March 09

Anna Laetitia Barbauld was born in 1743 in Kibworth, Leicestershire. She became one of the most prominent literary figures of the late 18th century, writing poetry, essays, and criticism that engaged with social and political issues. Barbauld's 'Hymns in Prose for Children' and 'Lessons for Children' were groundbreaking works that elevated the standards of children's literature. She also published powerful political essays and poems advocating for abolition and women's education. Barbauld was admired for her clear prose style and moral sensibility. Her later works include collections of poetry and literary criticism that influenced the Romantic generation. She passed away in 1825, leaving a legacy as a versatile and influential voice in English letters.

Friedrich Maximilian von Klinger was born in 1752 in Frankfurt am Main. He became a leading figure in the German Sturm und Drang literary movement, which emphasized emotion and individualism. Klinger's play 'Die Zwillinge' and his work 'Sturm und Drang' helped define the movement and provided its very name. He also produced novels and poetry that explored themes of freedom and human passion. Throughout his career he served in various court positions, including as a theater director in Riga. Klinger's writings influenced later German Romantic writers and dramatists. He died on March 9, 1831, leaving a body of work that remains a testament to the dynamism of late 18th-century German literature.

Louise Colet was born in 1810 in Aix-les-Bains, France. She gained prominence as a poet and hosted a renowned literary salon that attracted leading writers and artists of her era. Colet's poetry often explored themes of love, loss, and the inner life of women, earning her both acclaim and controversy. She published several collections of verse, including 'Poésies' and 'Leçons de chant.' Colet's relationships with figures like Victor Hugo and Gustave Flaubert influenced her work and cemented her place in French Romanticism. She died in 1876, leaving a legacy as a pioneering female voice in 19th-century French literature.

Leopold von Sacher-Masoch was born in 1836 in Lemberg, then part of the Austrian Empire. He began his career as a journalist, reporting on social and folkloric themes across Europe. Sacher-Masoch achieved literary fame with his novel 'Venus in Furs', published in 1870, which depicted complex explorations of desire and power. The book's themes of pleasure derived from pain later inspired the psychological term 'masochism'. Throughout his life, he wrote numerous novels and short stories, many set in Galicia and focused on the lives of its people. Despite his literary success, Sacher-Masoch struggled with financial difficulties and died in 1895. His work remains influential in studies of sexuality and Victorian literature.

Frank Wedekind was a German playwright and novelist born in 1864. He is celebrated for tackling social taboos and exploring themes of sexuality and personal freedom. His play 'Spring Awakening' became a landmark of modern theater and influenced generations of dramatists. Wedekind's 'Lulu' series further pushed boundaries with its dark portrayal of society and morality. His writing style blended biting satire with poetic imagery, paving the way for expressionist drama. Wedekind's legacy endures as a key figure in early 20th-century European theatre.

Born in 1909 in Barnard Castle, County Durham, Parkinson served in the Royal Navy during World War II. He later became a professor of history at the University of Malaya and taught at the London School of Economics. In 1955, he published the satirical essay that coined Parkinson's Law, critiquing bureaucratic inefficiency. His books blended scholarly research with witty observations, making administrative insights accessible. Parkinson's works on naval history also contributed authoritative accounts of the Navy's development. His insights into organizational behaviour remain influential in management studies and public administration. He died on March 9, 1993, leaving a legacy of humorous yet enduring observations on bureaucracy.

Born in Germany in 1920 and raised in Los Angeles, Bukowski drew on his own experiences on society's margins. His writing style, often called 'dirty realism', captured the grit and desperation of everyday life. He published thousands of poems and six novels, including the semi-autobiographical 'Post Office'. Bukowski's characters often mirrored his own battles with alcoholism and turbulent relationships. His candid, confessional voice resonated with readers worldwide and influenced writers and musicians alike. He hosted poetry readings and ran a small literary magazine, championing other underground artists. Bukowski died on March 9, 1994, remaining a cult figure for his unapologetic and powerful prose.

He served as editor-in-chief of the French magazine Elle before suffering a massive stroke at age 43. The stroke left him with locked-in syndrome, paralyzed except for his left eyelid. Using a specialized blinking code, he dictated his moving memoir, 'The Diving Bell and the Butterfly'. Published shortly before his death, the book became an international bestseller and was adapted into a critically acclaimed film. His story remains a powerful testament to resilience, creativity, and the strength of the human spirit. He passed away in 1997, days after seeing his work in print.

Born in Cardiff, he began writing for radio and television in the 1950s. He gained fame by introducing the Daleks in a 1963 'Doctor Who' story, creating one of television’s most enduring villains. He later created and wrote for successful series such as 'Survivors' and 'Blake's 7'. His imaginative storytelling and memorable characters left a lasting impact on British science fiction. He continued to write scripts and novels until his death in 1997, influencing writers across genres.