April 13

Rabutin was born into French aristocracy and served in the Thirty Years' War. He gained fame for his witty letters and the satirical work 'Histoire amoureuse des Gaules'. Offended by his frank observations of court life, he was exiled from King Louis XIV's court. During his exile, he continued to write memoirs and historical accounts of notable figures. His works offer a vivid portrait of 17th-century French society and its intrigues.

Born in Dromore, Ireland, in 1729, Thomas Percy studied at Cambridge and was ordained in the Church of England. He served as chaplain to King George III and later became Bishop of Dromore. In 1765, he published the "Reliques of Ancient English Poetry," a pioneering anthology of medieval ballads. This work inspired poets such as Wordsworth and Coleridge and fueled interest in folklore. Percy's blend of scholarship and poetic sensibility made him a key figure in 18th-century literary revival. He continued to collect and edit manuscripts until his death in 1811.

Born in Ambato, Ecuador, Juan Montalvo rose to prominence through his incisive essays and political pamphlets that challenged authoritarian rule. His most famous work, Las Catilinarias, attacked the regime of Juan José Flores and inspired liberal movements across Latin America. Exiled multiple times, Montalvo continued writing from Europe, serving as a diplomat while championing freedom of speech. His eloquent style and fearless denunciations made him a symbol of intellectual resistance. Montalvo's legacy endures as a foundational figure in Ecuadorian literature and political thought.

Born in 1872, Alexander Roda Roda began his career in journalism and quickly distinguished himself with wit and insight. He published essays, novels, and plays that explored social and political themes through satire. As a war correspondent during the Balkan Wars and World War I, he reported with sharp observations and dark humor. His works resonated across Europe, earning him a prominent place in literary circles. He died in 1945, leaving behind a diverse body of work that continues to be celebrated.

Herbert Yardley (1889–1958) was a pioneering American cryptologist often called the “Father of American Cryptology.” He headed the U.S. Army’s first codebreaking unit, the Black Chamber, establishing methods for intercepting and deciphering foreign communications. In 1931, he published “The American Black Chamber,” revealing U.S. intelligence secrets and igniting debate over government transparency. Yardley’s work laid the foundation for modern signals intelligence and influenced cryptographic practices worldwide. Beyond cryptology, he was a best-selling author whose writings brought codebreaking to public attention.

Nella Larsen (1891–1964) was an influential writer of the Harlem Renaissance known for exploring themes of race and identity. Born to a Danish mother and African American father, she trained as a nurse and worked as a librarian before turning to fiction. Her acclaimed novels include “Quicksand” (1928) and “Passing” (1929), praised for their psychological depth. Larsen’s nuanced portrayal of mixed heritage and societal pressures remains studied in African American literature. Despite a short literary career, her groundbreaking work continues to resonate with readers and scholars.

Born into the influential Rothschild banking family in 1902. He pursued a career as a Grand Prix driver, competing across Europe in the 1920s. An accomplished playwright, he authored notable stage works that reflected his aristocratic wit. He later transitioned into producing, overseeing theatrical productions and radio programs. Philippe de Rothschild's multifaceted talents left a lasting mark on motorsport and the arts.

Marguerite Henry was born in 1902 and became a celebrated American author. She specialized in children's literature, especially stories centered on horses and young riders. Her novel 'Misty of Chincoteague' won the Newbery Medal and remains a beloved classic. Over her career, she published over 60 books, inspiring generations of readers. Henry's vivid storytelling and deep affection for animals earned her enduring fame.

Samuel Beckett was born in Dublin in 1906 and became a towering figure in modern literature. He wrote in both English and French, pioneering the Theatre of the Absurd with works like 'Waiting for Godot.' Beckett's minimalist style and existential themes revolutionized drama and prose. In 1969, he received the Nobel Prize in Literature for his profound and innovative contributions. His influence endures in theater, poetry, and philosophical thought around the world.

Eudora Welty was born in 1909 in Mississippi and became one of America's most acclaimed writers. Her work offered vivid, empathetic portraits of life in the Southern United States. Welty received the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1973 for her novel 'The Optimist's Daughter.' She was also a pioneering photographer, documenting the American South during the Great Depression. Her rich storytelling and deep sense of place continue to influence writers worldwide.

Orhan Veli Kanık (1914–1950) revolutionized Turkish poetry by co-founding the Garip movement, advocating for simplicity and everyday language in verse. Rejecting traditional Ottoman poetic forms, he and his colleagues published groundbreaking collections that blended humor, irony, and the vernacular. His notable works, such as “Garip” and “Destan Gibi,” remain staples of modern Turkish literature. Despite his brief life, Kanık’s influence endures, inspiring generations of poets to explore new poetic freedoms.