March 20

Ovid, born Publius Ovidius Naso, was a leading poet of the Augustan period. His work Metamorphoses is a mythological narrative in fifteen books that has influenced Western art and literature for centuries. He also authored the Amores and the Ars Amatoria, exploring themes of love and seduction. Exiled by Emperor Augustus to Tomis in AD 8, he spent his final years on the Black Sea coast. His style, wit, and innovative use of elegiac couplets marked a turning point in Latin poetry. Ovid’s legacy endures in countless adaptations across literature, painting, and music.

Anne Bradstreet emigrated from England to the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1630 with her husband and parents. Her 1650 collection, The Tenth Muse Lately Sprung Up in America, was the first volume of poetry published by a colonial American. Her work blends personal themes—family, faith, and loss—with reflections on the New World. Bradstreet navigated Puritan norms, finding subtle ways to express her intellect and emotions. She remains a pioneering figure in American literature and women’s writing. Her poems influenced later poets and continue to be studied for their historical and literary value.

Born in 1771 in Berlin under the pseudonym Heinrich Clauren. Wrote sentimental novels and short stories that were widely read during the Biedermeier period. His real name was Carl Gottlieb Samuel Heun, a jurist by training. Faced criticism and satirical attacks from contemporaries like E.T.A. Hoffmann. His works exemplify early 19th-century German popular literature. Died in 1854, his legacy remains as a window into Biedermeier society.

Born in 1799 in Österbotten, Finland (then part of Sweden). Studied at Uppsala University and embraced Romantic ideals. Authored lyrical poems and dramas reflecting nature and emotion. Contributed to the national literary revival in Sweden. Died prematurely in 1839, remembered for his delicate verse and Romantic sensibility.

Born in 1805 in Warwickshire, England. Became a leading figure in the Chartist movement advocating voting rights. Authored poems and political tracts championing social reform and workers' rights. Imprisoned multiple times for his activism and illegitimate election as MP. Emigrated to the United States in 1848 and continued his reform efforts. Served as a professor and wrote on history and political philosophy. Died in 1892, remembered as a passionate voice for democracy and labor rights.

Edward 'Ned Buntline' Judson was a pioneering 19th-century American writer and journalist. He authored sensational dime novels that enthralled readers with tales of the Wild West. Buntline is credited with promoting the legend of Buffalo Bill Cody, helping to launch modern Western folklore. As a publisher, he pushed the boundaries of popular literature and mass-market journalism. His adventurous life and literary flair made him a household name in Victorian America.

Henrik Ibsen was a groundbreaking 19th-century Norwegian playwright and poet whose works revolutionized theater. His plays, including 'A Doll's House' and 'Hedda Gabler,' challenged societal norms and explored complex human psychology. Ibsen's realistic dialogue and provocative themes made him a leading figure in modern drama. He also directed productions and influenced stagecraft in Europe. His legacy endures in theaters worldwide.

Börries von Münchhausen (1874–1945) co-founded the George-Kreis, a literary circle that brought together conservative writers and intellectuals. His poetry often celebrated German folklore, rural landscapes, and traditional values. Münchhausen supported nationalist cultural movements in the aftermath of World War I, influencing the artistic discourse of the time. Although his political affiliations later generated controversy, his work is still studied for its lyrical style and historical context. He remains a notable figure in Germany’s literary heritage.

Wertham emigrated from Germany to the U.S. in 1922 and earned his medical degree at Johns Hopkins University. He worked at the Louisville Marine Hospital before moving to New York to study juvenile delinquency. In 1954, he published 'Seduction of the Innocent,' arguing that comic books contributed to youth crime. His work prompted U.S. Senate hearings and led to the creation of the Comics Code Authority. While influential, his research methods have been criticized for lack of scientific rigor. Wertham continued to write on child psychology and social issues until his death in 1981.

Sheed moved from Australia to England in 1926, partnering with his wife Maisie Ward to launch Sheed & Ward. The press became renowned for publishing Catholic thinkers and converts during the interwar period. He authored classic works such as 'Theology and Sanity' and 'To Know Christ Jesus,' known for their clarity. A sought-after speaker, Sheed lectured across Europe and the United States on faith and reason. His writings and publishing efforts played a central role in the mid-century Catholic literary revival. Sheed's legacy endures through his accessible apologetic works and influence on Catholic education.

Burrhus Frederic Skinner was a pioneering figure in 20th-century psychology. He developed the theory of operant conditioning, demonstrating how reinforcement shapes behavior. Skinner's experimental work with the 'Skinner box' advanced the understanding of learning processes. He authored landmark books such as 'The Behavior of Organisms' and the utopian novel 'Walden Two.' His ideas sparked debates on free will, ethics, and the application of behavioral science. Skinner's work continues to influence psychology, education, and behavioral analysis today.

Hugh MacLennan was one of Canada's most celebrated literary figures of the 20th century. His novel 'Two Solitudes' explored the cultural divide between English and French Canada, winning the Governor General's Award in 1945. MacLennan's other acclaimed works include 'Barometer Rising' and 'The Watch That Ends the Night.' He taught English literature at institutions such as Mount Allison University and Queen's University. MacLennan's writings combined vivid storytelling with deep reflections on Canadian identity. He played a pivotal role in establishing a distinct Canadian voice in literature.