February 25

Friedrich Spee was born in 1591 in Germany and joined the Society of Jesus, becoming a respected preacher and scholar. He gained fame for his poetry and devotional writings, which combined spirituality with literary grace. As an eyewitness to witch trials, he published Cautio Criminalis, a powerful critique of the persecution and judicial abuses of accused witches. His work influenced later legal reforms and inspired greater skepticism toward witchcraft accusations in Europe. Spee died in 1635, remembered as a voice of compassion and reason during one of history’s darkest episodes.

Peter Anthony Motteux was born in 1663 in France and later settled in London, becoming a key literary figure of the Restoration period. He wrote plays and essays, contributing to the flourishing theatre scene under Charles II. His most famous work is the first complete English translation of Cervantes’ Don Quixote, published in 1700. Motteux also founded The Gentleman's Journal, one of the earliest periodicals in English, showcasing literature and news. He died in 1718, remembered for bridging French and English literary cultures.

Born in 1707 in Venice, Goldoni is considered the father of modern Italian comedy. He authored over 150 plays introducing everyday characters and polished dialogue. His notable works include La locandiera and Il servitore di due padroni. Goldoni also collaborated on music for his theatrical productions and wrote opera librettos. He championed a transition from the improvisational commedia dell'arte to structured scripts. His reforms left a lasting influence on European theatre traditions.

Emma Catherine Embury was born in 1806 in New York City into a literary family. She published poetry and essays in prominent 19th-century American periodicals. Her works, such as The Sister's Friend and Domestic Duties, focused on women's education and virtue. Embury wrote children's literature and collaborated on anthologies with her husband. She was a founding member of several literary and charitable societies in New York. Her writing style reflected the moral and domestic ideals of early American society.

Karl May was one of Germany's most popular authors, famed for his tales of frontier adventures. Though he had never visited the Americas when he wrote them, his novels featuring characters like Winnetou captivated readers. His works combined vivid storytelling, moral themes, and exotic settings, achieving massive success in the late 19th century. May also produced poetry and dramas, and his characters continue to appear in films and plays today. His legacy endures as a monumental influence on German popular literature and cultural imagination.

Cesário Verde was born in Lisbon and became one of Portugal's leading figures in realist poetry. His finely crafted verses, often focused on urban life and landscapes, broke from romantic traditions. Though his published output was limited and he died at 31, his work deeply influenced the next generation of Portuguese writers. Verde’s most famous poems include 'O Sentimento de um Ocidental' and 'Deus nos Abriu a Terra.' He is celebrated for his precise imagery and commitment to portraying ordinary life.

Born Larysa Petrivna Kosach in Novhorod-Volynskyi, Lesya Ukrainka adopted a pseudonym that honored her heritage. She battled tuberculosis most of her life, yet produced a powerful body of poetry, dramas, and prose. Her play "The Forest Song" blends folklore with symbolism and remains a classic of Ukrainian literature. Ukrainka's writing addressed themes of freedom, injustice, and personal resilience. She traveled across Europe and the Caucasus, drawing inspiration for her literary experiments. An early feminist voice, she challenged patriarchal norms and promoted education for women. She died in 1913 but remains an enduring symbol of Ukrainian cultural and political identity.

Mary Coyle Chase began her career as a journalist before achieving fame as a playwright. Her most successful work, 'Harvey,' premiered in 1944 and won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. The play featuring an invisible rabbit companion became a beloved Broadway hit and later a Hollywood film. Chase's witty dialogue and whimsical characters endeared her to audiences during and after World War II. She wrote several other stage plays and radio scripts, showcasing versatility in storytelling. Beyond writing, Chase was active in literary circles and supported emerging playwrights.

Sabahattin Ali was a prominent Turkish writer whose works captured the complexities of human emotion and societal change. He authored novels such as 'Madonna in a Fur Coat' and short story collections that remain classics of Turkish literature. As a journalist, Ali used his pen to critique political injustice and advocate for reform. His poetry reflected both modernist influences and deep empathy for the marginalized. Facing censorship and persecution, he continued writing until his mysterious death in 1948. Ali's legacy endures in Turkey and worldwide through translations and enduring literary acclaim.

Frank G. Slaughter (1908–2001) was an American physician-turned-novelist who published over 100 books. A practicing cardiologist, he brought medical authenticity to his fiction, blending history and drama. Slaughter’s debut novel, That None Should Die, became a bestseller and launched his literary career. Many of his works, such as The Young Lions and The Lister Story, were adapted into films and television programs. His accessible storytelling and well-researched plots captivated readers worldwide. Slaughter’s dual career bridged the worlds of medicine and popular literature, leaving a lasting impact on both fields.

Jim Backus (1913–1989) was an American actor and screenwriter with a distinctive voice and comedic style. He gained fame for portraying the wealthy Thurston Howell III on the sitcom Gilligan’s Island. As a voice actor, he brought to life the bumbling Mr. Magoo in the popular animated series. Backus appeared in numerous films, radio shows, and television programs throughout his career. He also co-wrote books and scripts, showcasing his talent beyond acting. His memorable characters and smooth voice left a lasting imprint on American entertainment.

Anthony Burgess (1917–1993) was an English author, composer, and literary critic. His most famous work, A Clockwork Orange, explores themes of free will and social control. A polyglot and trained composer, Burgess wrote over 30 novels and numerous musical works. He also penned essays, short stories, and critical studies, displaying his wide-ranging intellect. Burgess’s blend of linguistic inventiveness and moral questioning set him apart among 20th-century writers. His creative legacy continues to influence literature and music.