March 12

Zachris Topelius (1818–1898) was a Finnish-Swedish writer, journalist, and historian renowned for his contributions to literature and national consciousness. As editor-in-chief of the newspaper Helsingfors Tidningar, he championed Finnish autonomy and cultural heritage within the Swedish-speaking community. Topelius authored fairy tales, poems, and historical novels, including 'The Tomten' and 'The Princess of Cyprus,' blending folklore with moral themes. His historical works, such as 'Finland and Its People,' helped define Finnish national identity. Beyond writing, he was a respected academic and professor of modern history at the University of Helsinki. Topelius’s engaging storytelling and patriotic vision left an enduring legacy in Scandinavian literature and education.

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach (1830–1916) was one of the most important German-language authors of the 19th century. Her novels and novellas, including 'Das Gemeindekind' and 'Unsühnbar,' explored themes of social justice, morality, and the inner lives of ordinary people. Known for her realistic portrayal of characters and subtle psychological analysis, she received the Order of Franz Joseph and an honorary doctorate from the University of Vienna. Ebner-Eschenbach also advocated for education and women's rights, using her literary platform to address social issues. Her work influenced later writers in the realist and psychological traditions. She continued to write and lecture until her death, leaving a body of work that remains studied for its ethical and aesthetic qualities.

Born in Berlin in 1892, Plievier served in the German Navy during World War I, an experience that deeply influenced his writing. He became known for novels that exposed the brutality and futility of modern warfare, with his most famous work, 'Stalingrad 1943,' offering a harrowing depiction of the Battle of Stalingrad. Plievier's candid style and anti-war stance led to his works being banned during the Nazi era. After World War II, he continued writing and working as a journalist, critiquing totalitarian regimes and the aftermath of conflict. His literature contributed to the development of post-war German anti-war sentiment. Plievier died in 1955, leaving a legacy as a powerful voice against war.

William Heinesen was a Faroese writer who composed in Danish, weaving together folklore and modernist sensibilities.\nHis novels and poems often explored themes of nature, mortality, and the unique culture of the Faroe Islands.\nAmong his best-known works is the novel The Good Hope, which captures the spirit of Faroese life in the 17th century.\nHe received the Nordic Council Literature Prize in 1965 for his contributions to Scandinavian literature.\nHeinesen's vivid imagery and philosophical depth have earned him a place among the most important Nordic authors of the 20th century.\nHis writings continue to inspire readers with their poetic style and rich sense of place.

Born in 1927, Ludlum served in the U.S. Army during World War II before beginning his writing career. He wrote more than twenty novels, many of which became international bestsellers. Ludlum created iconic characters such as Jason Bourne, inspiring a major film franchise. His books are known for fast-paced plots, intricate conspiracies, and well-researched details. Ludlum's work has sold over 300 million copies worldwide and been translated into multiple languages. He was celebrated for his ability to blend action with suspenseful storytelling. Ludlum maintained a private personal life but was committed to his craft. He passed away in 2001, leaving a lasting legacy in the thriller genre.

Born in 1914 in New York City, Fast wrote more than 50 novels spanning genres from historical fiction to science fiction. He gained acclaim for works like 'Spartacus,' which was adapted into a major film. Fast was blacklisted during the McCarthy era due to his political views and membership in the Communist Party. He continued to write and publish, often addressing themes of freedom, equality, and human rights. Fast's clear narrative style and strong moral convictions resonated with readers worldwide. He also wrote screenplays and worked in Hollywood, uncredited on several projects. Fast received multiple literary awards and honorary degrees. He died in 2003, leaving a rich body of work that continues to inspire.

Miguel Delibes was born in Valladolid, Spain, in 1920 and studied law before embarking on a career in journalism. He worked for the newspaper El Norte de Castilla, where his insightful articles gained him national recognition. Delibes published his first novel, 'La sombra del ciprés es alargada', in 1947 and went on to write more than a dozen celebrated works, including 'El hereje' and 'Los santos inocentes'. His novels often explored themes of human dignity, nature, and social change under Francoist Spain. Delibes received the Miguel de Cervantes Prize in 1993, Spain's highest literary honor, and was a finalist for the Nobel Prize in Literature. He passed away on March 12, 2010, leaving a legacy as one of Spain's most influential 20th-century writers.

Ada Jafri (1924-2015) was a trailblazing Pakistani poet and writer whose lyrical verses captured love, social issues, and spirituality. Born before the Partition, she published her first collection in 1950 and became the first woman to receive the Adamjee Literary Award. Her poetry often reflected the struggles and aspirations of women in South Asia, blending classical forms with modern themes. Jafri also served as editor for literary magazines and mentored emerging writers. Honored with the Pride of Performance, her work continues to inspire Urdu literature and feminist discourse.

Terry Pratchett (1948-2015) was an English journalist and prolific author best known for creating the Discworld series, which blended humor, fantasy, and social commentary. After starting his career as a newspaper reporter, he published more than 70 novels, selling over 100 million copies worldwide. His witty storytelling explored themes of politics, religion, and humanity through memorable characters like the witch Granny Weatherwax and Death. Knighted in 2009 for services to literature, he also championed Alzheimer's research following his own diagnosis. Pratchett's imaginative worlds and sharp wit continue to enchant readers across generations.

Rafiq Azad (1942-2016) was a celebrated Bangladeshi poet whose powerful and evocative poems reflected social justice, nationalism, and human emotion. Born in the Sylhet District, he participated in the Language Movement and published his first work in 1968. Azad served as director of publications at Bangla Academy and held influential positions within literary circles. Over his career, he authored over 50 books of poetry and prose, earning the Ekushey Padak among other honors. His dynamic style and commitment to cultural identity left a lasting impact on Bengali literature.