May 02

George Wither was an English poet, satirist, and pamphleteer born in 1588. He gained fame with publications such as 'Abuses Stript and Whipt' (1613), using sharp verse to critique public morality. A staunch Royalist, he composed elegies and panegyrics for the monarchy during the English Civil War, which led to multiple imprisonments under the Commonwealth. After the Restoration, Wither was rewarded for his loyalty by King Charles II. His prolific output spans devotional poetry, political writings, and lyrical works, reflecting the tumultuous politics of 17th-century England. He died on May 2, 1667, leaving a legacy as one of the era's most politically engaged literary voices.

James Gates Percival was born in New Haven, Connecticut in 1795 and graduated from Yale University before studying medicine and serving as a surgeon in the U.S. Army. In the 1830s, he published poetry collections that blended romantic themes with American landscapes and received acclaim for his literary contributions. He was appointed Connecticut's first State Geologist and conducted pioneering surveys that laid the groundwork for systematic geological mapping in the United States. As a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Percival bridged the disciplines of literature and science and advocated for interdisciplinary study. His work influenced both the poetic and scientific communities and cemented his reputation as a multifaceted scholar. He died on May 2, 1856, leaving a lasting legacy at the intersection of poetic expression and earth science.

Alfred de Musset was born in Paris in 1810 and emerged as a central figure of the French Romantic movement. He published lyrical poetry collections such as Contes d'Espagne et d'Italie and wrote plays like Lorenzaccio, exploring themes of love, despair, and artistic passion. His semi-autobiographical novel Confession d'un enfant du siècle drew on his tumultuous relationship with George Sand and deepened his literary reputation. Musset's elegant language and psychological insight influenced 19th-century European literature. Despite personal hardships, he continued to produce powerful works until his death on May 2, 1857. He remains celebrated for his emotional depth and contribution to Romantic literature.

Terézia Zakoucs was born in 1817 in the Prekmurje region, now part of Slovenia, and became a notable Hungarian-Slovene author. She wrote poetry and prose in the Slovene language, drawing on local folklore, customs, and the everyday life of rural communities under Austro-Hungarian rule. As one of the few female writers of her time in the region, she worked to preserve her community's cultural heritage through her manuscripts. Zakoucs collaborated with regional publishers to bring minority voices to a broader audience and document traditions at risk of fading. Her writings laid a foundation for later Slovene literary movements in Hungary. She died on May 2, 1885, remembered for her dedication to cultural preservation.

Born in 1898, Antun Branko Šimić became a leading figure of Croatian and Bosnian literature with his bold, concise poems infused with modernist sensibilities. He founded and edited the literary journal 'Kritika' and helped introduce European avant-garde currents to Yugoslav readers. His work often explored themes of existential anguish and social critique in striking imagery. Despite his early death at age 27, his expressive style and critical essays left a lasting impact on South Slavic poetry.

Born in 1874, Penelope Delta wrote pioneering historical fiction that brought Greek history and culture to life for youth audiences. Her novels, such as 'The Secrets of the Swamp' and 'The Sun of Death,' combined vivid storytelling with deep empathy for her characters. She also supported educational and charitable causes, advocating for children affected by the Greek-Turkish War. A prominent literary figure, she corresponded with leading intellectuals of her time. Her works remain beloved classics in Greek literature.

Born in 1884, Barnes inherited the title of 3rd Baron Gorell and took a seat in the House of Lords. He played first-class cricket for Oxford University and various county teams. A passionate writer, he published volumes of poetry and served as editor for regional newspapers. Barnes was active in Liberal politics and advocated for social reform in the early 20th century. He balanced his literary interests with public service until his death in 1963.

Veniamin Kaverin was a prominent Soviet novelist and literary critic whose works combined adventure, romance, and philosophical depth. Born in 1902, he rose to fame with his debut novel ‘The Two Captains,’ which became a bestseller and was later adapted into film. He served as an editor for the influential magazine Zvezda and taught at the Gorky Literary Institute, shaping generations of writers. Kaverin’s storytelling blended the ideals of the Soviet era with humanistic themes, earning him the Stalin Prize in 1946. His later works explored historical and social issues with a nuanced moral perspective. Even after his death in 1989, Kaverin’s novels continue to be read and admired in Russia and beyond.

Ronald McKie began his career as a newspaper journalist before turning to fiction and non-fiction writing. His novel The Mango Tree won the prestigious Miles Franklin Award in 1974 and brought him national recognition. He traveled extensively and wrote acclaimed travel books that captured the spirit of Australia and its neighbors. McKie's storytelling combined sharp observation with lyrical prose, earning him a place among Australia's notable literary figures. Throughout his life, he contributed essays and articles to major publications. He passed away in 1991, leaving behind a diverse body of work.

Dorothy Marie Donnelly published her first poems in prominent literary magazines in the 1930s and quickly gained attention for her lyrical style. Her collections explored themes of love, nature, and human experience with emotional depth. In addition to poetry, she wrote short stories that appeared in national periodicals, showcasing her versatility. Donnelly's work was praised for its clarity of voice and vivid imagery. She inspired a generation of writers and contributed to American letters through readings and lectures. She died in 1994, leaving a body of work that continues to resonate with readers.

Louis Rukeyser was best known as the long-running host and creator of the PBS series 'Wall $treet Week', which he helmed from 1970 to 2002. His approachable style, wit, and use of humor transformed complex market analysis into engaging television for millions of viewers. A respected columnist, he wrote weekly pieces on financial issues for major newspapers and magazines. Rukeyser authored several books on personal finance that became bestsellers. He was praised for his ability to educate and entertain at the same time. After retiring from television, he continued to lecture and mentor young journalists. Rukeyser's influence is still felt in modern financial journalism.

Brad McGann made his mark in cinema with his debut feature 'In My Father's Den', which won multiple awards at international film festivals in 2004. The film's haunting exploration of family secrets and rural life in New Zealand garnered critical praise and showcased McGann's narrative depth. He began his career directing short films and documentaries for television, honing his visual storytelling skills. McGann was known for his meticulous attention to character development and atmospheric cinematography. Despite his promising talent, his career was tragically cut short when he passed away from colon cancer at the age of 43. His work continues to influence New Zealand filmmakers and remains a highlight of contemporary Antipodean cinema.