February 22

Jean Chapelain was born in 1595 in Creully, Normandy, and rose to prominence as a poet and critic. He caught the attention of Cardinal Richelieu, who supported his literary career. Chapelain was instrumental in the founding of the Académie Française in 1635, helping to standardize French language and literature. His epic poem “La Pucelle” was one of the most awaited works of its time, though it met with mixed critical reception. As a critic, he championed classical ideals and influenced writers such as Corneille and Malherbe. Chapelain died on February 22, 1674, leaving an indelible mark on French letters.

Sir Leslie Stephen (1832–1904) was a prominent man of letters who held professorships at Eton and Cambridge University. He authored travel narratives, philosophical essays, and critical studies, including Hours in a Library and The English Utilitarians. As the inaugural editor of the Dictionary of National Biography, Stephen shaped the way historical figures are chronicled. He also wrote the celebrated memoir Life of Thomas Babington Macaulay. A leading figure in Victorian intellectual circles, Stephen’s work bridged literature, philosophy, and history. He was the father of Virginia Woolf and of Vanessa Bell, connecting his personal legacy to the Bloomsbury Group.

Antonio Machado was a central figure in the Spanish literary movement known as the Generation of '98. His poetry blends symbolism, introspection, and vivid depictions of Spain's landscapes. Born in Seville, he spent much of his life reflecting on memory, time, and loss through simple yet profound lines. Machado's work earned acclaim for its emotional depth and philosophical undertones. Exiled during the Spanish Civil War, he continued to write until his death in 1939. His legacy endures as one of Spain's most beloved modern poets, inspiring generations of readers and writers.

Stefan Zweig became one of the most translated authors of his time, known for works such as 'Beware of Pity' and 'The World of Yesterday'. He excelled in capturing emotional nuance and historical turmoil in elegant prose. Zweig's biographies of figures like Marie Antoinette and Erasmus showcased his scholarly rigor and narrative skill. Fleeing the rise of Nazism, he lived in exile across Europe and Brazil, where he continued to write. His tragic end in 1942 cut short a luminary career, but his influence on literature remains significant across continents.

Osip Brik was a founding member of the Russian Futurist movement and collaborator with figures like Vladimir Mayakovsky. He published critical essays that challenged traditional literary forms and advocated for the role of everyday language in poetry. Brik's work in publications such as LEF influenced the development of Soviet literary theory during the 1920s. Although his later years were marked by political pressures, his early writings continued to inspire avant garde artists. He died in 1945, leaving behind a legacy as a trailblazer in modernist literary circles.

Born in Dublin in 1899 to an Anglo-Irish family, Bowen split her time between Ireland and England. She published her first novel at age 25 and gained acclaim for works like "The Death of the Heart" (1938). During World War II, she lived in London and chronicled the Blitz, later exploring its aftermath in "The Heat of the Day." Her writing blended psychological insight with atmospheric settings, probing themes of identity and loss. Bowen received the James Tait Black Memorial Prize and other honors for her contributions to literature. She continued writing until her death in 1973, leaving a lasting impact on 20th-century fiction.

Born in Pöchlarn, Austria, in 1886, Kokoschka studied at the Vienna School of Arts and Crafts. He emerged as a leading Expressionist, creating dynamic paintings and watercolors with vivid colors. His literary talents produced plays and poems, including the drama "Murderer, the Hope of Women." After the Nazis labeled his art "degenerate," he lived in exile in Prague, London, and ultimately Switzerland. His emotionally charged portraits captured psychological depth and influenced future generations of artists. Kokoschka continued producing art and writing until his death in 1980, leaving a diverse and influential legacy.

Born as Shabbir Hasan Khan in 1898 in Malihabad, Josh Malihabadi rose to fame as one of the most daring Urdu poets of the 20th century. His works were marked by passionate expressions of freedom, social justice, and anti-colonial sentiment. Known as 'Shayar-e-Inquilab' (Poet of the Revolution), he challenged traditional norms and faced censorship from British authorities. After the partition of India in 1947, he migrated to Pakistan and continued to write and publish extensively. His poetry collections, including 'Hare Ram and Hindu Nair' and 'Shola-i-Gul,' remain influential in South Asian literature. Josh's legacy endures through his bold style and unwavering commitment to human rights. He passed away on February 22, 1982, leaving behind a rich body of work that continues to inspire Urdu poets and readers worldwide.

Born in 1913 in Santa Coloma de Farners, Catalonia, Salvador Espriu became a leading figure in 20th-century Catalan letters. His poetry collections, such as 'Cementiri de Sinera' and 'El caminant i el mur,' explored themes of mortality, identity, and the human condition with lyrical depth. Espriu also wrote novels, essays, and plays that navigated the political and cultural challenges of post-Civil War Spain, using allegory and symbolism to evade censorship. He was awarded numerous honors, including the Fastenrath Prize and an honorary doctorate from the University of Barcelona. A passionate advocate for Catalan language and culture, Espriu co-founded literary magazines and influenced generations of writers and scholars. His contributions helped revitalize Catalan literature during a period of suppression. Espriu passed away on February 22, 1985, but his work remains a cornerstone of Catalan cultural heritage.

William Bronk was born in Hudson Falls, New York, in 1918 and graduated from Cornell University in 1941. His work is marked by precise language and deep philosophical inquiry, often exploring themes of existence and perception. He published over thirty collections of poetry and essays during his lifetime. In 1982, Bronk won the National Book Award for his Selected Poems 1958–1980. He served as an academic at Bard College and lectured widely on poetry. Bronk's influence on modern American literature continues through his thought-provoking and timeless work.

Sukhbir (1925–2012), pen name of Balbir Singh, was a prominent Indian author and poet writing in Punjabi. He published numerous collections of poetry and novels exploring themes of identity, tradition, and change within Punjabi culture. His work bridged rural and diasporic experiences, resonating with readers across generations. Known for his lyrical language and deep cultural insights, he became a leading voice in modern Punjabi literature. His contributions have inspired new writers and enriched South Asian literary heritage.

Born in Gouda, Netherlands, Vroman fled the Nazi invasion and settled in the United States to pursue medical studies. He became a prominent hematologist and discovered the Vroman effect, advancing our understanding of blood plasma proteins. Alongside his scientific career, Vroman published dozens of poetry collections that blended science and nature themes. He was also an accomplished illustrator whose artworks appeared in journals and books around the world. A professor at the University of Vermont, he mentored countless students in both medicine and the arts. He remained active into his late years, celebrating his centenary before passing away in 2014.