March 13

Born in Nuremberg in 1479, Spengler became a leading hymnwriter during the Reformation. He worked closely with Martin Luther to produce German-language hymns. His poetic and musical contributions helped spread Lutheran doctrine across Germany. Spengler's most famous works include paraphrases of biblical passages set to music. He served on the city council of Nuremberg and supported religious and educational reforms. He died in 1534, leaving a lasting legacy in Protestant church music.

Born in Auckland, New Zealand, Walpole moved to England with his family as a child and studied at Oxford. He published his first successful novel, 'Mr. Perrin and Mr. Traill,' in 1911 and became a leading writer of the era. Walpole wrote over thirty novels, short stories, and children's books, including the acclaimed 'Rogue Herries' series. He held academic posts teaching creative writing and served as director of the publishing house Hodder & Stoughton. An outspoken critic and literary judge, he influenced British letters and mentored young authors. Walpole's work, blending romance, suspense, and social observation, remained popular until his death in 1941.

Paul Morand was a prolific French author and diplomat whose cosmopolitan novels captured the essence of the interwar period. Born in 1888, he served as a cultural attaché in various European capitals while writing acclaimed works such as 'Les Orientales' and 'Book of Sally'. His writing style was marked by vivid impressions, fast-paced narrative, and exploration of modernity. Morand's diplomatic career included posts in Italy, Canada, and Japan, reflecting his international outlook. Although his political affiliations were controversial, his literary contributions influenced generations of French writers. He died in 1976, leaving a complex legacy as both a man of letters and a public servant.

Janet Flanner was an American journalist and author best known for her 'Letter from Paris' column in The New Yorker. Born in 1892, she reported from Europe for nearly five decades, providing readers with insightful commentary on art, politics, and culture. Writing under the pen name 'Genêt,' Flanner captured the atmosphere of interwar Paris and the impact of World War II. Her prose combined keen observation with elegant style, earning her international respect and numerous literary awards. Flanner also authored several books and biographies, contributing significantly to travel writing and reportage. She died in 1978, leaving behind a rich legacy of journalistic excellence.

Yeghishe Charents was an Armenian poet and activist whose work helped shape modern Armenian literature. Born in 1897, he became a prominent voice of cultural renewal in the early Soviet era, blending poetic innovation with national themes. Charents served as editor of literary journals and advocated for Armenian autonomy through his writings. His poetry, marked by vivid imagery and emotional depth, ranged from pastoral verses to searing political commentary. Arrested during Stalin's purges, he was imprisoned and died under mysterious circumstances in 1937. In later years, Charents was posthumously rehabilitated and celebrated as a literary hero.

Giorgos Seferis was a Greek poet and diplomat awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for his evocative poetry. Born in 1900, he served in the Greek diplomatic corps in London, Paris, and Ankara, experiences that enriched his verse. Seferis’s poetry blends classical themes with modernist sensibilities, exploring identity, exile, and the Greek landscape. His landmark collections include 'Strophe' and 'Log Book,' which influenced post-war European literature. As Greece’s ambassador to the United Kingdom, he became a symbol of cultural diplomacy. Seferis received the Nobel Prize in 1963 and passed away in 1971, leaving a profound literary legacy.

Kemal Tahir began his career as a journalist in Istanbul before publishing his first novel in 1946. Over his lifetime, he wrote more than twenty works exploring rural poverty, national identity, and class struggles in Turkey. His notable novels, including "Devlet Ana" and "Yorgun Savaşçı," blended historical depth with social realism. Tahir faced censorship and imprisonment for his political views but continued to write and mentor younger authors. His dedication to depicting the lives of ordinary Anatolians has made him a central figure in modern Turkish literature. He died in 1973.

Sergey Mikhalkov was a prominent Russian author and playwright who wrote more than 30 plays and numerous children's books. He gained fame for penning the lyrics to the State Anthem of the Soviet Union in 1944, later adapting them in 1977 and again for the Russian Federation in 2000. His works often blended satire with moral lessons, captivating audiences of all ages. Mikhalkov served as president of the Writers' Union of the USSR, influencing literary policy. His legacy endures in Russian culture, where his melodies and verses remain iconic.

W. O. Mitchell was a beloved Canadian writer whose novels and radio dramas captured the spirit of the prairie. His best-known work, Who Has Seen the Wind, explores the innocence of childhood on the Saskatchewan plains and became a classic of Canadian literature. Mitchell wrote numerous novels, short stories, and stage plays that reflect the struggles and joys of rural communities. He received the Order of Canada in recognition of his contributions to the nation's cultural heritage. Mitchell's warm storytelling and authentic characters continue to inspire readers and writers alike.

Born in 1933, Gero von Wilpert studied literature at the University of Heidelberg and became fascinated with comparative literary analysis. He authored landmark reference works such as 'Lexikon der Weltliteratur' and 'Sachwörterbuch der Literatur', which became staples in academic libraries. Von Wilpert taught at universities in both Europe and the United States, fostering international collaboration in literary scholarship. His publications, noted for their clarity and depth, have been translated into multiple languages. He received numerous honors for his contributions to literary studies and bibliographic scholarship. Von Wilpert continued writing and lecturing until his passing in 2009, leaving a lasting impact on the field.

David Nobbs was born in 1935 in Grimsby, England, and began his career writing for radio comedy programs. He later transitioned to television, scripting popular shows and creating original series. In the 1970s, his satirical sitcom 'The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin' captured audiences with its sharp commentary on middle-class life. Nobbs authored several novels and non-fiction works, blending humor with social insight. Other notable creations include the TV series 'Rust' and the novel 'The Return of Reginald Perrin'. He received awards from the Writers' Guild of Great Britain for his contributions to comedy writing. Nobbs remained active in literature and broadcasting until his death in 2015.

Mahmoud Darwish emerged as a leading voice of Palestinian literature through his evocative poetry. He published his first collection as a young man and went on to produce more than 30 books of poetry and prose. His works, including 'Why Did You Leave the Horse Alone?' and 'Unfortunately, It Was Paradise', explore themes of exile, identity, and longing. Darwish's lyrical style blends personal reflection with political commentary, resonating worldwide. He received numerous awards and served on various literary panels, shaping modern Arabic poetry. Darwish's legacy endures as a symbol of cultural resilience and human expression.