February 21

Born in 1501, Cho Shik emerged as a leading scholar-official, dedicated to Confucian learning. He composed poems and essays that combined moral reflection with poetic beauty. Serving in government posts, he advocated educational reforms and ethical governance. His collected works, including the Jibong Yuseol, influenced Korean literature and thought for centuries. Cho Shik's legacy endures as one of the most influential literary figures of the Joseon era.

Born in Norfolk, Southwell joined the Jesuit mission to minister to English Catholics in secret. His poetic works, marked by vivid imagery and spiritual depth, include Mary Magdalen's Funeral Tears. Arrested in 1592, he faced torture and was executed for his faith in 1595. Southwell's poetic style influenced writers such as John Donne and the metaphysical poets. He is remembered as a martyr who combined literary genius with deep religious conviction.

Justinus Kerner was born in 1786 in Ludwigsburg, Germany. He studied medicine and practiced as a physician in Weinsberg while writing poetry. His ballad collections and mystical work 'Die Seherin von Prevorst' earned him fame as a pioneer of German Romanticism. Kerner’s interest in phrenology and hypnotism led him to explore psychical research. His poetic texts inspired composers such as Beethoven and Schubert to set his verses to music. He also contributed significantly to the preservation of folk songs. Kerner died on February 21, 1862, leaving a legacy that bridged literature and early psychiatric thought.

Charles Beaumont was born in 1929 and became one of America’s most imaginative short-story writers and screenwriters. He wrote numerous episodes for the classic television series The Twilight Zone, blending horror, fantasy, and social commentary. His prolific output also included novels, essays, and articles for magazines such as Playboy. In his later years, Beaumont struggled with a rare degenerative condition that robbed him of his ability to write. He died in 1967, leaving behind a body of work celebrated for its originality and dark wit.

Born in Munich, Alfred Andersch emigrated to Switzerland in 1933 where he developed his literary voice as both a writer and critic. He published his first stories in the late 1930s and gained acclaim for his postwar novel 'Sansibar oder der letzte Grund', a masterful tale of resistance and human connection. Andersch served as an influential editor and mentor, advocating for freedom of expression in German literature. His works often examine the impact of totalitarianism and the moral choices individuals face under oppression. Over his career, he experimented with narrative form and remained a central figure in 20th century German letters until his death in Zurich in 1980.

Mikhail Sholokhov was born to a Cossack family in Vyoshenskaya and began writing at a young age. His magnum opus, 'And Quiet Flows the Don', published between 1928 and 1940, offers a sweeping account of the Don Cossacks during World War I and the Russian Civil War. For this work, he received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1965, as well as multiple Soviet literary honors. Sholokhov continued to explore themes of social change and personal struggle in works like 'Virgin Soil Upturned'. His writings are praised for vivid characterization and deep empathy. He served as a war correspondent in WWII and later held positions in the Soviet Academy of Sciences. Sholokhov's legacy endures as a cornerstone of 20th century Russian literature.

Helen Hooven Santmyer was born in Dayton, Ohio, and earned her degrees from Wellesley College and Ohio Wesleyan University. She spent much of her career teaching English literature at various colleges while writing novels and short stories on the side. At the age of 88, she published her breakthrough novel '...And Ladies of the Club', an epistolary saga depicting the lives of small-town women over several decades, which became a national bestseller in 1984. The novel's success brought Santmyer late-in-life acclaim and led to sequels that explored the characters' later years. Her writing is celebrated for its rich detail, warmth, and insightful portrayal of community life. Santmyer's longevity and late recognition have inspired readers and writers alike.

Dorothy Auchterlonie Green, born in Adelaide, began publishing poetry in the 1930s and quickly gained attention for her lyrical voice. She served as an editor for literary journals, championing emerging Australian writers and fostering a national literary identity. Green lectured at the University of Queensland and the University of Sydney, where she mentored students in poetry and criticism. Her critical studies on figures like Patrick White highlighted the depth of Australian narrative. As a poet, she produced several acclaimed collections that explored nature, identity, and social themes. Green's work helped legitimize Australian literature on the world stage before her death in 1991.

Robert Bolt (1924–1995) was an influential English dramatist and screenwriter. He won Academy Awards for Best Adapted Screenplay for 'Lawrence of Arabia' and 'A Man for All Seasons'. His works often explored themes of morality and individual conscience against a backdrop of historical events. Bolt’s play 'A Man for All Seasons' remains a staple of modern theatre, celebrated for its powerful dialogue and moral complexity. His contributions to stage and screen have left a lasting legacy in dramatic arts.

Guillermo Cabrera Infante (1929–2005) was a Cuban writer, screenwriter, and critic known for his playful and experimental use of language. His novel 'Tres tristes tigres' (Three Trapped Tigers) won international acclaim for its vibrant portrayal of Havana’s nightlife and linguistic ingenuity. Cabrera Infante also worked in film, contributing scripts and criticism to both Cuban and European cinema. After exile in London post-Revolution, he continued producing essays, translations, and journalism that reflected on culture and exile. His works remain influential in Latin American literature for their wit and innovation.

Born in 1962 in Cleveland, Ohio, Dwayne McDuffie emerged as a pioneering voice in comic books and animation. He co-founded Milestone Media in 1993 with the goal of promoting diversity and representation in superhero stories. His creations included iconic characters like Static Shock and Hardware, celebrated for their cultural significance. McDuffie wrote for major publishers such as Marvel and DC, and made significant contributions to animated series like Justice League. He was known for his sharp wit, complex characters, and commitment to social issues, earning him industry accolades. His legacy continues to influence writers and fans who champion inclusive storytelling.

Born in 1939 in Munich, Germany, Cornelius Schnauber emigrated to the United States to pursue academic work. He became a professor of German studies at the University of Southern California, teaching literature and history. Schnauber published influential books on German intellectual history, including studies of Nietzsche and Kafka. His talents extended to the theater, where he wrote and produced plays that explored identity and exile. He mentored generations of students, earning recognition for his engaging lectures and interdisciplinary approach. Schnauber’s dual career in scholarship and drama left a lasting mark on both academia and the arts.