March 05

Born in Yaroslavl, he studied in Kiev and Moscow before traveling to Western Europe.\nAs a scholar, he introduced syllabo-tonic verse to Russian poetry, freeing it from syllabic constraints.\nHis treatise On the Theory of Versification (1735) laid the groundwork for future Russian literary forms.\nHe authored poems, fables, and dramas that enriched Russian literary language and themes.\nAs a member of the Russian Academy, he worked on grammars and dictionaries to standardize language.\nHis theories influenced major poets such as Lomonosov, Derzhavin, and later Romantic writers.\nHe died in 1768, remembered as a key figure in the modernization of Russian literature.

Georg Friedrich Daumer was born in 1800 in Germany and became a leading Romantic poet. His early works reflected the idealism of German Romanticism, with a focus on nature and spirituality. Later in life, Daumer developed a critical philosophy of religion, questioning traditional Christian doctrines. He wrote several philosophical treatises and collections of poetry that influenced his contemporaries. Daumer lectured at universities and participated in intellectual circles across Europe. His diverse body of work bridged literature, philosophy, and religious critique.

Born in Wilmington, Delaware, in 1853, Howard Pyle became a leading figure in American illustration and literature. He studied art in Paris before returning to the United States to launch a career as an illustrator for magazines such as Harper's Weekly. Pyle authored and illustrated classic works like The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood and The Story of King Arthur and His Knights. He founded a school of illustration that influenced future talents, including N.C. Wyeth and Jessie Willcox Smith. His teaching at the Brandywine School established a distinctly American style in illustration. Pyle's legacy endures through his contributions to visual storytelling and American cultural identity.

Born in Chicago in 1870, Frank Norris studied law and journalism at the University of California, Berkeley. He became a leading figure in American literary naturalism, depicting raw human struggles against social and economic forces. Norris's novels The Octopus and McTeague exposed the harsh realities of monopoly power and human desire. His vivid prose and unflinching realism influenced writers like Upton Sinclair and Theodore Dreiser. A journalist by training, he also contributed to newspapers and magazines under the philosophy that fiction should serve social awareness. Norris's promising career was cut short when he died of a burst appendix in 1902 at age 32. Despite his brief life, his work left a lasting impact on American literature.

Dora Marsden was born in 1882 in West Yorkshire, England. She became a prominent figure in the women's suffrage movement and an advocate for individualist feminism. In 1911, she launched The Freewoman, a journal that challenged traditional gender roles and championed women's rights. She later edited The New Freewoman and The Egoist, publishing works by authors such as Ezra Pound and T.S. Eliot. Marsden's writings combined political activism with literary experimentation and psychological insight. After leaving feminist activism, she studied and wrote on philosophy, psychology, and spiritualism. She died in 1960, remembered as a pioneer of feminist thought and modernist literature.

Julian Przyboś (1901–1970) was a prominent figure in the Polish avant-garde movement during the interwar period. His poetry is celebrated for its clarity, inventive imagery, and challenge to traditional forms. He co-founded the 'Awangarda Krakowska' group, advocating for modernist approaches in literature. Przyboś also translated works from French and German, enriching Polish literary culture. During World War II, he participated in underground efforts to preserve Polish arts under occupation. After the war, he taught at universities and continued publishing, influencing future generations of writers.

Born in 1908, Irving Fiske wrote novels and plays that explored human psychology and social themes. He gained recognition for his debut works in the 1930s, blending drama with philosophical insights. Fiske's plays were staged in major theaters and received critical acclaim. In addition to writing, he contributed essays and critiques to literary magazines. His narrative style combined wit, depth, and lyrical prose. Fiske's work influenced post-war American literature and drama. He died in 1990, remembered for his contributions to both fiction and theater.

Born in 1910 in Pescara, Italy, Ennio Flaiano started as a journalist before turning to literature. He became a close collaborator of director Federico Fellini, co-writing screenplays for films like 'La Dolce Vita'. Flaiano's satirical essays and novels captured the cultural changes of post-war Italy. His wit and observational style made him a beloved critic in newspapers and magazines. He published several works of fiction that combined humor with social commentary. Flaiano received awards for both his literary and film contributions. He died in 1972, leaving behind a rich legacy in Italian arts and letters.

Wang Zengqi was a leading figure in modern Chinese literature, celebrated for blending traditional literary aesthetics with contemporary themes. He wrote short stories and essays that captured the customs, dialects, and daily rhythms of rural China, especially in his native Shandong province. As a translator, Wang introduced Western classics, including works by Molière, to Chinese readers. He served as a professor at Beijing Writers' College, mentoring young authors. His elegant writing style and cultural insights earned him a revered place among 20th-century Chinese writers.

Pier Paolo Pasolini (1922–1975) was a leading figure of 20th-century Italian art and literature. He began as a poet and novelist before moving into filmmaking, where he directed acclaimed works such as 'Accattone', 'The Gospel According to Matthew', and 'Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom'. As a screenwriter, his scripts often challenged Catholic morality and bourgeois values, sparking controversy. Pasolini also acted in several films and wrote essays on culture and politics. His multidisciplinary approach and fearless critique of society have had a lasting impact on cinema and literary theory. He remains a revered and contentious icon in European culture.

Born Frédéric Othon Théodore Aristidès, Fred was a pioneering figure in French comics, blending whimsy and imagination in his work. He created the acclaimed graphic series "Philémon," which follows a young hero’s fantastical adventures through surreal landscapes. Fred's charming line art and playful storytelling influenced a generation of comic artists. He also contributed to magazines such as Pilote and Métal Hurlant, helping to elevate the medium's artistic status. His legacy endures in the world of bande dessinée, where his name is synonymous with creativity and originality.

Mike Resnick (1942–2020) was one of the most honored authors in science fiction, publishing over 70 novels and more than 200 short stories. He won five Hugo Awards and several Nebula nominations for his richly imagined tales. Resnick edited numerous anthologies and founded the Writers of the Future contest, mentoring emerging voices in the genre. His work often explored themes of humanity, adventure, and cultural diversity across the galaxy. Resnick's legacy endures through the writers he inspired and the imaginative worlds he created.