April 28

Born in 1773 in Berlin, Ludwig Tieck became one of the founding figures of German Romantic literature. He wrote innovative fairy tales, novels, and plays that blended folk traditions with philosophical depth. Tieck's works, such as 'Der blonde Eckbert' and 'Franz Sternbalds Wanderungen,' captured the imaginations of readers with their lyrical style. He also edited the literary journal 'Phöbus' and translated English Romantic works into German. As a critic and literary historian, Tieck championed the moral and aesthetic ideals of Romanticism. His influence extended across Europe and helped shape the course of 19th-century literature.

Richard Hughes was an American novelist, short story writer, and poet. His literary career spanned several decades, during which he published novels, essays, and volumes of poetry. Hughes' work often explored themes of human nature, ethics, and the complexities of modern life. His poems were praised for their lyrical quality and philosophical depth. He contributed to prominent literary journals and influenced contemporary writers. Although less widely known today, his novels enjoyed critical acclaim during his lifetime. Hughes' writings continue to be studied for their elegant prose and insightful observations.

Berton Roueché was born in 1910 and became a pioneering medical writer for The New Yorker. He authored the 'Annals of Medicine' column, captivating readers with real-life medical detective stories that combined deep research with vivid narrative. His collections, including 'Eleven Blue Men' and 'The Deadly Feast,' brought attention to rare diseases and public health challenges. Roueché's narrative style influenced generations of medical writers and inspired popular medical dramas on television. Over a career spanning more than four decades, he raised public awareness of epidemiology through engaging storytelling. He is celebrated as a legend in medical journalism whose work continues to guide science communicators.

Born in 1908, Ann Petry emerged as a prominent voice in American literature during the mid-20th century. Her debut novel The Street (1946) broke barriers as the first novel by an African-American woman to sell over a million copies. Petry's works, including Country Place and The Narrows, explored themes of race, gender, and social inequality. A former pharmacist, she brought a unique perspective to her storytelling, blending sharp social commentary with compelling characters. Her short stories and essays were featured in leading publications of her time. Petry's pioneering success opened doors for generations of African-American writers and cemented her legacy in American letters.

Jerome Bixby was born in 1923 and became a celebrated figure in American science fiction. He wrote the short story It's a Good Life, which became a landmark episode of The Twilight Zone. Bixby penned the screenplay for the 1966 film Fantastic Voyage, influencing the development of science fiction cinema. His original story for The Man from Earth later inspired a cult classic philosophical film. Over his career, he contributed dozens of stories to magazines, comic books, and television series. Bixby's imaginative storytelling blended scientific ideas with human drama, leaving a lasting mark on speculative fiction.

Penelope Fitzgerald was born in 1916 and began writing fiction later in life, publishing her debut novel at age 58. Her concise and insightful narratives, such as Offshore (1979), earned her the Booker Prize and critical acclaim. Fitzgerald wrote nine novels, including the historical works The Blue Flower and Innocence, showcasing her mastery of atmosphere and character. Before turning to fiction, she worked as an art librarian and biographer, experiences that enriched her storytelling. Known for her precise language and subtle wit, Fitzgerald's work continues to resonate with readers. She remains one of the most admired British authors of the late 20th century.

Matilde Camus was a prolific poet and essayist from Santander, Spain, whose work spanned over six decades. Born Aurora Matilde Gómez Camus in 1919, she adopted her middle name as her literary pseudonym. Camus published more than 50 collections of poetry, including acclaimed volumes such as Voces and Celestial Rose. Her writing is noted for its evocative imagery, philosophical depth, and celebration of Cantabrian landscapes. She also wrote essays and biographical works, contributing significantly to Spanish literature. Throughout her career, she received numerous regional and national awards for her literary achievements. Camus’s poetry remains widely studied and admired for its heartfelt eloquence.

Milan N. Popović was a distinguished psychiatrist and writer who advanced the study of mental health in Serbia. Born in 1924, he earned his medical degree and specialized in psychiatry with a focus on personality disorders and therapeutic methods. Popović published numerous research papers and books that became reference points for clinicians and scholars. He also wrote essays and novels, blending his medical insights with literary expression. As a professor, he trained generations of psychiatric professionals and advocated for patient-centered care. His interdisciplinary approach bridged science and humanities, enriching both fields and impacting mental health practices in the region.

Born in Nashville, Tennessee, McKissack began his writing career in the 1970s. He collaborated with his wife, Patricia C. McKissack, producing dozens of books that educate young readers about Black history and culture. His notable works include explorations of the Negro Baseball Leagues and profiles of influential African-American figures. McKissack received awards such as the Coretta Scott King Award and NAACP Image Award for his impactful storytelling. His engaging narratives combined rigorous research with accessible prose, inspiring generations of young readers. Until his passing in 2013, he remained dedicated to amplifying underrepresented stories in children's literature.

Born in Dunedin in 1939, Wood began his journalism career in local newspapers before specializing in sports writing. He served as editor for leading New Zealand rugby league publications and wrote for national newspapers. Wood co-authored definitive works on the history of the New Zealand national rugby league team and the sport's development. His engaging narratives and meticulous research earned him recognition from both historians and fans. Beyond rugby, he wrote on broader cultural topics, reflecting New Zealand's identity through sport. His legacy endures in the comprehensive histories he created, which remain essential reading for rugby league enthusiasts.

Born in New York City in 1930, Honan began his journalism career at Time magazine before joining The New York Times in 1968. He covered arts and culture, reporting on major exhibitions, theater premieres, and emerging artists. As an author, he wrote acclaimed biographies exploring the lives of prominent painters and cultural figures. His meticulous research and vivid narrative style earned him awards from journalistic and literary organizations. Honan lectured on arts journalism at universities and literary festivals, mentoring aspiring writers. Over a career spanning more than four decades, he left a lasting influence on cultural criticism and biographical literature.

Marcia Brown (1918–2015) was an American author and illustrator of children's books. She won three Caldecott Medals for her retellings of classic folktales and original stories. Brown's distinctive illustrations combined expressive line work with vibrant colors. She authored over 60 books, many of which became beloved staples in children's literature. Brown's work inspired generations of young readers and aspiring illustrators.