May 03

August von Kotzebue was born in 1761 in Germany and quickly rose to fame with his prolific writing of comedies, tragedies, and travel literature. His plays, known for their emotional appeal and social critique, were translated into several languages and performed across Europe. Kotzebue traveled extensively, drawing on his experiences abroad to enrich his storytelling. He advocated for social reform through his works and engaged with intellectual circles of the Enlightenment. Despite controversies over his political views, his dramatic talent earned him positions at various royal courts. Kotzebue was assassinated in 1819, and his life and work continue to be studied for their impact on European theatre.

Jacob Riis was a pioneering photojournalist and social reformer. He emigrated from Denmark to New York City in 1870 and began working in journalism. His 1890 book How the Other Half Lives used stark photographs and vivid prose to reveal the hardships of the urban poor. Riis’s work influenced housing reforms and the development of public parks. He led campaigns for child welfare and better public health initiatives. His innovative use of photography forever changed investigative reporting.

Tadeusz Peiper emerged as a leading figure in Polish modernist poetry in the early 20th century. As editor of the magazine 'Almanach Nowej Poetyki', he championed avant-garde and Futurist trends. His theoretical essays called for precision, symbolism, and linguistic innovation. Peiper's poetry collections, including 'Oburącz' (1922), showcased his experimental style. He also influenced Polish letters through his work as a critic and translator during the 1920s and 1930s.

Konstantine Gamsakhurdia emerged as a major voice in Georgian literature in the early 20th century. His novels and short stories blended folklore, history, and social commentary to capture the Georgian spirit. He promoted literary realism and cultural renewal during the Democratic Republic of Georgia (1918–21). After Sovietization, some of his works faced suppression, but he continued writing and teaching. Gamsakhurdia's influence endures through generations of Georgian writers.

Dodie Smith was an English novelist and playwright whose works have captivated readers for decades. Born in Whitefield, Lancashire, she began her career writing plays that were staged in London's West End. In 1956, she published The Hundred and One Dalmatians, which became an instant children's classic and later inspired Disney's animated film. Her novel I Capture the Castle, published in 1948, is celebrated for its witty narration and vivid characters. Smith's storytelling style combined warmth, humor, and memorable protagonists, earning her a devoted readership. After a career spanning more than half a century, she left a lasting legacy in both literature and theatre.

Norman Corwin was a pioneering radio dramatist, screenwriter, and producer whose work shaped the landscape of American broadcasting. Born in Boston, he began his career in journalism before moving into radio in the 1930s. Corwin's programs, including On a Note of Triumph and We Hold These Truths, combined poetic narration with social commentary and reached millions of listeners. He collaborated with stars like Orson Welles and earned multiple Peabody Awards for excellence in broadcasting. Later, he worked in film and television, adapting his storytelling style to new mediums. Even past his centenary, Corwin continued to write and speak about the power of communication and art. His legacy endures in the golden-era scripts that remain influential for writers and producers.

May Sarton was born in 1912 in Wescasset, Maine, to a Belgian father and an American mother. She published her first poetry collection in the 1940s and went on to write more than 30 books, including novels, memoirs, and essays. Her 1973 work 'Journal of a Solitude' remains a classic of autobiographical writing. Sarton's lyrical style often explored themes of love, creativity, and the quest for self-understanding. She was openly bisexual, and her writings candidly addressed lesbian relationships at a time when such topics were rarely discussed. A two-time recipient of Guggenheim fellowships, Sarton taught creative writing at institutions like the University of Minnesota. Throughout her career, she championed the voices of marginalized writers and inspired generations with her honesty and poetic voice. She passed away in 1995, leaving a lasting legacy in American literature.

Born in Independence, Kansas, in 1913, William Inge developed an early passion for storytelling. He studied drama at the University of Kansas and later at the Yale School of Drama. Inge's breakthrough came with the play 'Come Back, Little Sheba' in 1950, which earned him widespread acclaim. His play 'Picnic' won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1953 and was adapted into an Oscar-winning film. Inge also wrote the screenplay for films such as 'Splendor in the Grass', showcasing his range across media. Known as 'Mr. Kansas,' his work frequently explored themes of loneliness, desire, and the American heartland. His honest portrayals of flawed characters resonated with audiences on Broadway and in Hollywood. Despite his success, Inge struggled with personal demons and died in 1973 at the age of 60.

Georges-Emmanuel Clancier was born in Limoges, France, in 1914 and published his first poems before World War II. He worked as a journalist for local newspapers and later served as a cultural attaché in Brussels and Rabat. Clancier's novels and poetry collections often reflect the traditions, folklore, and natural beauty of the Limousin countryside. His acclaimed novel 'Le Pain noir' captured the hardships of rural families during the interwar period. In 1996, he was elected to the prestigious Académie Goncourt, where he later served as vice president. Clancier received honors such as the Grand Prix de Poésie from the Académie Française for his contribution to French literature. Over a career spanning more than eight decades, he published dozens of books and remained active in literary circles. He passed away in 2018 at the age of 103, leaving a rich legacy as a voice of provincial France.

Betty Comden was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1917 and studied acting at the New York City Ballet School. She formed a lifelong writing partnership with Adolph Green in the early 1940s, initially writing sketches for Broadway revues. The duo penned hit musicals such as 'On the Town' and 'Wonderful Town,' showcasing their witty lyrics and sharp dialogue. Comden and Green transitioned to Hollywood, writing screenplays for films including 'Singin' in the Rain' and 'The Band Wagon.' Their work earned multiple Academy Award nominations and a Tony Award for Best Musical. Comden also performed occasionally on stage and television, demonstrating her talents as an actress. The partnership's influence on musical theatre is celebrated for its blend of humor, romance, and memorable songs. Betty Comden passed away in 2006, leaving a lasting mark on American musical entertainment.

Born in Würzburg, Germany, in 1924, Amichai immigrated to Palestine in 1936 and served in the Jewish Brigade during World War II. His poetry, first published in the 1950s, combined colloquial language with profound reflections on love, war, and faith. Amichai's accessible yet deeply philosophical style earned him international acclaim, translations into numerous languages, and the Israel Prize in 1982. He published over 20 volumes of poetry and several collections of prose before his death in 2000, leaving a lasting impact on world literature.

Born in Buenos Aires in 1930, Gelman's poetry expressed the anguish of exile and the search for justice during Argentina's turbulent political periods. He was forced into exile after the 1976 dictatorship, living in Europe and Mexico before returning to Argentina in the 1980s. His collections, such as "Violín y otros poemas", showcase his innovative use of language and his commitment to human rights. In 2007, he received the prestigious Cervantes Prize, cementing his place among the great voices of Spanish-language literature. Gelman's legacy endures through his profound influence on contemporary poetry until his death in 2014.