March 21

Sauval dedicated his life to chronicling the history and topography of Paris. His principal work, "Paris ancien et moderne," offered detailed accounts of the city's monuments and customs. He conducted extensive archival research to trace Paris from Roman origins to his present day. Although unpublished during his lifetime, his manuscripts influenced subsequent urban historians. Today, his work remains a vital source on 17th-century Parisian life and architecture.

Wodrow meticulously documented the history of the Scottish Covenanters in his seminal "Analecta." As a Presbyterian minister, he witnessed and recorded church trials and persecutions. He drew on personal letters, diaries, and official records to bring 17th-century Scotland to life. His commitment to accuracy and detail has made his writings indispensable for scholars. Wodrow’s legacy endures as a cornerstone of Scottish religious historiography.

Born in Bristol in 1774, Southey rose to fame with epic poems like "Madoc" and "Thalaba." He was appointed Poet Laureate in 1813, serving the Crown for nearly 40 years. Southey wrote biographies of notable figures including Admiral Nelson and Oliver Cromwell. His political writings evolved from radical youth to conservative establishment. He translated works from Spanish and Portuguese, enriching English literature before his death in 1843.

Born in New York City in 1923, Cyril M. Kornbluth was a pioneering science fiction writer and a member of the Futurians literary group. He served briefly as a soldier during World War II before focusing on his writing career. Kornbluth collaborated with Frederik Pohl on celebrated novels such as 'The Space Merchants' and 'The Marching Morons'. His works are noted for incisive critiques of consumer culture and human folly. Despite his untimely death at age 34, his influence endures in modern science fiction.

Born in 1911 in Ampfield, England, Awdry served as an Anglican curate before turning to writing for his young son’s enjoyment. In 1945, he published The Railway Series, introducing friendly locomotives like Edward, Henry, and the iconic Thomas. His charming stories combined detailed railway knowledge with gentle life lessons, captivating children worldwide. Awdry continued to write more than 26 books in the series and collaborated with his son Christopher on later volumes. His work laid the foundation for a global media franchise, including television adaptations, toys, and theme parks.

Born in 1905, Guitton studied philosophy and theology before becoming a professor and prolific writer. He authored over a hundred books exploring the relationship between philosophy, religion, and ethics. Guitton served as a theological advisor at the Second Vatican Council, shaping modern Catholic thought. In 1973, he was elected to the Académie Française, recognizing his contributions to French literature and philosophy. His work bridged academic scholarship and personal spirituality until his death in 1999.

Shivani emerged as a leading voice in Hindi literature through her evocative short stories that captured the nuances of Indian social and cultural life. Writing under her pen name, she brought depth to everyday experiences and gave voice to rural communities and women's perspectives. Over her five-decade career, she published numerous collections and contributed scripts to radio and television, broadening her influence. She received national honors for her contributions to literature and became one of the first women writers in Hindi to gain widespread readership. Today, her work continues to be anthologized and studied for its empathy, narrative clarity, and cultural insight.

Drew Hayes emerged in the 1990s as an influential independent comics creator with his dark fantasy series 'Poison Elves.' He wrote, illustrated, and self-published the work through his own imprint, building a devoted fanbase. Hayes's distinctive art style and mature storytelling set his work apart and paved the way for indie comics creators. His series was later picked up by larger publishers, expanding its reach. Despite his untimely death at the age of 38, Hayes's legacy endures through his contributions to alternative comics and the inspiration he provided to emerging artists and writers in the medium.

Robert Fuest began his career as a production designer for British television before transitioning to film direction in the late 1960s. His breakthrough came with the cult horror hit The Abominable Dr. Phibes (1971), showcasing his flair for gothic visuals and dark humor. He followed it with its sequel, Dr. Phibes Rises Again, and later explored surreal science fiction in The Final Programme. Fuest's background in production design lent his films a distinctive visual style marked by meticulous set pieces and striking color palettes. In addition to directing, he wrote several screenplays, demonstrating versatility across genres. He passed away on March 21, 2012, leaving behind a legacy of inventive filmmaking that inspired subsequent horror auteurs.

Tonino Guerra began his literary career publishing poetry in post-war Italy before entering the film industry. He earned acclaim for his collaborations with Michelangelo Antonioni on films such as L'Avventura and Blow-Up, infusing scripts with lyrical imagery and existential depth. His partnership with Federico Fellini produced masterpieces like Amarcord, blending nostalgia and fantasy. Guerra also worked with Andrei Tarkovsky on the introspective Nostalghia, showcasing his adaptability to diverse directorial visions. Beyond film, he published numerous volumes of poetry that reflected his roots in Romagna folklore. His contributions were recognized with awards at major festivals, including a Silver Bear for Lifetime Achievement. He died on March 21, 2012, leaving a profound impact on international cinema and literature.

Chinua Achebe published Things Fall Apart in 1958, offering a groundbreaking portrayal of precolonial Igbo society and the impacts of European colonization. Hailed as the father of modern African literature, he blended oral storytelling traditions with incisive social critique. Over his career, Achebe authored several novels, essays, and critical works addressing postcolonial identity, cultural conflict, and literary theory. He served as a professor at the University of Nigeria and later at Bard College, mentoring a new generation of writers. Achebe’s influence extended beyond fiction; he was a vocal advocate for political stability and cultural preservation in Africa. His honors included the Man Booker International Prize and numerous honorary degrees. He died on March 21, 2013, leaving an enduring legacy that reshaped global perceptions of African narratives.

Rick Hautala began writing horror fiction in the 1970s, quickly gaining attention for his atmospheric storytelling and vivid characters. His debut novel, The Ghost Watcher, set the tone for a career exploring ghosts, curses, and the American gothic tradition. Hautala authored over 50 novels and numerous short stories, many of which became staples in horror anthologies. He also wrote teleplays for television movies, bringing his macabre vision to a wider audience. As a member of the Horror Writers Association, he mentored emerging authors and championed genre diversity. His work has been translated into multiple languages, earning him an international fanbase. He passed away on March 21, 2013, remembered for his ability to blend suspense, emotion, and the supernatural.