March 17

Patrick Brontë was born in County Down, Ireland, in 1777 and studied at St John's College, Cambridge, before being ordained in 1806. He served as a parish priest in Haworth, Yorkshire, where he developed a reputation for compassionate pastoral care and progressive educational initiatives. An author in his own right, he published collections of poems and sermons that reflected his deep religious convictions. He encouraged his daughters Charlotte, Emily, Anne, and Maria to pursue literary interests, profoundly shaping some of the most celebrated novelists of the Victorian era. Brontë established schools and reading rooms to foster literacy among working-class children. He remained in Haworth until his death in 1861, leaving a legacy that intertwined faith, education, and literature.

Ebenezer Elliott was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1781 and educated at home by his mother after the early death of his father. He adopted his famous pen name and began writing satirical poems criticizing the Corn Laws, which imposed tariffs on grain imports. Elliott's 'Corn Law Rhymes' galvanized public opinion in favor of political and economic reform during the early 19th century. Through his work, he championed the rights of the working class and became a prominent figure in radical literary circles. Although he faced criticism and financial difficulties, Elliott continued to publish poetry that combined lyrical grace with biting political commentary. He died in 1849, leaving a body of work celebrated for its social conscience and poetic craftsmanship.

Jean Ingelow was born in Boston, Lincolnshire, England, in 1820 and began writing poetry as a young woman. Her first collected volume of poems appeared in 1863 and met with immediate acclaim for its delicate lyricism. Ingelow went on to publish novels such as 'Madge' and 'Off the Skelligs,' which were praised for their vivid storytelling and moral depth. She also wrote fairy tales and stories for children, becoming one of the most widely read English authors of her time. Ingelow's work reflected the values and aesthetics of the Victorian period, blending sentimentality with social commentary. She died in 1897, remembered for her influence on 19th-century literature and her role as a female writer in a male-dominated field.

Kate Greenaway was a British author and illustrator born in London in 1846. She gained fame with her first book Under the Window, published in 1879, which featured her delicate watercolour drawings of children in idyllic garden settings. Her illustrations of charming children became cultural icons, influencing children's fashion and design in the late Victorian era. Greenaway's artwork was widely reproduced on greeting cards, porcelain, and textiles, making her style instantly recognizable. She was awarded a gold medal at the Paris Exposition of 1889. Throughout her career, she published numerous books and held exhibitions across Europe. Her legacy endures through the annual Kate Greenaway Medal, awarded to outstanding British children's illustrators. She died in 1901, leaving an indelible mark on children's literature and illustration.

Patrice Contamine de Latour was born in 1867 in Barcelona and became a celebrated figure in Fin de siècle poetry. Writing in both Spanish and French, he crafted lyrical poems that explored themes of nature, love, and existential contemplation. He contributed to literary journals in Madrid and Paris, helping bridge cultural movements between Spain and France. Contamine de Latour also translated important French Symbolist works into Spanish, introducing new poetic techniques to his homeland. His refined style influenced younger Spanish poets at the turn of the century. Though less well-known today, his works remain studied in literary circles for their elegance and depth. He died in 1926, leaving a modest but impactful poetic legacy.

Paul Green (1894–1981) was a pioneering Southern playwright and scholar. He won the 1927 Pulitzer Prize for Drama with 'In Abraham Lincoln's Bosom', a play exploring race and morality. Green served on the faculty of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, mentoring young writers. He championed the use of theater as a tool for social commentary and education. Green created outdoor symphonic dramas that combined pageantry with local history. His influence extended through his writings and teaching, shaping American regional theater traditions.

Born in East Prussia, Siegfried Lenz served in the German navy during World War II before studying literature and philosophy. His novel "The German Lesson" became an international bestseller, offering a poignant exploration of duty and conscience. Lenz wrote over 30 works, combining lyrical prose with deep ethical inquiry. He was a founding member of the Group 47 literary association, influencing many postwar German writers. Lenz received numerous awards for his contributions to literature and civic discourse. His work continues to be celebrated for its humanism and narrative power.

Born in Cairo, Egypt, Lively relocated to England during World War II and later studied at the University of Oxford. She published her first adult novel, 'City of the Mind,' in 1971 and gained critical acclaim for her storytelling. In 1987, she was awarded the Booker Prize for 'Moon Tiger,' praised for its lush prose and inventive narrative. Lively has also written acclaimed children's books, including the Carnegie Medal–winning 'The Ghost of Thomas Kempe.' Her work often explores themes of memory, time, and history's impact on individuals. She has received numerous literary honors and continues to influence both adult and young readers.

Pattie Boyd (born March 17, 1944) is an English model, author, and photographer. She first gained fame as a top fashion model in the 1960s, appearing on the covers of Vogue and Elle. In 1966, she married Beatle George Harrison and became the inspiration for songs like “Something.” After divorcing Harrison, she married guitarist Eric Clapton, who famously wrote “Layla” about her. Boyd documented her life in the memoir Wonderful Today, offering intimate insights into the rock era. In addition to writing, she built a successful career as a photographer, capturing portraits of musicians and cultural icons. Her unique position at the heart of 1960s rock culture has made her a lasting figure in music and fashion history.

Born in 1948, William Gibson first gained acclaim with his novel Neuromancer, which won the Hugo, Nebula, and Philip K. Dick Awards. He introduced the term cyberspace and explored themes of virtual reality and corporate dominance in a dystopian future. His Sprawl trilogy, including Count Zero and Mona Lisa Overdrive, cemented his reputation as a leading science fiction writer. Gibson has also worked as a screenwriter and contributed to film adaptations of his stories. His visionary ideas have had a lasting impact on both literature and real-world discussions about technology.

Michael Kelly was an American journalist, editor, and author born in 1957. He covered conflicts such as the Gulf War and the Yugoslav Wars, earning acclaim for his frontline reporting. Kelly served as an editor at The Atlantic and The Washington Post, shaping critical political journalism. He authored books including 'Martyrs’ Day' and 'Ghosts of Beirut', exploring themes of war and cultural conflict. Known for his fearless style and analytical insight, he received numerous awards for his work. Tragically, he was killed in 2003 while reporting in Iraq. His dedication to truthful reporting continues to inspire journalists worldwide.

Mineko Nomachi (born 1979) is a Japanese essayist and columnist. She is recognized for her witty and honest essays on contemporary life in Japan. Nomachi's writing often explores social issues and personal experiences with a relatable voice. Her columns have appeared in leading Japanese publications. She has made television and radio appearances as a cultural commentator. Nomachi has also published several essay collections. Her insightful and humorous perspective has earned her a dedicated readership.