935), became bestsellers in the Dutch-speaking world. During World War II, his works were banned by occupying forces but regained popularity post-war. Havank died in 1964, hailed as the father of modern Dutch detective fiction.

Carson McCullers (1917–1967) was an American novelist, short story writer, and playwright celebrated for her poignant portrayals of the American South. Her debut novel, The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter (1940), explored themes of loneliness and isolation and became a modern classic. McCullers’ works such as Member of the Wedding and The Ballad of the Sad Café showcased her gift for capturing complex characters and social outsiders. Despite health struggles, she continued to write essays, plays, and fiction until her untimely death. Her literary legacy endures through her unique voice and emotional depth.

Born in 1920 in Tallinn, Jaan Kross became one of Estonia's most prominent writers. He survived Soviet deportation and imprisonment before publishing his first poetry collections. His novels, including "The Czar's Madman" and "Professor Martens' Departure," vividly depict Estonia's history and identity. Kross's works have been translated into over thirty languages and earned him multiple Nobel Prize nominations. He served as a mentor for younger writers and received Estonia's Order of the National Coat of Arms. His legacy endures as a symbol of cultural resilience and literary excellence.

Born in 1929 in Lyon, Jacques Deray began his career as a film critic before moving into directing. Over four decades, he made suspenseful crime films and character-driven dramas. His notable works include La Piscine (1969) and Borsalino (1970), starring Alain Delon and Jean-Paul Belmonde. Deray's films are celebrated for their atmospheric tension and visual elegance. He received the René Clair Award for his contributions to French cinema. He continued writing and directing until his death in 2003.