February 29

Born in 1640 in Buckinghamshire, Benjamin Keach joined the Particular Baptists and became a prominent preacher in London. He was instrumental in forming early Baptist congregations and advocated believer's baptism. Keach authored numerous hymns, contributing to the modern Baptist hymn tradition. In 1693, he published Keach's Catechism, which outlined core Baptist beliefs and catechetical instruction. He faced persecution and imprisonment for his nonconformist views, yet continued to publish theological works. His writings shaped Baptist doctrine and practice well into the 18th century. Keach died in 1704, leaving a lasting influence on Baptist worship and education.

Born in 1692 in Manchester, John Byrom studied at Trinity College, Cambridge, and later joined the Royal Society. He gained recognition for his elegant poetry and witty essays, which circulated among literary circles. Byrom invented a system of shorthand that was widely adopted in the 18th century for its simplicity and speed. He taught the system to students and maintained journals capturing his social and intellectual life. His verses included devotional carols that remain in print. Byrom died in 1763, remembered as both a literary figure and an innovator in written communication.

Born in upstate New York, Emmeline B. Wells became a pioneering journalist and editor in Utah Territory. She led the Woman's Exponent, a newspaper championing women's voices and issues. An accomplished poet, she wrote verse that reflected her faith and activism. Wells held leadership roles in the Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, advocating for social reform. She lobbied for women's suffrage at national conventions, leaving a legacy as a crusader for equal rights.

Dee Brown was an American historian and author renowned for his works on the American West. His 1970 book, "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee," provided a groundbreaking Native American perspective. Brown wrote novels, biographies, and non-fiction spanning topics from frontier life to botany. A librarian by training, he combined meticulous research with narrative flair. His writing challenged traditional historical views and fostered empathy for indigenous peoples. Brown's legacy endures in his vivid storytelling and advocacy for historic truth.

Louie Myfanwy Thomas was a prominent Welsh writer known for her contributions to 20th-century Welsh literature. Writing in the Welsh language, she depicted the rhythms of village life and the struggles of ordinary people. Her novels blended traditional folklore with modern themes of social change and identity. Thomas received praise for her authentic dialogue and rich portrayal of Welsh heritage. Her work helped revitalize interest in Welsh-language fiction during her lifetime. She remains celebrated for her deep cultural insight and lyrical prose.

Born in 1920, Fyodor Abramov became a leading figure in Soviet literature with his unflinching depiction of post-war peasant hardships. His landmark trilogy, often referred to as the Village Prose series, explored the moral dilemmas and social transformations of small Russian communities. Abramov’s style combined stark realism with deep empathy, earning him both acclaim and controversy in literary circles. Beyond his novels, he wrote essays critiquing Soviet policies and advocating for the preservation of traditional village values. His work influenced generations of writers interested in social themes. He passed away in 1983, leaving a lasting legacy in Russian letters.

Jean Adamson was born in 1928 and studied illustration before collaborating with her husband, Gareth, to create the Topsy and Tim books in 1960. The series, depicting the everyday adventures of a young twin brother and sister, became a staple of children’s literature and was adapted into a long-running BBC television program. Adamson’s gentle illustrations and engaging storytelling introduced generations of young readers to themes of friendship, learning, and family. Over her career, she published more than 100 titles, many translated worldwide. She passed away in 2024, remembered as a pioneer in early childhood literature.

Born Nurul Hidayati Dini, she published her first novel in the 1950s and became a leading voice in Indonesian literature. Her works, such as "Kucumbu Tubuh Indahku" and "Ananta", explore themes of identity, love, and social change. Dini founded feminist literary journals and advocated for women's rights through her writing and public engagements. She received multiple national awards for literature and her books have been translated into several languages. She passed away in 2018, leaving a lasting impact on Southeast Asian literary culture.

Paolo Eleuteri Serpieri (born 1944) is an Italian comic book artist and writer best known for creating the erotic science fiction series "Druuna." He trained as an art historian before beginning his career illustrating comics in the 1970s. Serpieri’s work is noted for its detailed artwork, strong female protagonists, and complex storylines. His books have been translated into multiple languages and have a cult following worldwide. He has received several awards for his contributions to graphic storytelling.

Hermione Lee was born in 1948 in Derbyshire, England, and earned her degrees from Somerville College, Oxford. She has held professorships at Princeton University, the University of Chicago, and Oxford, where she influenced students in literary criticism and biography. Lee is best known for her acclaimed biographies of Virginia Woolf, Edith Wharton, Willa Cather, and Elizabeth Bowen. Her works are celebrated for their rigorous research, vivid narrative style, and insightful analysis of writers' lives and contexts. She served as President of the Modern Language Association and has received numerous honors, including the James Tait Black Prize.

Patricia A. McKillip was born in 1948 in Salem, Oregon, and became one of the most beloved voices in fantasy literature. She gained early acclaim with her novel The Forgotten Beasts of Eld, which won the World Fantasy Award in 1975. Her Riddle-Master trilogy is hailed as a modern classic, blending intricate mythology with poetic language. Over her career, McKillip published more than twenty novels and numerous short stories, earning multiple honors including the Mythopoeic Award. She served as a mentor to aspiring writers through workshops and lectures. McKillip passed away in 2022, leaving a legacy of enchanting narratives that continue to inspire readers and writers alike.

Tim Powers was born in 1952 in Buffalo, New York, and emerged as a key figure in modern fantasy with his debut novel The Drawing of the Dark. He is celebrated for works such as On Stranger Tides and Last Call, which skillfully weave myth, history, and magic. Powers has received multiple World Fantasy Awards, and his writing is praised for its meticulous research and inventive narratives. In addition to his novels, he has taught creative writing workshops and mentored emerging authors. His influence on the fantasy genre extends to literature and role-playing games, where his ideas have inspired countless creators.