March 19

John Bourchier, 2nd Baron Berners, inherited his title in 1490 and became a prominent figure at the court of Henry VIII. He served as Chancellor of the Exchequer and managed royal finances with diligence. Beyond his political duties, Bourchier was a skilled translator and produced an English version of Froissart's Chronicles, making European history accessible to English readers. He was a patron of humanist scholars and contributed to the Renaissance culture in England. Bourchier's combination of administrative talent and literary interest marked him as a Renaissance nobleman. He died in 1533, leaving behind a legacy of both governance and scholarship.

Arthur Brooke was an English poet and translator of the mid-16th century. His most famous work, 'The Tragical History of Romeus and Juliet', was published in 1562 and told a tragic love story. Brooke's narrative poem is widely recognized as Shakespeare's primary source for Romeo and Juliet. He contributed to the development of Elizabethan poetry and early modern drama. In 1563, Brooke was killed in a street brawl, cutting short his promising literary career. His influence endures through the lasting impact of his work on English literature and theater.

Thomas Killigrew was born in 1612 into a royalist family and followed King Charles I into exile during the English Civil War. A prolific playwright, he penned several comedies and heroic dramas that captured courtly life and wit. After the Restoration of the monarchy, Killigrew secured one of two royal patents to form a theatre company. As manager of the King's Company, he oversaw productions at the Vere Street Theatre and later the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. His administrative skills and literary works influenced the rebirth of English theatre in the late 17th century. Killigrew died on 19 March 1683, hailed as a pioneer of professional drama in London.

Born in 1879, Emma Bell Miles drew inspiration from the rugged landscape and culture of the Appalachian region. She wrote essays, poetry, and stories that captured the traditions and daily experiences of mountain communities. As an artist, she created paintings and sketches reflecting the area's natural beauty and folk heritage. Miles's work provided early documentation of Appalachian folklore and crafts. Her interdisciplinary talents offered a unique portrait of rural American life at the turn of the century. Miles remains a significant figure in Appalachian literature and art history.

Maud Howe Elliott was born into a distinguished family as the daughter of poet Julia Ward Howe and educator Samuel Gridley Howe. She made her mark as an author of historical novels and biographical works, including an acclaimed biography of her mother. Elliott co-founded the General Society of Mayflower Descendants, serving as its first president and promoting American heritage. Active in cultural and philanthropic endeavors, she dedicated her life to preserving literary history and highlighting women's contributions. Her writings were praised for vivid storytelling and insightful portrayal of American life in the 19th century.

Edgar Rice Burroughs served in the U.S. Army before finding fame as a writer. He published 'Tarzan of the Apes' in 1912, launching one of the most enduring adventure series in popular culture. His works also included the Barsoom series, chronicling the adventures of John Carter on Mars. Burroughs's vivid imagination and fast-paced storytelling shaped early 20th-century pulp fiction. His characters spawned numerous films, comics, and adaptations, cementing his legacy as a pioneer of science fiction and fantasy.

Albert Dieudonné began his career on the Paris stage before making his landmark film debut as Napoleon Bonaparte in Abel Gance's 1927 silent film 'Napoleon'. His portrayal was celebrated for its intensity and depth, influencing generations of cinematic depictions of the emperor. Beyond acting, Dieudonné wrote several novels and memoirs reflecting on his artistic experiences. He also contributed to screenwriting and directed theatre productions throughout his career. His dual talents in performance and literature made him a notable figure in French cultural life between the world wars.

Born in 1888 in Lithuania, William L. Laurence emigrated to the United States in 1909 and became a pioneering science journalist. As science correspondent for The New York Times, he covered major developments including the first atomic bomb tests at Los Alamos. Laurence was present at the Trinity test and published exclusive accounts that brought nuclear science to public attention. He authored several books on the atomic age and contributed to popularizing complex scientific topics. His reporting earned him the Pulitzer Prize for Reporting in 1946. Laurence's work shaped public understanding of science during a transformative era.

Born in 1907, Guillevic became a leading voice in 20th-century French poetry with his spare, enigmatic verse. He often drew inspiration from the landscapes of Brittany, distilling images into elemental language. His poetry collections, such as Terre and Plupart du temps, earned critical acclaim for their depth and clarity. Guillevic translated classical poets and lectured on literature, bridging ancient and modern traditions. His involvement in the French Resistance during World War II informed his commitment to truth and artistic integrity. Guillevic's work continues to influence poets with its haunting lyricism and precision.

Born in 1917, Arthur C. Clarke rose to fame with his groundbreaking works of science fiction that combined rich storytelling with scientific speculation. He co-wrote the screenplay for Stanley Kubrick's film adaptation of "2001: A Space Odyssey," creating one of the most iconic movies in cinematic history. Clarke's famous Third Law—"Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic"—and his concept of geostationary satellites shaped modern telecommunications. A prolific author of novels such as "Rendezvous with Rama" and collections like "The Collected Stories," he explored themes of space exploration and humanity's future. Knighted in 1998 for his contributions to literature and science, he spent much of his life in Sri Lanka, where he became an avid scuba diver and underwater photographer. Clarke's legacy endures in the continued popularity of his visionary ideas and their impact on both science fiction and real-world technology.

Hugo Claus was born in 1929 and emerged after World War II as one of Belgium's most celebrated writers. His novel "The Sorrow of Belgium" is regarded as a masterpiece of postwar Flemish literature, offering a deeply personal and historical portrait. Claus also wrote acclaimed plays such as "The Water Toad" and published numerous volumes of poetry that showcased his command of language and emotion. A talented painter and translator, he engaged with multiple art forms throughout his career. His bold exploration of sexuality, politics, and identity sparked both praise and controversy, reflecting the complexities of human experience. Claus received prestigious awards including the Ark Prize of the Free Word and the Prijs der Nederlandse Letteren, cementing his place in the literary canon.

Heather Robertson was a pioneering Canadian journalist and novelist whose career spanned over five decades. She began her reporting work at the Montreal Gazette and went on to host current affairs programs at CBC Radio. Her novels received critical acclaim for their nuanced portrayal of Canadian identity and social justice issues. She explored Indigenous rights, poverty, and cultural heritage with sensitivity and depth. As president of the Writers’ Union of Canada, she championed Canadian authors and freedom of expression. Her memoirs and essays further showcased her insightful prose and advocacy for marginalized communities. Robertson’s work continues to resonate as a vital part of Canada’s literary and journalistic legacy.