April 05

Born near Rouen, Delavigne rose to fame with romantic and patriotic poems that captured the spirit of post-Napoleonic France. His plays blended poetic language with timely social commentary. During the July Revolution of 1830, his patriotic lyrics became anthems for the movement. Delavigne served as a member of the French Academy and influenced later Romantic writers. His blend of lyricism and political passion made him a key figure in France’s literary revival.

Prentice Mulford was an American humorist and essayist best known for his 'Idle Thoughts of an Idle Fellow' series and contributions to early New Thought philosophy. Born in 1834, he journeyed to California during the Gold Rush and began writing for local newspapers and magazines. Mulford's essays blended gentle humor with insights on optimism, human nature, and the power of positive thinking. He later published books on mental science, exploring the subconscious mind and its influence on daily life. His engaging style helped lay the groundwork for American self-help literature. Mulford spent his later years lecturing and writing in New York City until his death in 1891.

Frank Richard Stockton was an American author and humorist whose imaginative stories captivated 19th-century readers. Born in Philadelphia in 1834, he worked as an editor before writing for magazines like The Atlantic Monthly and Harper's Weekly. Stockton's tales often blended fantasy with moral and social commentary, exemplified by his famous unresolved ending in "The Lady, or the Tiger?". He also penned numerous children's fairy tales and novellas, showcasing his playful narrative style. Stockton's work influenced later writers of speculative fiction and remains studied for its originality and wit. He remained an active literary figure until his death in 1902.

Born in 1835 near Dolínek, Hálek rose to prominence with his lyrical collection "Večerní písně" (Evening Songs). As a leading figure of the Lumír circle, he edited magazines and fostered Czech literary culture. His writings, spanning poetry, drama, and criticism, helped standardize the Czech language and promote national identity. He authored plays and essays that reflected Romantic sensibilities and a deep appreciation of nature. Despite his early death in 1874, his influence endures in Czech literature and cultural history.

Born in 1837 into a baronet's family, Swinburne studied at Eton before forsaking formal education. He became a prominent member of the Pre-Raphaelite circle and a close friend of Alfred Tennyson. His dramatic works, notably "Atalanta in Calydon," and his controversial poems challenged social and moral norms. Awarded the Order of Merit late in life, he influenced the Decadent movement with his exploration of taboo subjects. Swinburne's mastery of meter and rich imagery secured his reputation as one of the 19th century's most daring poets.

Born into slavery in 1856, Washington rose to become one of the most prominent African-American educators of his time. As founder and principal of the Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute, he championed vocational training and self-help for Black Americans. Washington's 1901 speech at the Atlanta Exposition promoted racial reconciliation through economic progress, earning national acclaim. He authored several books, including his autobiography 'Up from Slavery', which remains a classic of American literature. His philosophies shaped early 20th-century discourse on race and education.

Baron Nikolaus zu Dohna-Schlodien joined the Imperial German Navy and rose to prominence as commander of the SMS Gneisenau, a commerce raider, during World War I. His naval campaigns in the Atlantic disrupted Allied shipping and earned him the Pour le Mérite. After the war, he authored detailed memoirs recounting his experiences at sea, which became valuable historical accounts of naval warfare. Dohna-Schlodien’s writings blended tactical insights with vivid storytelling. He remained active in naval circles until his death in 1956, remembered as one of Germany’s notable naval commanders.

Solange d'Ayen was the Duchess of Ayen and a prominent figure in French aristocracy and journalism. As a fashion editor for French Vogue, she captured the elegance of mid-20th century haute couture. Her insightful articles provided a window into Parisian high society and design innovations. She bridged the worlds of nobility and media, using her platform to shape public perceptions of style. Beyond her editorial work, she remained a celebrated patron of the arts until her passing.

Richard Eberhart (1904–2005) was a distinguished American poet whose career spanned over six decades. A Harvard graduate, he served in the US Navy during World War II, an experience that influenced his early work. His collection “Selected Poems” won the Pulitzer Prize in 1966 and he later received the National Book Award. Eberhart taught at Dartmouth College and the University of Washington, mentoring budding writers. His poetry often melded vivid natural imagery with profound philosophical themes. With over a dozen volumes of verse and essays, he left an enduring mark on American literature.

István Örkény was born in Budapest in 1912 and studied law before turning to writing. He served in the Hungarian army during World War II and later endured forced labor before beginning his literary career. Örkény’s works, such as the collection of one-minute stories 'One Minute Stories' and the play 'The Toth Family,' blend absurdity, satire, and deep humanism. His unique voice offered poignant commentary on the absurdities of totalitarianism and everyday life. Despite political censorship, he published numerous novels, plays, and essays, cementing his reputation as a leading figure in 20th-century Hungarian literature. Örkény passed away in 1979, and his work continues to be studied and performed worldwide.

Robert Bloch was born in 1917 in Chicago, Illinois. He became a prolific writer of horror, science fiction, and suspense over a career spanning six decades. His 1959 novel Psycho became a cultural phenomenon after Alfred Hitchcock adapted it into a landmark film. Bloch authored over 30 novels and numerous short stories, earning Hugo and Bram Stoker Awards. He worked in television and film, writing scripts for series like The Twilight Zone. Bloch's dark imagination and psychological depth influenced generations of horror writers. He passed away in 1994, leaving an enduring legacy in speculative fiction.

Arthur Hailey was born in 1920 in Luton, England. After serving in the Royal Air Force during World War II, he emigrated to Canada and began his writing career. Hailey became famous for meticulously researched commercial thrillers set in industries like aviation, hotels, and banking. His novel Airport sold over 30 million copies worldwide and was adapted into an Academy Award–nominated film. He published more than a dozen novels, each exploring the intricacies of modern institutions. Hailey's accessible style and attention to detail captivated global audiences. He died in 2004, leaving a legacy as one of the most successful commercial novelists of the 20th century.