March 30

Born in 1592, François le Métel de Boisrobert joined Cardinal Richelieu's household and became one of his closest literary advisors. He composed verses, comedies, and religious dramas that were performed at court, showcasing his classical style. In 1634 he was among the first members appointed to the Académie Française, helping to standardize the French language. Boisrobert's works contributed to the development of French classical theatre and poetry. He continued writing and tutoring young authors until his death in 1662, leaving a legacy as a key figure in 17th-century literary circles.

Born in 1842 in Ernstthal, Germany, May overcame poverty and health challenges to pursue writing.\nHe created legendary characters like Winnetou and Kara Ben Nemsi in a series of popular novels.\nHis vivid depictions of Native American traditions and desert landscapes enthralled European readers.\nMay's works inspired countless adaptations, including films, radio plays, and comics.\nAlthough he never traveled to many of the exotic locales he described, his imagination was masterful.\nHis books sold millions of copies, making him one of Germany's best-selling authors.\nHe died in 1912, leaving a lasting impact on adventure literature and popular culture.

Edmund Clerihew Bentley was born in 1875 in London and educated at St Paul's School and Merton College, Oxford. He invented the four-line biographical verse known as the clerihew, combining humor with historical and literary subjects. His 1905 collection 'Biography for Beginners' popularized the clerihew and influenced generations of poets. Bentley also wrote detective novels, including 'Trent's Last Case,' which helped shape the modern mystery genre. His playful wit and innovative literary contributions continue to charm readers over a century later.

Daniil Andreyev was born in Moscow in 1906 and displayed early talent in poetry and prose. He endured years of exile and imprisonment under Soviet rule but continued to write mystical and allegorical works. His magnum opus, 'The Rose of the World,' envisioned a universal spiritual future uniting all faiths. Andreyev's poetry and diaries reveal a profound exploration of metaphysics, dreams, and human destiny. Posthumously published, his writings have inspired readers with their visionary scope and poetic intensity.

Nella Larsen was an influential figure of the Harlem Renaissance, celebrated for her nuanced exploration of race, gender, and identity. Born in 1891 to Danish West Indian and Danish American parents, she trained as a nurse in Chicago before devoting herself to writing. Her novels, including 'Quicksand' (1928) and 'Passing' (1929), received critical acclaim for their vivid portrayal of African American life. Through her work, she challenged societal norms and expectations, delving into the complexities of biracial identity. Although her writing career was brief, Larsen's contributions left a lasting impact on American literature and African American cultural history.

Jean Toomer was a key literary figure of the Harlem Renaissance, born in 1894. His groundbreaking work 'Cane' blended poetry, drama, and narrative, capturing the complexities of African American life in the rural South. Though his published output was limited, Toomer's lyrical prose and experimental style influenced writers and thinkers across racial boundaries. He later turned to spiritual pursuits, exploring Quakerism and Sufism in search of deeper meaning. Toomer's innovative fusion of form and content continues to be studied for its artistic and cultural significance. He passed away in 1967, leaving a brief but powerful literary legacy.

Julius Knogge, known under the pseudonym Peter Bamm, was trained as a medical doctor before dedicating himself to writing.\nHe traveled widely across Europe, Asia, and North Africa, turning his experiences into richly detailed travel essays.\nHis writing fused cultural observation with historical and medical insights, offering readers a multi-layered perspective.\nBamm's articles appeared in prominent German newspapers and journals, earning him recognition as a leading post-war author.\nHe published several books that remain valued for their eloquent prose and depth of research.\nThrough his unique blend of science and storytelling, he inspired later generations of travel and cultural writers.

Born in 1916 in Boston, Ciardi published his first poetry collection in 1942 and quickly gained recognition. He served as poetry editor for the Saturday Review and taught creative writing at several universities. Ciardi’s English verse translation of Dante’s Divine Comedy remains one of the most popular and accessible versions. He authored books on language and etymology, making the roots and usage of words engaging for a broad audience. Ciardi also hosted a children’s television program on poetry, inspiring young writers nationwide. His conversational style helped demystify poetry and language, leaving a lasting influence on American letters.

Hugh Falkus (1917-1996) was an English aviator and prolific author whose adventurous spirit defined his life and work. As a skilled pilot, he flew long-distance flights and participated in early air races, earning recognition for his daring missions. Falkus authored numerous books and articles on angling, aviation, and exploration, captivating readers with his storytelling and expertise. His broadcasting career further popularized angling techniques and outdoor adventure. Falkus's legacy endures through his contributions to literature and aviation history.

Anand Bakshi (1930-2002) was a prolific Indian poet and lyricist, credited with writing over 4,000 songs for Hindi cinema. His lyrical compositions captured a range of human emotions, from romance and joy to melancholy, becoming integral to the success of many iconic Bollywood movies. Bakshi's collaborations with leading composers and filmmakers spanned decades, earning him multiple awards and widespread recognition. His simple yet evocative writing style resonated with audiences across India. Bakshi's legacy endures in the enduring popularity of his memorable songs.

Born in Salford, England in 1908, Cooke moved to the United States in 1937 and joined The New York Times as a correspondent. He wrote a weekly column for over five decades, chronicling American life and politics. In 1946, he began broadcasting the BBC's 'Letter from America,' which became the longest-running speech radio program. From 1971 to 1992, he hosted PBS's Masterpiece Theatre, introducing British drama to American audiences. Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1973, he authored several books on transatlantic culture. Cooke's insightful storytelling and warm delivery made him a beloved figure until his death in New York City in 2004.

Born in Auckland in 1945, King developed a passion for New Zealand history from an early age. He authored numerous books, including 'The Penguin History of New Zealand' and biographies of Māori leaders. His book 'Moriori' brought attention to the history of the Chatham Islands' indigenous people. His work earned him national honors for his contributions to literature and historical research. He taught at universities and lectured on national identity and biculturalism. Through his writings, King fostered greater understanding of New Zealand's past until his death in 2004.