March 26

Born in Avignon in 1829, Aubanel grew up immersed in Provençal language and traditions. He co-founded the Félibrige association to revive Occitan literature and culture. His lyrical poems celebrated the landscapes, festivals, and folklore of Provence. Major works include "Li Fiho d'Avignoun" and "La Miougrano entreduberto", which remain classics of regional poetry. Aubanel’s writing played a crucial role in restoring regional identity and pride in 19th-century France. He influenced later writers and helped spark a wider interest in minority languages and cultures. He died in 1886, leaving a rich legacy in Occitan literature.

Born in Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts, in 1850, Bellamy studied law before turning to writing and social reform. In 1888, he published the utopian novel "Looking Backward: 2000–1887", which became an international bestseller. The book imagined a cooperative, industrially efficient society without poverty or class distinctions. Bellamy’s vision inspired the formation of "Bellamy Clubs" advocating nationalization and economic equality. He authored essays on labor rights, progressive politics, and democratic social organization. Although he died in 1898, his ideas significantly influenced American progressivism and later social movements.

Born Charles-Albert Bourges in Nantes in 1852, he adopted the pen name Élémir Bourges. He became a prominent figure in the Symbolist movement, contributing to literary journals and salons. His early novel "Pastels et aquarelles" (1882) explored inner consciousness through poetic, dreamlike prose. Bourges served as a critic and essayist, championing artistic innovation and modernist experimentation. In 1903, he was elected to the Académie Goncourt, recognizing his influence on French literature. He continued writing plays, essays, and novels that shaped the trajectory of 20th-century French letters. He died in 1925, remembered for his refined style and intellectual depth.

Born in 1859, Alfred Edward Housman gained fame for his evocative and melancholic poetry. His work 'A Shropshire Lad' resonated with readers through its themes of rural life and youthful longing. Housman also excelled as a classical scholar, producing authoritative editions of Latin texts such as Manilius and Lucan. He held the Professorship of Latin at University College London. Housman’s precise scholarship and poetic vision have made him a lasting figure in both literature and academia.

Born in 1874, Robert Frost became one of the most celebrated American poets of the 20th century. He won four Pulitzer Prizes and received national acclaim for poems such as 'The Road Not Taken' and 'Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening'. Frost’s work combines deep philosophical themes with accessible language rooted in rural landscapes. He also wrote plays and lectured widely, influencing generations of writers and readers. Frost’s legacy endures through his profound impact on American literature.

Born in 1904 in New York, Joseph Campbell became one of the foremost scholars of myth and comparative religion. His groundbreaking book “The Hero with a Thousand Faces” introduced the concept of the monomyth and explored universal archetypes across cultures. Campbell’s lectures and writings delved into the psychological and spiritual dimensions of myth, influencing artists, writers, and filmmakers worldwide. He collaborated with director George Lucas and popularized his ideas through the “Power of Myth” series with Bill Moyers. Campbell taught at Sarah Lawrence College and continued to inspire creative thinkers until his death in 1987. His legacy endures in literature, film, and cultural studies.

Mona Williams (1905–1991) was an American author celebrated for her novels, short stories, and poetry that blended realism with poetic insight. Her works often focused on domestic and social themes, portraying characters with depth and sensitivity. Williams' debut novel gained critical acclaim for its vivid descriptions and nuanced character studies. She published several poetry collections that showcased her mastery of language and form. Beyond writing, she taught creative writing workshops and mentored aspiring authors. Williams' contributions continue to influence American literary circles and readers who appreciate evocative storytelling.

Mahadevi Varma was a leading figure in the Chhayavad movement of Hindi literature, renowned for her deeply lyrical and emotive poetry. She authored several influential collections such as 'Nihar' and 'Yama', exploring themes of love, nature, and social reform. Beyond her literary achievements, she was an outspoken advocate for women's rights and education in India. In 1969, Varma became the first woman to serve as Vice-Chancellor of Lucknow University, breaking new ground in academia. Her contributions earned her prestigious honors like the Sahitya Akademi Award and the Padma Bhushan. Her legacy endures as a pioneer who fused artistic expression with social activism.

Tennessee Williams emerged as a leading voice in American theater with his poignant explorations of human fragility and desire. Born in 1911 in Mississippi, he drew upon his Southern roots to craft plays like 'The Glass Menagerie' and the Pulitzer Prize-winning 'A Streetcar Named Desire'. His 1955 play 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof' earned him a second Pulitzer Prize. Williams's lyrical dialogue and complex characters influenced generations of dramatists and filmmakers. Despite personal struggles with depression and addiction, he produced a prolific body of work before his death in 1983.

Hwang Sun-won (1915-2000) was a Korean writer renowned for his novels, short stories, and poems that explore ordinary lives. Born in what is now North Korea, his work often depicts rural settings and the emotional depth of everyday people. His acclaimed short story Cranes is studied widely for its lyrical prose and humanistic themes. Throughout his career, Hwang’s writing bridged cultural and ideological divides, earning him respect on both sides of the peninsula. He also served as a professor and editor, contributing to the development of modern Korean literature. Hwang’s literary legacy endures through translations and continued study of his works worldwide.

Sterling Hayden (1916-1986) was an American actor celebrated for his imposing screen presence and diverse roles. He starred in films such as The Godfather, 'Dr. Strangelove', and The Asphalt Jungle, leaving a memorable mark on cinema. Hayden led an extraordinary life, serving in the OSS during World War II and pursuing an adventurous spirit. He authored two books, including his autobiography Wanderer, detailing his experiences in film and wartime. Known for his distinctive baritone voice and rugged charm, Hayden became a cult figure among filmmakers. His complex persona and body of work continue to intrigue fans and scholars of classic Hollywood.

Born on March 26, 1930, in New York City, Gregory Corso became a central figure of the Beat Generation. His debut collection, "Gasoline" (1958), showcased his freewheeling style and inventive language. After meeting Allen Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac, he joined their circle in Greenwich Village during the 1950s. Corso's works, including "The Happy Birthday of Death" and "Elegiac Feelings American," blended personal confession with surreal imagery. He lectured at universities worldwide, influencing generations of writers with his wit and poetic innovation. He passed away in 2001, leaving a lasting imprint on American countercultural literature.