April 28

Born in 1402 in Texcoco, Nezahualcoyotl inherited the throne in 1431 and presided over a golden age of legal reform and cultural achievement. He codified laws, commissioned aqueducts and temples, and forged alliances that strengthened the Triple Alliance of Tenochtitlan, Texcoco, and Tlacopan. An accomplished poet, he wrote profound verses in Nahuatl reflecting on the nature of life and the divine. His court became a center of learning and artistic expression in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica. Nezahualcoyotl’s intellectual and architectural legacy endures as one of the most enlightened rulers of his era.

Born in 1630 in Crook, Cornwall, Charles Cotton became a celebrated poet and lifelong angler who immortalized nature in his writings. He translated Michel de Montaigne’s essays into English and authored original poetry on rural life and sport. Cotton is best remembered for adding a second part to Izaak Walton’s The Compleat Angler, detailing fishing methods and reflections on the natural world. His works influenced pastoral literature and early natural history writing in England. He died in 1687, leaving a lasting legacy in both literary and recreational angling circles.

Karl Kraus was a towering figure in Austrian literature and journalism, founding the influential periodical Die Fackel in 1899. He earned acclaim for his sharp satire, linguistic precision, and fearless critiques of war, politics, and the press. Kraus’s essays and plays dissected the hypocrisies of Viennese society and exposed the propaganda of World War I. Although controversial, his work inspired debates on ethics, media responsibility, and the power of language. He engaged in public feuds with writers and politicians, demonstrating his commitment to intellectual rigor. Karl Kraus’s legacy endures as a model of incisive criticism and literary craftsmanship.

Na Hye-sok was one of Korea’s first female artists and a leading feminist voice during the Japanese colonial era. She published essays challenging traditional gender roles and became renowned for her vivid oil paintings and poetry. Na’s career peaked in the 1920s as she fought for women’s rights, marriage freedom, and educational opportunities. Her outspoken views sparked controversy, leading to social exile in later years. Despite personal hardships, her literary works and artworks endure as symbols of early modern Korean feminism and cultural transformation.

Tristan Tzara was a central figure in the Dada art movement, which he co-founded in Zurich during World War I as a radical break from conventional art and literature. His provocative performances, manifestos, and poems celebrated absurdity, chance, and anti-establishment ideals. Relocating to Paris, Tzara influenced Surrealism and collaborated with leading modernists. He published acclaimed poetry collections and critical essays that challenged artistic norms. Throughout his life, Tzara remained an ardent advocate for experimentation and political engagement in the arts.

Johan Borgen was a central figure in 20th-century Norwegian literature, best known for his autobiographical trilogy 'Lillelord' which explores identity and social norms. As a critic and journalist, he championed modernist trends and introduced readers to emerging writers. Borgen faced exile during World War II for his resistance activities but continued writing to inspire compatriots. His award-winning works blend sharp observation with lyrical prose, leaving an enduring mark on Scandinavian letters.

Sam Merwin Jr. began writing during the pulp magazine era, contributing to science fiction and fantasy publications. He served as editor for magazines like Startling Stories and Fantastic Adventures. Merwin co-authored mystery and adventure novels, showcasing versatile storytelling. His editorial work shaped early science fiction fandom and publishing standards. Merwin's novels and short stories influenced later generations of speculative fiction writers.

Lee Falk was a prolific writer and cartoonist who introduced The Phantom in 1936 and Mandrake the Magician in 1934. His imaginative storytelling set the template for modern superhero narratives in comics. Falk wrote scripts, produced stage adaptations, and oversaw comic strip art. His characters have endured in newspapers, comics, television, and film for decades. Falk's legacy is celebrated for pioneering the adventure genre in popular culture.

Michel Mohrt was born in Brest, France and developed a passion for literature and history from an early age. He served in World War II before embarking on a prolific writing career, producing novels, essays, and historical works. His deep explorations of maritime culture and French heritage earned him critical acclaim and several literary awards. In 1985, he was elected to the prestigious Académie française in recognition of his contributions to French letters. Mohrt also translated influential works into French, bridging cultural gaps between nations. His lucid prose and scholarly rigor made him a respected figure in both literary and academic circles. He died in 2011, leaving a rich legacy of thoughtful writing on history and human experience.

Rowland Evans Jr. was born in Washington, D.C., and enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War II. After the war, he embarked on a journalism career, writing for major publications like the Congressional Quarterly. He gained fame co-authoring the syndicated political column "Evans & Novak" with Robert Novak. The duo also co-hosted a television commentary show, bringing insightful analysis of U.S. politics to a broad audience. Evans was known for his clear writing style and deep understanding of governmental affairs. Throughout his life, he authored books on politics and maintained a reputation for fairness and integrity. He passed away in 2001, leaving a legacy as a pioneering voice in political commentary.

Simin Daneshvar was born in Shiraz and became the first major Iranian woman novelist. She earned a Ph.D. in literature from the University of Cambridge and returned to teach at the University of Tehran. Her 1969 novel "Savushun" (often translated as "Death of Yazdgerd") became a bestseller and a cornerstone of modern Persian literature. Daneshvar also translated numerous works from English to Persian, introducing global literature to Iranian readers. She served as a cultural bridge and mentor, influencing generations of writers and scholars. Throughout her career, she received several national and international awards for her literary contributions. She died in 2012, remembered as a trailblazer for women in Middle Eastern literature.

Carolyn Cassady was born in Lansing, Michigan, and became intimately connected to the Beat movement. She married Neal Cassady, the muse for Jack Kerouac's character Dean Moriarty in "On the Road." Her memoir "Off the Road" offers a vivid account of life among Beat icons such as Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg. Cassady's writings and personal correspondence provide unique insights into the creative processes of the era. She lectured widely on Beat literature and contributed essays to various literary journals. Her work helped preserve the history and spirit of the 1950s American counterculture. She died in 2013, celebrated for her candid storytelling and historical perspective.