April 07

Allegedly born in 1606 and rumored to be the godson of William Shakespeare, Davenant emerged as a poet at court before turning to drama. He served as Poet Laureate after Ben Jonson’s death and supported the royalist cause during the English Civil War, enduring imprisonment. After the Restoration in 1660, he obtained a patent to form the Duke’s Company and innovated stage design with moveable scenery and musical elements. Davenant authored successful plays such as 'The Siege of Rhodes' and collaborated with John Dryden. His work laid the groundwork for modern English opera and theater. He died in 1668, leaving a lasting imprint on the performing arts.

Born in London in 1756, William Godwin emerged as a leading voice in political and literary circles. His 1793 work 'Enquiry Concerning Political Justice' argued for rationalism, individual liberty, and the abolition of government coercion. Godwin also wrote novels such as 'Caleb Williams', blending social critique with suspenseful storytelling. He served as editor of the influential Critical Review, shaping debates on literature and politics. Godwin married novelist Mary Wollstonecraft and was father to Mary Shelley, author of 'Frankenstein'. His ideas on anarchism and utilitarianism influenced thinkers like Percy Shelley and John Stuart Mill.

Born in Bridport, Dorset in 1762, William Lisle Bowles entered the clergy while nurturing his passion for poetry. His 1789 collection of sonnets garnered admiration from Romantic poets like Coleridge and Wordsworth for its emotional depth. Bowles’s lyrical style, focusing on nature and sentiment, marked a departure from 18th-century poetic conventions. He published criticisms and prose essays, engaging in literary debates that shaped early Romantic aesthetics. As vicar of Bremhill, he balanced pastoral duties with his creative pursuits, dedicating himself to community care. Bowles’s pioneering verse influenced generations of poets and secured his place in literary history.

Born in Diksmuide in 1803, Maria Doolaeghe wrote novels that captured the everyday experiences of Flemish villagers. Her works, often published in Dutch, explored themes of morality, religion, and social change during the Belgian uprising. She contributed to newspapers and literary journals, advocating for the recognition of Flemish culture and language. Doolaeghe's narrative style blended folk traditions with early realist techniques, appealing to a broad readership. Despite limited circulation beyond Belgium, her novels remain valued for their authentic depiction of rural society. She died in 1884, leaving behind a body of work that highlights the contributions of women writers to Belgian literary history.

Spyridon Samaras was born in 1861 on the Ionian island of Corfu and studied music across Europe. He composed over 60 operas, blending Italian verismo with Greek national themes in works like 'Mademoiselle de Belle-Isle.' His most enduring piece is the Olympic Hymn, premiered at the first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896. Samaras’s melodic style and dramatic orchestration made him a leading figure in European opera of his day. He returned to Greece in later life, teaching and promoting national music until his death in 1917.

Alexander Bogdanov was born in 1873 and trained as a medical doctor before embracing Marxist philosophy. A key figure in early Bolshevik circles, he helped develop revolutionary theory alongside Lenin. Bogdanov founded Tektology, an early framework for systems science that foreshadowed cybernetics. He authored the science fiction novel 'Red Star,' envisioning a utopian society on Mars. His experiments in blood transfusion and critiques of party orthodoxy led to his death in 1928, cementing his legacy as a multifaceted thinker.

Jovan Dučić (1871–1943) was a renowned Serbian poet and diplomat whose work is marked by refined lyricism and classical influence. After studying in Europe, he served in diplomatic posts in cities such as Bucharest and Washington, D.C., promoting Serbian culture abroad. His poetry collections, including "The Life of the Mountains," remain foundational in modern Serbian literature. Dučić’s style combined romantic imagery with philosophical introspection, earning him acclaim across the Balkans and beyond. He spent his final years in the United States, where he continued writing and supported the Serbian expatriate community.

Born in 1899 in Chicago, Norman Taurog began his career as a child actor before transitioning to directing silent short films in the 1920s. He earned acclaim with his direction of the film 'Skippy' (1931), becoming, at 32, the youngest director to win the Academy Award for Best Director. Over a prolific career, Taurog directed popular comedies and musicals starring icons like Elvis Presley, Peter Lorre, and Deanna Durbin. Known for his ability to blend humor with engaging storytelling and his keen sense of pacing, he became one of MGM's most reliable directors. Taurog continued working in film and television until his death in 1981, leaving behind a legacy of classic American entertainment.

Golo Mann was a leading German historian renowned for his analytical works on German and European history. A son of novelist Thomas Mann, he carved his own reputation with books like 'German History in the 19th and 20th Centuries.' Mann's scholarship combined rigorous research with engaging narrative style. He held academic positions at universities and frequently contributed to newspapers and journals. His perspectives on democracy and authoritarianism influenced post-war intellectual debates. Mann received numerous awards for his literary and scholarly contributions.

Cecile de Brunhoff was a French pianist and storyteller born in 1903 who originated the character Babar the Elephant. She first told the Babar stories to her children in 1931, and her husband Jean de Brunhoff illustrated them in a series of bestselling books. The Babar series has since been translated into dozens of languages and adapted into television programs and merchandise. Although she did not illustrate the books herself, her imaginative narratives laid the foundation for a beloved children's franchise. De Brunhoff lived to see her creation enchant generations of readers before her death in 2003.

Johnny Hart (1931–2007) began his cartooning career in the 1950s, initially working on comic book art before launching his own newspaper strip. In 1958 he introduced B.C., a prehistoric gag-a-day comic known for its sharp wit and minimalist style. Six years later he teamed with Brant Parker to create The Wizard of Id, satirizing medieval court life with enduring characters like the tyrannical king and his beleaguered wizard. His strips soon achieved global syndication, appearing in hundreds of newspapers and translated into multiple languages. Hart received the National Cartoonists Society's Reuben Award twice, recognizing both humor and advertising excellence. His pioneering work influenced generations of cartoonists, and his family-run syndicate continues publishing his creations posthumously.

Ludu Daw Amar (1915–2008) co-founded the influential Ludu Daily newspaper in 1946, using her platform to promote literacy, democracy, and social reform in post-independence Burma. A prolific writer, she authored novels, essays, and cultural studies that celebrated Myanmar’s rich heritage while critiquing social injustices. Throughout successive military regimes, she faced censorship, imprisonment, and exile, yet remained a steadfast advocate for press freedom and women’s rights. Her journalism blended rigorous reporting with humanistic storytelling, earning her the affectionate title 'Mother of Burmese Journalism.' Beyond her writings, Daw Amar mentored young journalists and activists, leaving a legacy of resilience and integrity. Her life and work continue to inspire movements for democracy and free expression in Myanmar.