March 07

Born in Nantes in 1556, Guillaume du Vair served as a prominent magistrate and legal advisor in the French court. He authored influential works on moral philosophy and eloquence, including treatises that bridged law and humanist thought. As President of the Parliament of Provence, he navigated the complex politics of post-war France. His style combined classical learning with a refined literary elegance, inspiring later philosophers such as Descartes. Du Vair's legacy endures in his contributions to political theory and the art of rhetoric.

Ewald Christian von Kleist was born in what is now northwest Poland and educated in German literature and philosophy. He volunteered in the Prussian army during the Seven Years' War and rose to the rank of captain. His poetry, blending personal reflection with martial themes, became a hallmark of the burgeoning Sturm und Drang literary trend. Kleist was killed in action at the Battle of Kunersdorf in 1759, and his collected poems were published posthumously. His work influenced later German Romantic poets and cemented his reputation as a soldier-poet of his era.

Alessandro Manzoni was born in Milan and became a leading figure of Italian Romantic literature. His novel 'I Promessi Sposi' ('The Betrothed'), first published in 1827, is hailed as a masterpiece of world literature. He also wrote stirring poems like 'Il cinque maggio', commemorating Napoleon's death. Manzoni's works helped standardize the modern Italian language and inspired nationalist sentiments. He remained a respected intellectual and moral voice in 19th-century Italy until his death in 1873.

Dan Jacobson was a South African-born British author and critic whose works often explored themes of identity, history, and morality. His memoir Goldberg: Variations on a Theme delved into his Jewish heritage and family history in South Africa. Jacobson's novels, including The Rape of Tamar, received critical acclaim for their psychological depth and historical insight. He served as a professor at the University of Essex and lectured internationally. His contributions to literature earned several awards, including the Heinemann Award. Jacobson's writing bridged cultures and examined the human condition with intelligence and compassion.

Georges Perec was a French novelist, documentalist, and essayist born in 1936 during the interwar period. He became a member of Oulipo, a literary group exploring constrained writing techniques. His best-known work, 'La Vie mode d'emploi' (Life: A User's Manual), won the Prix Médicis and is celebrated for its intricate structure. Perec authored experimental pieces such as 'A Void', a novel written entirely without the letter 'e'. He frequently incorporated puzzles, memoirs, and reflections on memory and loss, influenced by his parents' fate during World War II. His innovative approach to form and language has inspired generations of writers.

Born in 1945 in McAllen, Texas, Elizabeth Moon served as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps before turning to writing. Her debut novel, 'Sheepfarmer's Daughter', launched the acclaimed 'Paksenarrion' fantasy trilogy. She gained further renown with her military science fiction 'Vatta's War' series. Moon's work is praised for its strong protagonists, intricate world-building, and themes of duty and honor. She has won the John W. Campbell Award and received multiple Hugo and Nebula nominations throughout her career.

Born in Accra, Ghana, William Boyd gained critical acclaim with his debut novel A Good Man in Africa (1981). He has published over a dozen novels spanning historical fiction, contemporary drama, and psychological intrigue. His novel Any Human Heart (2002) was adapted into a television series for which he also wrote the screenplay. Boyd’s work is celebrated for its rich character development and sweeping narratives. In addition to fiction, he has authored short story collections and served as a visiting professor of creative writing. His contributions have earned him multiple awards, including the James Tait Black Memorial Prize and an OBE for services to literature.

Born in London to Jamaican parents, Levy wrote novels that explored themes of identity, migration, and belonging. Her debut, Every Light in the House Burnin’ (1994), received critical acclaim for its vivid storytelling. She won the Orange Prize and the Whitbread Novel Award for Small Island (2004), later adapted for stage and television. Levy’s subsequent works, including The Long Song (2010), continued to shed light on postcolonial history. Her lyrical prose and nuanced characters brought underrepresented voices to the forefront of British literature. In 2014, she was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her services to literature.

Born in Nottingham, England, Harris began his career as a financial journalist before serving as a political correspondent in Brussels. His breakthrough novel, Fatherland (1992), imagined a Nazi victory in World War II and became an international bestseller. He has written numerous works, including Enigma, Pompeii, and The Ghost Writer, several of which have been adapted for film. Harris is praised for his meticulous research and suspenseful narratives that bring history to life. He served as president of the Crime Writers’ Association and has won multiple literary awards. His novels have been translated into over forty languages, selling millions of copies worldwide.

Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Bass published his first collection, The Ninemile Wolves (1988), earning praise for his vivid nature writing. His bestseller, Winter: Notes from Montana (1993), combined memoir and environmental advocacy. Bass has written numerous fiction and non-fiction works focusing on ecology, wildlife, and human interaction with nature. He founded the nonprofit organization CEP (Conservationists in the Pink) to promote environmental conservation. His work has won awards such as the PEN USA Award and the Guggenheim Fellowship. Bass continues to write and speak on conservation issues, inspiring readers to protect the natural world.

Rik Mayall was a leading figure in the British alternative comedy movement of the 1980s. He starred in the groundbreaking television series The Young Ones and Bottom, captivating audiences with his unpredictable energy. His partnership with Adrian Edmondson in the comedy duo The Dangerous Brothers earned him acclaim on stage and screen. Mayall showcased his versatility with roles in Blackadder and films like Drop Dead Fred. He won critical praise for his sharp wit and physical comedy. Beyond acting he co-wrote several television scripts and maintained a devoted fan base until his sudden death in 2014.

Born Erika Mitchell in 1963 in London, E. L. James began her writing career by publishing fan fiction online. Her debut novel, Fifty Shades of Grey, was self-published in 2011 and quickly became a global phenomenon. The success of her novels led to a major film series and sparked widespread discussion about erotic romance in mainstream literature. James has sold over 150 million copies of her books worldwide and has been translated into multiple languages. She continues to write and publish novels, cementing her status as a leading figure in contemporary romance fiction.