March 05

Henry Wharton was born in 1664 in Ripon, England. He studied at Christ Church, Oxford, and became librarian to John Sharp, Archbishop of York. Wharton authored key works on ecclesiastical history, including 'Anglia Sacra' and a history of the Church of York. He was noted for his rigorous scholarship and contributions to the documentation of church records. His writings helped shape later historical research on the Church of England.

Marie d'Agoult, known by her pen name Daniel Stern, was born in 1805 in Frankfurt, Germany. Under her French title, Comtesse d'Agoult, she became a prominent writer and social historian in Parisian circles. She authored 'Histoire de la Révolution de 1848' and memoirs that provided insight into French revolutionary politics. Her liaison with composer Franz Liszt produced three children and inspired much of her creative output. She died in 1876, leaving a legacy as a keen observer of 19th-century European society and affairs.

Mary Louise Booth (1831–1889) was an influential American writer, translator, and editor. She became the first editor of Harper's Bazaar at age 30, shaping it into a major fashion magazine. Booth translated French classics, including works by Victor Hugo, making them accessible to English audiences. She wrote historical sketches and travel narratives for prominent periodicals. A pioneer for women in journalism, her leadership opened doors in publishing. Booth's work left a lasting impact on American letters and magazine culture, cementing her legacy as a key figure in 19th-century literature.

Nikolai Leskov (1831–1895) authored classic works such as "Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk," blending realism with folkloric elements. His innovative narrative techniques and vibrant characters influenced later Russian literature. Leskov worked as a journalist and art critic, writing essays on social issues and religious themes. His plays and short stories, often based on folk tales, showcased his gift for dialogue and satire. Eschewing traditional realism, he crafted moral parables that examined faith and human nature. Leskov's legacy endures in Russian cultural history as a master storyteller whose works continue to be studied and performed.

Max Jacob was born in 1876 in Quimper, France and became an influential poet and writer in early 20th-century Paris. He was a close friend and early supporter of Pablo Picasso, introducing the artist to many avant-garde circles. Jacob published several volumes of poetry, novels, and art criticism that blended symbolist and cubist elements. Born into a Jewish family, he converted to Catholicism later in life, an event that deeply influenced his work. During World War II, Jacob was arrested and interned by the Vichy regime due to his Jewish heritage. He died in 1944 at the Drancy internment camp. Today, his contributions to literature and modern art remain celebrated in French cultural history.

Edgar Lee Masters was born in 1868 in Garnett, Kansas and later practiced law before turning to writing. His most famous work, 'Spoon River Anthology' (1915), is a series of epitaph poems capturing the hidden lives of residents in a small Midwestern town. The collection broke conventions with its candid and ironic portrayals of American life, influencing modernist poetry. Masters also wrote plays, novels, and a multi-volume autobiography reflecting on his literary experiences. Although his later works received less acclaim, his contribution to American verse remains significant. He died in 1950, and 'Spoon River Anthology' continues to be studied and performed worldwide.

Herman J. Mankiewicz was born in 1897 in New York City and became a prominent Hollywood screenwriter and producer. He began his career in journalism before moving to film in the 1920s. Mankiewicz gained fame for his witty, incisive dialogue and inventive storytelling. His most celebrated work, 'Citizen Kane' (1941), co-written with Orson Welles, earned him an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. He contributed to numerous classic films throughout the Golden Age of Hollywood. Known for his sharp wit and social savvy, Mankiewicz also struggled with alcoholism. He died in 1953, leaving an enduring impact on screenwriting craft.

Anna Akhmatova was one of the most significant Russian poets of the 20th century, known for her deeply emotional and concise lyrical style. Born in 1889 near Odessa, she rose to prominence with her debut collection Evening (1912) and later with the long poem Requiem, which memorialized victims of Stalin's purges. Throughout her life, Akhmatova faced censorship and personal tragedy, including the arrest of her son, but continued to write and translate works by other poets. Her poetry reflects themes of love, loss, and the human cost of political repression. Despite official suppression, she gained international acclaim and was a leading figure of the Acmeist movement in literature. Akhmatova's legacy endures as a testament to the power of poetic resistance.

Born in Camp Point, Illinois, Allan Nevins began his career as a political reporter in New York before turning to historical scholarship. Transitioning from journalism to academia, he earned a Ph.D. from Columbia University, where he later taught. Nevins authored multi-volume histories, including the acclaimed 'Ordeal of the Union' and 'Civil War' series. He received two Pulitzer Prizes, one for History and one for Biography. As founder of Columbia’s Oral History Research Office, he pioneered oral history methodology. His accessible writing style brought American history to life for scholars and general readers alike. Nevins’s work remains a cornerstone of Civil War historiography.

Robert C. O'Brien, born Robert Leslie Conly in New York City, began his career as a journalist and editor before turning to fiction in his early fifties. Serving as an editor at Science Digest honed his ability to blend factual detail with engaging prose. In 1971, he published 'Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH', a tale of courage and scientific intrigue that won the Newbery Medal posthumously in 1974. O'Brien's novels, including 'Z for Zachariah' and 'The Silver Crown', combine imaginative storytelling with thoughtful themes. His work continues to captivate young readers with its blend of adventure, moral complexity, and scientific curiosity. Though his life was cut short, his stories endure as classics of children's literature.

Born in Monticello, New York, in 1909, Samm Sinclair Baker became a leading figure in health and self-help literature. He authored best-selling books such as 'Look Younger, Live Longer', blending medical research with practical advice. Baker's accessible writing made fitness and nutrition topics appealing to a broad audience. He collaborated with doctors and experts, ensuring his guides had scientific credibility. His work influenced the development of modern wellness culture in America. Baker also contributed articles to magazines and lectured widely on health topics. His legacy lives on in the continued popularity of holistic health and lifestyle publications.

Born in Paris in 1906, Dréville began his career in theatre before moving into film in the 1930s. He directed over 40 feature films, exploring diverse genres from historical epics to literary adaptations. Dréville's refined visual style and narrative clarity earned him acclaim in French cinema. As a screenwriter, he crafted scripts that balanced character depth with dramatic pacing. His notable works include adaptations of classic French novels and collaborations with prominent actors. Dréville also taught at film institutions, mentoring a new generation of filmmakers. He remained active in cinema circles until his passing, leaving a lasting mark on European film history.