March 10

Élie Catherine Fréron was a prominent figure of the French Enlightenment, celebrated for his sharp literary criticism. He founded the Année littéraire, a journal that challenged the philosophical optimism of his contemporaries. His outspoken style earned him fierce debates with Voltaire, who satirized him as "Tronchon". Fréron's critiques emphasized moral values and traditional literary standards over radical ideas. Despite censorship and pressure, he continued to defend his journalistic independence. Fréron’s work influenced the evolution of literary journalism and critical discourse in 18th-century France.

Born a serf in 1814, Shevchenko was emancipated in 1838, launching his career as a poet and artist. His collection "Kobzar" captured the spirit, folklore, and struggles of the Ukrainian people. Shevchenko’s dramas and poems advocated for social justice and national identity under Russian rule. He studied ethnography, documenting traditions, customs, and songs from rural communities. Arrested for his political views in 1847, he endured exile and imprisonment until 1857. Upon release, he continued to write and paint, becoming a symbol of Ukrainian cultural resistance. He died in Saint Petersburg in 1861, revered today as Ukraine’s greatest literary figure.

Born in Genoa in 1805, Mazzini dedicated his life to the cause of Italian unification. He founded the secret society Young Italy in 1831 to mobilize youth toward republican ideals. Mazzini’s journals, including "La Giovine Italia," spread his vision of a united, democratic Italy. Exiled by Austrian authorities, he continued his activism from Switzerland, France, and England. His ideas influenced revolutionary movements across Europe, inspiring future nationalists. Though his revolts in 1848–49 failed, he remained a moral leader of the Risorgimento. Mazzini died in Pisa in 1872, remembered as a passionate advocate for liberty and democracy.

Born in 1831 in Naigaon, Maharashtra, Phule overcame social barriers to become India’s first woman teacher. Alongside her husband Jyotirao Phule, she opened the first school for girls in Pune in 1848. Savitribai wrote powerful poetry that highlighted the struggles of women and lower castes. She established shelters and workhouses for widows and the marginalized. Phule’s efforts laid the groundwork for women’s rights and social justice in India. She died in 1897, remembered as a pioneer of feminist and anti-caste movements.

Yevgeny Zamyatin (1884–1937) began his career as a naval engineer before turning to literature and journalism. He wrote satirical and dystopian works that challenged the social and political norms of his time. His novel 'We' was one of the first dystopian novels and influenced later classics like George Orwell’s '1984'. The Soviet government banned his writing, forcing him into exile in Europe. Despite censorship, Zamyatin’s bold ideas and stylistic innovations secured his place in the history of Russian and world literature. He died in exile in France in 1937.

Mikhail Bulgakov (1891–1940) trained as a physician before dedicating himself to writing. He authored satirical plays and novels that critiqued Soviet society, often facing censorship and bans. His most famous work, 'The Master and Margarita', blends fantasy, satire, and philosophical themes in a critique of 1930s Moscow. Bulgakov also wrote 'Heart of a Dog' and 'The White Guard', showcasing his range from dark comedy to historical drama. Though published posthumously, his works became landmarks of 20th-century literature. Bulgakov’s fearless satire and imaginative storytelling continue to captivate readers worldwide.

Zelda Fitzgerald (1900–1948) emerged as a vibrant figure in Jazz Age America through her writing, art, and dance. She published the semi-autobiographical novel 'Save Me the Waltz' and contributed short stories to leading magazines. As a painter, she held exhibitions in New York and Paris, showcasing her bold, expressionistic style. Trained in ballet, she performed in amateur productions and studied dance intensively. Married to author F. Scott Fitzgerald, she inspired characters in his works, reflecting her tumultuous life. Zelda’s creativity and personal struggles have continued to fascinate scholars and readers alike. She died tragically in a hospital fire, but her legacy as a multi-talented artist endures.

Frank O'Connor was born in Cork, Ireland, in 1903 and became one of the foremost short story writers of the 20th century. His works often explored themes of Irish identity, rural life, and human relationships with sharp wit and compassion. O'Connor served as president of the Irish Literary Society and edited numerous anthologies, shaping the canon of modern Irish literature. He wrote over twenty collections of stories, notable among them "Guests of the Nation" and "The Lonely Voice." O'Connor's memoirs and essays, such as "An Only Child," offered poignant insights into his personal experiences and the societal changes in Ireland. His contributions influenced generations of writers and solidified his reputation as a central figure in literary circles until his death in 1966.

Born in Dublin, Allen began his career as a stand-up comedian, gaining attention for his dry delivery and satirical humor. He achieved fame with the BBC series "Dave Allen at Large," where he often performed from a bar stool with a pint of Guinness. Allen's comedy tackled social and religious topics with a fearless approach, earning both acclaim and controversy. In addition to stand-up, he acted in films such as "The Long Good Friday" and wrote screenplays showcasing his comedic flair. He won a BAFTA for Best Light Entertainment Performance in 1972. Allen's influence can be seen in generations of comedians who followed his conversational, observational style. Until his death in 2005, he remained a beloved figure in British and Irish comedy, remembered for his irreverent humor and storytelling.

Bill Blackbeard began collecting original newspaper comic strips in the 1960s, recognizing their cultural and historical importance. He founded the San Francisco Academy of Comic Art, amassing one of the world’s largest archives of daily newspaper comics. As an author, he published detailed studies on early comic strips and their creators, bringing scholarly attention to the medium. Blackbeard collaborated with institutions and researchers, ensuring the preservation of fragile paper originals. His illustrated essays and publications provided insights into the development of American popular art. He lectured internationally on comics history and influenced both academic and fan communities. Until his death in 2011, Blackbeard remained a tireless advocate for the artistic value of newspaper comic art.

Born in Nogent-sur-Marne, Giraud first gained fame with the "Blueberry" Western comics under his birth name. Under the pseudonym Moebius, he created groundbreaking science fiction illustrations in magazines like Heavy Metal. His visionary art featured surreal landscapes and imaginative characters that redefined comic book aesthetics. Giraud collaborated on film concept art for movies such as "Alien" and "Tron," leaving an imprint on cinematic design. He published numerous albums and exhibited internationally, earning prestigious awards like the Grand Prix de la ville d’Angoulême. His boundary-pushing style inspired generations of artists in comics, animation, and live-action film. Giraud passed away in 2012, celebrated as one of the most influential illustrators of the 20th century.

Richard Glatzer began his career writing for television before turning to independent film production. He wrote and directed notable films like The Fluffer and Quinceañera, receiving critical acclaim at film festivals. In 2014 he co-directed Still Alice, a poignant portrayal of Alzheimer’s disease that earned Julianne Moore an Academy Award. Glatzer continued to work passionately despite being diagnosed with ALS, raising awareness about the illness. His dedication to storytelling and innovation in cinema left a lasting mark on the film industry.