March 20

Serving at the courts of Philip the Good and Charles the Bold, Chastellain documented Burgundian politics in elegant Latin prose. His works blend poetic flourish with historical narrative, offering insight into fifteenth-century chivalric culture. He is best known for his unfinished Grandes Chroniques de Bourgogne, which remain a valuable source on the Burgundian state. Chastellain’s poetry also reflects the ideals of courtly love and medieval honor, influencing later Renaissance writers. His meticulous approach to chronicling events set new standards for medieval historiography. Despite gaps in his surviving works, his legacy endures as a pioneering figure in both history and literature.

Born in Smyrna in 1780 to a British Levant Company family, Morier joined the diplomatic service and was stationed in Persia and other parts of the Ottoman Empire. Drawing on his experiences, he wrote “Adventures of Hajji Baba of Ispahan” (1824), which delightfully skewered cultural misunderstandings and became a bestseller across Europe. His vivid characters and satirical style influenced Western perceptions of the Middle East. Morier later served in diplomatic posts in Switzerland and Denmark, retiring in 1842. He died in 1849, leaving behind works that blend keen observation with lively storytelling.

Apollon Nikolayevich Maykov (1821-1897) was celebrated for his refined verse and dramatic works that drew on ancient mythology and Slavic folklore. Beginning his career with historical epics, he gained acclaim for lyrical poems praised for their elegance and depth. His dedication to classical forms and scholarly research distinguished his poetry in 19th-century Russia. Over his lifetime, Maykov published multiple collections that cemented his reputation as a leading literary figure. His influence endures through the poets and dramatists who followed his blend of intellectual rigor and poetic imagination.

Oskar Baum (1883-1941) was a Bohemian writer who wrote in German and was active in the Prague literary scene. He authored essays, fiction, and literary criticism exploring themes of identity and art. Baum engaged with fellow writers and intellectuals, contributing to the vibrant cultural milieu of early 20th-century Central Europe. His works reflected the tensions of his time, including the decline of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Though less known today, his writings offered insights into Bohemian life and artistic expression. Baum's legacy persists in studies of Central European literature and Jewish intellectual history.

Brendan Behan (1923-1964) was an Irish writer and playwright celebrated for his vivid depictions of Dublin’s working-class life. As a teenager, he joined the Irish Republican Army and was imprisoned in Mountjoy Jail, experiences that inspired his autobiographical work 'Borstal Boy.' Behan's plays, including 'The Quare Fellow' and 'An Giall,' are noted for their humor, authentic dialogue, and exploration of identity. Fluent in both English and Irish, he was a staunch advocate for Ireland’s cultural revival and political independence. His turbulent lifestyle, marked by heavy drinking and irreverent humor, contributed to his larger-than-life persona. Behan’s contributions to literature and theatre have left a lasting impact on Irish cultural history.

Born in 1889, Carl Theodor Dreyer is regarded as one of world cinema's most influential directors. He began his career in the silent era, writing and directing groundbreaking films that pushed cinematic boundaries. His masterpiece, 'The Passion of Joan of Arc' (1928), is celebrated for its intimate close-ups and emotional intensity. Throughout his career, Dreyer explored themes of faith, suffering, and human resilience in works like 'Day of Wrath' and 'Vampyr.' He transitioned to sound with films such as 'Ordet' (1955), which earned critical acclaim for its spiritual depth. Dreyer's minimalist style, meticulous framing, and focus on actors' performances continue to inspire filmmakers today. He passed away in 1968, leaving behind a legacy of visionary cinema that remains deeply influential.

Lewis Grizzard (1946-1994) gained fame as a newspaper columnist for The Atlanta Journal, where his sharp wit and distinctive Southern voice resonated with readers nationwide. Over his career, Grizzard wrote more than 30 books, blending humor, memoir, and social commentary. He often tackled topics such as family life, race relations, and cultural change with a mix of warmth and irreverence. Grizzard's humor tours sold out theaters across America, turning him into one of the country's most popular stand-up humorists. Despite occasional controversy over his candid style, his works remain classics of Southern humor writing. Grizzard's legacy endures in the American comics tradition and in the hearts of his devoted readership.

V. S. Pritchett (1900-1997) was an English author celebrated for his masterful short stories, essays, and literary criticism. His works often explored the subtleties of human nature, drawing on his experiences in France, Italy, and England. Pritchett served as the literary editor of The New Statesman and wrote biographies of figures such as Henry James and Charles Dickens. He won numerous awards, including the Benson Medal and the Royal Society of Literature's Gold Medal for distinguished writing. Over a career spanning more than six decades, he published volumes of fiction, essays, and memoirs that influenced generations of writers. His insightful observations and elegant prose continue to be admired by readers and critics alike.

Armand Lohikoski was born in 1912 in Wisconsin and later moved to Finland, where he forged a career in film. He directed and wrote the screenplays for over 30 Finnish feature films, often exploring comedy and drama. Lohikoski was known for his collaborative spirit and strong storytelling techniques. His films featured many of Finland's most popular actors of the time. He contributed significantly to the growth of Finnish cinema during the mid-20th century. Lohikoski's work remains influential to contemporary filmmakers in Finland.

Ai was born Florence Anthony in 1947 in Albany, New York, and later adopted her pen name for her poetry. She earned her BFA and MFA before becoming a university professor and visiting lecturer. Ai's work is celebrated for its intense, confessional style and exploration of identity and race. She published numerous collections, including 'Vice', 'Killing Floor', and 'Fever 103°'. Her poems won prestigious awards such as the Lenore Marshall Poetry Prize and a Guggenheim Fellowship. Ai influenced a generation of poets with her raw emotional honesty and innovative voice.

Born in 1955, Lincoln Hall was a passionate Australian mountaineer who tackled some of the world’s highest peaks. In 2006, he famously survived a near-fatal climb on Mount Everest, where he was left for dead at over 8,500 metres before being miraculously rescued. He authored several books, including Dead Lucky and White Limbo, offering gripping accounts of high-altitude challenges. Hall’s resilience and storytelling inspired climbers worldwide and raised awareness about safety in extreme environments. He continued to guide expeditions and lecture on mountaineering until his death in 2012.

Born in 1910 in Poland, Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg studied at leading European yeshivas before emigrating to the United States and then Israel. In 1965, he co-founded Yeshivat Torah Ore in Jerusalem, where he served as rosh yeshiva and guided thousands of students. Scheinberg authored several Torah commentaries and was respected for his piety, warmth, and generosity. He played a key role in revitalizing Orthodox Jewish education in the late 20th century. Rabbi Scheinberg continued to teach and inspire until his death in 2012 at the age of 101.