March 10

Lorenzo Da Ponte was born in Ceneda, Italy, in 1749. He served as a Catholic priest and gained fame as Mozart's librettist, penning the texts for iconic operas such as Le nozze di Figaro, Don Giovanni, and Così fan tutte. After a scandal forced him to flee Europe, Da Ponte emigrated to New York City in 1805 and became America's first professor of Italian literature at Columbia College. He helped found New York City's first opera company and published translations and original poetry that promoted Italian culture in the young nation. Bridging the worlds of religion, literature, and music, Da Ponte left a lasting impact on both European opera and American cultural life. He died in New York City in 1838.

Karl Wilhelm Friedrich Schlegel was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1772. He emerged as a leading figure of early German Romanticism, producing poetry, novels, and groundbreaking literary criticism. His novel Lucinde challenged social norms with its candid exploration of love and individual freedom, while his essays advanced innovative theories of art and aesthetics. Schlegel also pursued studies in comparative linguistics and translated works of Shakespeare and other English writers into German. Later in life, he settled in Switzerland and Italy, continuing to write influential treatises on philology and Romantic theory. His interdisciplinary approach left a lasting mark on the development of modern literary criticism. He died in Paris in 1829.

Francisco de Paula Martínez de la Rosa y Berdejo was born in Granada in 1787. He gained prominence as a playwright, producing works that helped usher Romantic drama to the Spanish stage. Transitioning to politics, he held various ministerial roles before becoming Prime Minister in 1822 and again from 1834 to 1835. During his tenure, he pursued moderate liberal reforms and negotiated the Concordat with the Vatican, balancing royal authority with emerging constitutional ideas. He also enacted landmark press freedom laws and reorganized Spain's educational system. After retiring from public office, Martínez de la Rosa continued to write essays and memoirs reflecting on Spain's political evolution. He died in Madrid in 1862.

Joseph Freiherr von Eichendorff was born in Lubowitz, Silesia, in 1788. A central figure of the German Romantic movement, he authored poetry collections such as Wünschelrute and the novella Aus dem Leben eines Taugenichts, infusing them with themes of nature, music, and personal freedom. Eichendorff studied law but devoted much of his career to writing and public service in the Prussian administration. His poems were set to music by composers such as Robert Schumann and remain staples of the Lieder repertoire. He continued to publish throughout his life, balancing literary pursuits with roles in civil service. Eichendorff's seamless fusion of poetic lyricism and Romantic ideals influenced generations of writers and musicians. He died in Neisse in 1857.

Samuel Ferguson was an Irish poet and lawyer whose writings celebrated Celtic heritage. Educated at Trinity College Dublin, he practiced law in Dublin while pursuing his literary interests. His poetry often drew on Irish mythology, blending romantic narrative with historical themes. Ferguson's work contributed to the 19th-century Celtic revival, earning him recognition among his contemporaries. Later in life, he served as a prominent legal figure and helped preserve Ireland's cultural legacy.

Born in Fürth, Germany in 1873 and served as a soldier in his early years. He turned to writing and gained fame for novels that blend psychological insight and dramatic historical settings. His best-known work, The Maurizius Case, earned critical acclaim for its courtroom drama and moral complexity. Wassermann's prose style combined realism with introspective character studies. He was a prominent figure in German literature during the early 20th century. He faced growing censorship under Nazism and died in 1934. His works continue to be studied for their narrative craft and depth of analysis.

Clare Boothe Luce was an American playwright, journalist, congresswoman, and diplomat. Born in 1903, she authored the successful Broadway comedy "The Women" in 1936. Luce worked as a journalist and editor for major publications, gaining a reputation for wit and insight. In 1943, she was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, becoming one of the first women in Congress. President Eisenhower appointed her U.S. Ambassador to Italy in 1953, making her the first woman to hold that post. Luce championed anti-communist policies and was known for her sharp intelligence and diplomatic skill. Her multifaceted career left a lasting impact on American politics, literature, and international relations.

Joža Horvat was a Croatian writer known for his novels exploring human experience. Born in 1915, he emerged as a literary voice in the postwar era of Yugoslavia. Horvat’s works often reflected the challenges of reconstruction and personal identity. He gained acclaim for his narrative style and depth of character development. His writing remains influential in Croatian literature, studied and reprinted after his passing in 2012.

Born in 1924 in New York City, Judith Jones began her publishing career at Alfred A. Knopf, where her editorial insight led to the discovery of Anne Frank's diary. She later shifted her focus to culinary literature, editing and promoting influential cookbooks by Julia Child, Lidia Bastianich, and Marcella Hazan. Jones played a crucial role in shaping the American culinary renaissance of the 1960s and 1970s by bringing international and sophisticated cooking techniques to a wider audience. Her memoir 'The Tenth Muse' recounts her experiences and the people she worked with, highlighting her passion for food and literature. Throughout her career, she championed writers and chefs whose work changed the way America cooked and dined. Jones passed away in 2017, remembered as a transformative editor and tastemaker.

Georges Dor was born on March 10, 1931, in Quebec and became a key figure in the Quebec cultural renaissance of the 1960s. He first gained attention with his collection of short stories that explored the lives of working-class Canadians. Dor went on to write and compose numerous plays and musicals that blended folk traditions with modern theatrical techniques. His works were praised for their emotional depth and musical richness. He collaborated with major Canadian theaters and music ensembles, leaving a lasting imprint on francophone arts. Dor's creative legacy endures in Quebec's literature and performing arts circles.

María Kodama was born on March 10, 1937, in Buenos Aires and became assistant, translator, and later wife of writer Jorge Luis Borges. After his death, she dedicated herself to managing his literary estate and ensuring the integrity of his works. Kodama translated Borges' writings into multiple languages, including English, French, and German, bringing them to a global audience. She also authored essays and memoirs that provided personal insights into Borges' life and creative process. Through lectures and conferences around the world, Kodama championed Latin American literature. Her tireless efforts solidified Borges' legacy and introduced his genius to new generations.

David Rabe gained acclaim for his Vietnam War plays such as 'Sticks and Bones' and 'The Basic Training of Pavlo Hummel'. His work captures the psychological impact of conflict and examines themes of trauma and identity. Rabe won an Obie Award for his play 'The Basic Training of Pavlo Hummel' and received multiple Tony nominations. He transitioned to film and television, writing screenplays for movies like 'Casualties of War' and episodes of 'Law & Order'. Known for his intense dialogue and complex characters, he has influenced a generation of playwrights. Rabe is a recipient of the Guggenheim Fellowship and the Bollingen Prize in American Poetry. He continues to write for stage and screen, exploring contemporary social issues with honesty and depth. His contributions have left an enduring mark on modern American theater.