April 15

Claudius Salmasius was born in 1588 in Amiens, France, and became a leading philologist. He studied at the University of Leiden, producing influential commentaries on ancient authors. Salmasius’s expertise extended to biblical and ecclesiastical history, engaging in scholarly debates. His works on Thucydides and Aristotle set standards for textual criticism. Invited to teach at prominent European universities, he influenced generations of humanists. He died in 1653, leaving a rich legacy in classical scholarship.

Wilhelm Busch was born in 1832 in Wiedensahl, Germany, and trained in art and architecture. He gained fame with his serialized illustrated tales of 'Max and Moritz', first published in 1865, which influenced modern comics. Busch's sharp wit and satirical verse captured the foibles of human nature, combining text and images in innovative ways. Beyond 'Max and Moritz', he produced numerous poems, paintings, and caricatures that critiqued social norms. His work laid the groundwork for later cartoonists and graphic storytellers. Busch's legacy endures in German culture as a pioneer of picture storytelling and a master of humorous illustration.

Henry James was born in New York City in 1843 into a prominent American family. He spent much of his adult life in Europe, becoming a British citizen shortly before his death in 1916. James wrote over 20 novels, including enduring works such as 'The Portrait of a Lady' and 'The Turn of the Screw'. His narratives are celebrated for deep psychological insight, subtle character development, and innovative narrative techniques. Apart from fiction, he contributed influential literary criticism and essays on the art of the novel. James's transatlantic perspective and refined prose style profoundly shaped modern literature. He remains a central figure in the study of literary realism and the psychological novel.

Jean Moréas (1856-1910), born Ioannis Papadiamantopoulos, was a Greek poet and art critic who played a central role in founding French Symbolism. He moved to Paris and mingled with avant-garde writers, emphasizing musicality and mythic imagery in his work. In 1886, he published the "Symbolist Manifesto" in Le Figaro, defining the principles of the movement. His poetry collections such as "Stances" and "Poèmes et sonnets" were praised for their elegance and depth. As an art critic for publications like Le Figaro, he supported young artists and shaped public taste. His synthesis of Greek heritage and French literary innovation left a lasting mark on modern poetry.

Bliss Carman (1861-1929) was born in New Brunswick, Canada, and educated at the University of New Brunswick and Harvard University. He emerged as one of the Confederation Poets, alongside Charles G.D. Roberts and others, contributing to Canada's literary identity. His poetry collections, such as "Low Tide on Grand Pré" and "Behind the Arras", are noted for their musical language and romantic imagery. Carman also wrote plays and collaborated with composers to set his verses to music. He spent much of his career in the United States and the United Kingdom, gaining international recognition. His work influenced the development of modern Canadian poetry.

Robert Walser (1878-1956) was born in Biel, Switzerland, and worked as a copyist before becoming a celebrated author. His early works, including "Fritz Kocher's Essays", showcased his simple yet evocative style and subtle humor. Walser's novella "Jakob von Gunten" explores themes of individuality and social institutions with poetic restraint. He maintained friendships with literary figures like Franz Kafka and was admired by critics of Expressionism. Towards the end of his life, he suffered from mental illness and spent years in institutional care, writing quietly. Rediscovered in the 1970s, his work has since influenced modernist and minimalist literature worldwide.

Born in 1879, Melville Henry Cane combined a legal career with a passion for poetry. After graduating from Columbia Law School, he practiced law in New York City while publishing several volumes of lyrical poetry. He was a founding member of the Poetry Society of America and contributed essays and critiques to leading literary journals. His works often explored themes of nature, love, and the human condition. Cane continued writing into his centenarian years before passing away in 1980.

Born in 1886 in Kronstadt, Nikolay Gumilyov became a leading figure of the Russian Silver Age. He co-founded the Acmeist poetry movement, emphasizing clarity and craftsmanship in verse. Author of acclaimed collections such as 'The Pearls' and 'Quiver of Arrows,' Gumilyov also wrote influential literary critiques. Married to poet Anna Akhmatova, his life ended tragically when he was executed by the Cheka in 1921. His work remains celebrated for its vivid imagery and formal innovation.

Born in 1888, Maximilian Kronberger became part of the literary circle around Rainer Maria Rilke. Though his life and career were cut short by his premature death at age 15 in 1904, his friendship with Rilke influenced several poems and dedications. Kronberger's own writings, though limited, display a precocious sensitivity and depth. He remains a symbol of unrealized potential in German literature.

Born in Haarlem in 1892 into a devout Christian family, Ten Boom took over her father's watchmaking business. She and her sister Betsie turned their home into a secret refuge for Jews fleeing Nazi persecution. In 1944 they were arrested and deported to concentration camps, where Betsie died and Corrie survived. After the war she traveled the world as a speaker, sharing her testimony of faith and forgiveness. She authored the best-selling memoir "The Hiding Place", inspiring generations with her story. Ten Boom passed away in 1983 at the age of 91.

Helene Hanff began her career in New York bookstores and as a writer for newspapers and radio. Her love of British literature sparked a correspondence with Marks & Co. antiquarian booksellers in London, compiled in her bestselling book '84, Charing Cross Road' (1970). The memoir's witty, heartfelt letters chronicle her friendship with the shop staff over two decades. Hanff also penned essays, scripts for television and radio, and another memoir, 'The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street', recounting her 1977 visit to London. Despite modest means, she was a vibrant figure in Manhattan's literary scene. Hanff's warmth, wit, and devotion to books have made her work a beloved classic, adapted into stage plays and films.

Born in Jaipur, Hasrat Jaipuri wrote lyrics for over a hundred Bollywood films, crafting songs that became timeless hits. He collaborated closely with the composer duo Shankar-Jaikishan, contributing to iconic soundtracks of the 1950s and 1960s. His poetry blended romantic imagery with traditional Hindi and Urdu motifs, resonating deeply with audiences. Jaipuri won the Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist and was honored by peers for his literary contribution to Indian cinema. His work continues to influence lyricists and music lovers long after his death in 1999.