March 28

Born in 1488 in Adelboden, Glarean studied at the universities of Cologne and Pavia. He served as a scholar and educator before publishing his groundbreaking treatise Dodecachordon in 1547, which expanded the system of musical modes from eight to twelve. Glarean was also a poet, writing Latin verses and contributing to humanist scholarship. His work influenced composers and theorists by incorporating Greek and medieval modal theory into contemporary practice. He held academic positions in Basel and engaged with leading intellectuals of the Reformation era. Glarean’s dual talents in poetry and music theory marked him as a key figure of the northern Renaissance.

Born in 1596 in The Hague, Huygens was a polymath at the heart of the Dutch Golden Age. He served as a diplomat and secretary to Stadtholder Frederick Henry, traveling across Europe. A fluent writer in Latin, Dutch, French, and English, he composed poetry acclaimed for its elegance and wit. He also wrote melodies and lute songs, leaving a musical legacy that complemented his literary work. As a patron of the arts, he maintained a celebrated literary salon that brought together poets, scientists, and philosophers. His influence extended to the next generation through his son, the renowned scientist Christiaan Huygens.

Magdalene Thoresen (1819–1903) was a Norwegian-born author who became a leading figure in Danish and Norwegian literature. She wrote novels, short stories, and plays that explored romantic and social themes of the 19th century. Thoresen’s home in Copenhagen became a vibrant salon, attracting writers and artists, including her son-in-law Henrik Ibsen. Her literary work was praised for its vivid characterizations and rich descriptions of Nordic life. Thoresen’s contributions helped lay the groundwork for the Scandinavian literary renaissance.

James Strachan-Davidson (1843–1916) was a distinguished classical scholar and administrator at the University of Oxford, serving as President of Corpus Christi College. He published critical editions and translations of ancient Greek texts, making classical literature more accessible to students and scholars. Strachan-Davidson was known for his rigorous scholarship and commitment to academic reform. He also wrote on ancient political theory, bridging classical studies with modern concerns. His legacy endures in the field of classical philology and the institutions he guided.

Katharine Lee Bates (1859–1929) was an American poet and professor who penned the lyrics to America the Beautiful following a visit to Pikes Peak. As a lecturer at Wellesley College, she wrote extensively on travel, religion, and social reform. Bates published volumes of poetry and essays that reflected her deep appreciation of nature and commitment to social justice. Her hymn-like poem was later set to music, becoming one of the nation’s most beloved patriotic anthems. Bates’s writing continues to inspire through its lyrical beauty and ideals of unity.

Born in 1882 into a prominent London family, Virginia Woolf became a central figure of the Bloomsbury Group, a circle of writers and artists. She published groundbreaking novels such as "Mrs Dalloway" (1925) and "To the Lighthouse" (1927), employing stream-of-consciousness narration to explore consciousness and time. Woolf's 1929 essay "A Room of One's Own" remains a foundational text in feminist literary criticism. Despite her literary success, she struggled with mental health throughout her life, which influenced the depth and introspection of her work. In 1941, facing deteriorating condition and the threat of another war, she tragically took her own life. Woolf's innovative style and feminist voice continue to inspire writers and scholars worldwide.

Born in 1910 in Orihuela, Spain, Miguel Hernández began writing poetry as a teenager, publishing his first collection in 1933. He joined the Republican side during the Spanish Civil War and his poetry reflected themes of struggle, solidarity, and hope. Hernández's notable works include the play "Los hijos de la piedra" and the poetry collection "El rayo que no cesa". After the war, he was imprisoned for his political beliefs and wrote some of his most poignant poems during incarceration. His health declined in prison due to harsh conditions, and he died of tuberculosis in 1942 at the age of 31. Hernández's passionate verse remains influential in Spanish literature and continues to be widely read and studied.

Born in 1869 in England and raised in Canada, Stephen Leacock studied at McGill University and the University of Chicago before becoming a professor of political science at the University of Toronto. His academic work in economics and politics was widely respected, but he gained international fame for his humorous writings. Leacock's best-known work, "Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town" (1912), satirized small-town life with warmth and wit. He wrote over 30 books, including collections of essays and novels, and was president of the Royal Society of Canada. Leacock's clear prose and comedic talent influenced generations of writers. He passed away in 1944, leaving a legacy as a pioneer of Canadian literature and humor.

Hugo Wast was an Argentine writer born as Gustavo Adolfo Martínez Zuviría in 1883. He wrote novels, essays, and articles often reflecting Catholic values and conservative views. His popular works include 'Oro' and 'Raza', which sparked cultural and political debates. Wast served as director of the National Library of Argentina from 1931 to 1955. He also engaged in politics as a member of various cultural institutions. His literary legacy remains influential in 20th-century Argentine literature.

Clemence Dane was the pen name of English author Winifred Ashton, born in 1888. She won the James Tait Black Prize in 1930 for her novel 'Broome Stages'. Dane wrote plays, novels, and poetry, often exploring human psychology and social issues. She collaborated on the screenplay for Alfred Hitchcock's 'The Man Who Knew Too Much' in 1934. Her works enjoyed popularity in the interwar period, balancing critical acclaim with commercial success. Dane's legacy includes contributions to both literature and film.

Eugène Ionesco (1909–1994) was a pioneering playwright whose works defined the Theatre of the Absurd. His plays like 'The Bald Soprano' and 'Rhinoceros' satirize language, social conventions, and existentialism. Ionesco's sharp wit and playful dialogue challenged traditional theatrical forms. He also worked as a critic, essayist, and professor of comparative literature. Ionesco received international acclaim and won prizes such as the Jerusalem Prize. His influence endures in contemporary drama and avant-garde theater traditions.

Born in London in 1905, Anthony Powell studied at Oxford before serving in the British Army during World War II. His magnum opus, A Dance to the Music of Time, was published between 1951 and 1975 and is acclaimed for its complex portrayal of society. He received the James Tait Black Memorial Prize and was knighted in 1974 for his contributions to literature. Besides his signature series, Powell wrote essays and memoirs reflecting on his wartime experiences. He remained a towering figure in 20th-century English literature until his death in 2000.