March 26

Born into a distinguished scholarly family, Michizane rose to high office as a court official in 9th-century Japan. He excelled in Chinese-style poetry and scholarship, earning the respect of Emperor Uda. Political rivals, however, orchestrated his exile to Kyushu, where he died in 903. After his death, disasters in the capital were attributed to his wrathful spirit, leading to his deification as Tenjin, the Shinto deity of scholarship. Michizane's poetry, known for its emotional depth and elegance, continues to be celebrated in Japanese literature. Today, students pray at Tenmangu shrines for academic success, honoring his enduring influence on education and culture.

Daughter of the Umayyad caliph al-Mustakfi of Córdoba, Wallada broke societal norms by hosting a renowned poetic salon in the early 11th century. Her verse, notable for its frank expression of love and independence, challenged contemporary conventions. She famously exchanged poetic duels with the celebrated poet Ibn Zaydun, fueling one of medieval Iberia's most storied literary romances. Wallada dressed in transparent silk, declaring her autonomy and defiance of restrictive gender roles. After the fall of Córdoba's caliphate, she continued to write and support fellow poets. Her daring life and works remain a symbol of female intellectual agency in Islamic Spain. Wallada's poetry survives as a rare testament to women's voices in medieval Arabic literature.

Giambattista Marini, born in 1569, emerged as a leading figure of Italian Baroque letters. His epic poem Adone, published in 1623, garnered acclaim for its rich imagery and ornate language. Marini's style, later dubbed Marinism, embraced wit, extravagance, and sensual detail, challenging classical norms. He served as court poet for Italian nobility and was a member of literary academies in Rome and Naples. Marini's innovations left a lasting mark on 17th-century poetry and inspired authors across Europe.

Born in 1621, Johannes Schefferus became a professor of eloquence at Uppsala University and earned renown for his scholarly works. His 1673 book Lapponia offered one of the first comprehensive accounts of Sami culture and northern European geography. Schefferus wrote extensively on rhetoric, classical history, and Swedish antiquities, contributing to the Scandinavian humanist tradition. He headed the Swedish royal library and was a member of the Swedish Academy of Sciences. His meticulous research and engaging prose advanced European knowledge of the North and inspired later ethnographic studies.

Born in 1664, Sir John Vanbrugh began his career as a dramatist, writing comedies such as The Relapse and The Provoked Wife. Lacking formal training, he later turned to architecture and secured the commissions for Castle Howard and Blenheim Palace, landmarks of the English Baroque. Vanbrugh's bold, monumental style combined dramatic massing with ornate detail, influencing country-house design across Britain. In partnership with Nicholas Hawksmoor, he created some of England's most celebrated stately homes. Vanbrugh's dual contributions to theatre and architecture mark him as a uniquely versatile figure of his age.

Born in 1704, Charles Pinot Duclos rose from modest origins to become a member of the Académie Française in 1745. He penned novels, memoirs, and historical studies characterized by wit and keen observation of court life. In 1757, Duclos was appointed lieutenant general of police in Paris, where he reformed censorship and maintained public order. His correspondence and memoirs offer vivid insights into the social and political milieu of Louis XV’s France. Duclos's blend of literary talent and administrative skill made him a notable figure of the French Enlightenment, influencing both historians and novelists.

Walt Whitman was an American poet, essayist, and journalist. Often called the father of free verse, he changed the course of poetry. His seminal collection 'Leaves of Grass' was first published in 1855 and expanded throughout his life. Whitman's work celebrated individuality, democracy, human rights, and the American landscape. He served as a nurse during the American Civil War, drawing on his experiences in poems and essays. His candid and expansive style influenced generations of writers and remains celebrated worldwide. He died in 1892 at age 72, leaving behind a legacy of innovation in literature.

Carolyn Wells was an American novelist and poet who gained popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She wrote a range of works including detective stories, light verse, and children's books that delighted readers of all ages. Wells was celebrated for her engaging plots, playful language, and memorable characters. She also edited poetry anthologies and contributed regularly to leading magazines of her time. Over her career, she produced a large body of work that entertained a broad readership. Her influence can be seen in the development of early American mystery fiction.

Max Ophüls was a German-born director and screenwriter celebrated for his fluid camera movements and sophisticated romantic dramas. He began his career in the German film industry before fleeing the rise of Nazism and working in France and Hollywood. Ophüls’s signature style featured elaborate tracking shots, graceful camera choreography, and nuanced portrayals of human relationships. His notable films include Letter from an Unknown Woman, The Earrings of Madame de..., and Lola Montès, each admired for their visual elegance. Despite working under challenging conditions, he maintained artistic integrity and influenced future generations of filmmakers. He passed away in 1957, leaving a legacy as one of the most stylistically distinct directors of his era.

Raymond Chandler (1888–1959) was a celebrated American writer whose novels defined the hard-boiled detective genre. He created the legendary private eye Philip Marlowe, who stars in classics such as The Big Sleep and Farewell, My Lovely. After working in the oil industry and serving in World War I, Chandler turned to writing, producing a distinctive blend of gritty urban atmosphere and sharp, witty dialogue. In Hollywood, he made his mark as a screenwriter on film noir masterpieces, including Double Indemnity and Playback. His elegant prose and complex characters continue to influence crime fiction and cinema.

Cyril Hume was an American author who transitioned to screenwriting in the 1930s, crafting scripts for major studios. He applied his literary skills to the silver screen, writing films across genres from drama to adventure. Hume’s work contributed to Hollywood’s golden age, with scripts that showcased his flair for dialogue and narrative pacing. Prior to his Hollywood career, he published several novels reflecting his keen insight into human relationships. His blend of storytelling and cinematic vision earned him a respected place among mid-century screenplay writers.

John Kennedy Toole was an American writer whose darkly comic novel A Confederacy of Dunces became a cult classic after its posthumous publication in 1980 and won the Pulitzer Prize in 1981. Born in New Orleans, he struggled to find a publisher during his lifetime despite writing passionately. His mother’s persistence led to the novel’s release, securing his posthumous fame. Toole’s work is celebrated for its vivid characters, Southern Gothic humor, and satirical portrayal of society. His tragic death at age 31 cut short a promising literary career, but his influence endures through this singular masterpiece.