May 03

Born in 1555, Henry Garnet joined the Society of Jesus and returned to England to minister to the persecuted Catholic community. Rising to become the Superior of the English Jesuits, he navigated the dangerous political climate of Elizabethan England. Garnet became entangled in the aftermath of the 1605 Gunpowder Plot, leading to his arrest and controversial trial. He defended his use of equivocal language in moral theology, which became central to his writings and debates. Despite his claims of innocence regarding the plot, he was convicted of high treason and executed on May 3, 1606. Garnet’s legacy endures through his theological works and as a symbol of religious tension in early modern England.

Born in 1680 near Glasgow, John Willison studied at the University of Edinburgh and was ordained in the Church of Scotland. He became renowned for his pastoral care and for making complex theological concepts accessible to lay readers. His best-known work, The Afflicted Man’s Companion, offered comfort and guidance to those facing suffering. Willison played a pivotal role in the Scottish evangelical revival, traveling extensively to preach and encourage lay preaching societies. His writings influenced generations of Scottish Presbyterians and helped shape the country’s religious landscape. He died on May 3, 1750, leaving a legacy of spiritual literature and ministry.

Originally from France, his real name and origins remain obscure. He arrived in London in 1703 claiming to be a native of Formosa (Taiwan), complete with invented language and customs. His travel narrative, published in 1704, captivated readers but was entirely a hoax. After years of deception, he confessed the fraud and reinvented himself as a Christian lecturer. He then published religious tracts and delivered sermons across England. He died in 1763, remembered both for his audacious imposture and his later contributions to religious discourse.

Born in Venice in 1712, he was educated by the Jesuits and developed wide-ranging interests in art, science, and literature. A close friend of Frederick the Great, he served as his art advisor and helped assemble the Prussian royal collection. He authored 'Newtonianism for Ladies', a popular work that explained complex scientific concepts with clarity. As an art critic, he championed Neoclassicism and wrote extensively on painting and sculpture. His poetic works blended classical forms with Enlightenment ideals of reason and nature. He traveled across Europe, engaging with leading intellectuals before his death in 1764.

Thomas MacDonagh was an Irish poet, playwright, and teacher deeply involved in the Gaelic Revival. Born in 1878, he balanced his literary career with fervent nationalist activism. MacDonagh commanded the 2nd Battalion at the 1916 Easter Rising and was one of its signatories. His poetic works captured the spirit of Irish identity and resistance. After the rebellion's defeat, he was executed, becoming a martyr for Irish independence. His contributions to literature and nationalism remain celebrated in Ireland.

Charles Fort was born in 1874 and became fascinated with odd and unexplainable events. He compiled reports of anomalies like meteorite falls, mysterious disappearances, and strange creatures. His seminal work, The Book of the Damned, challenged scientific orthodoxy and encouraged open-minded inquiry. Fort pioneered what later became known as 'Fortean' studies and influenced paranormal research. He wrote several books critiquing the limitations of dogmatic science. Fort's legacy endures through societies dedicated to exploring the unexplained.

Jerzy Kosiński was a novelist and screenwriter who fled Nazi-occupied Poland as a child. His semi-autobiographical novel The Painted Bird (1965) won critical acclaim for its unflinching portrayal of war. He wrote the screenplay for the film adaptation of Being There (1979), earning further recognition. Kosiński taught creative writing and was awarded the National Book Award for Fiction. Controversies over authorship and ghostwriting surfaced later, but his contribution to literature remains significant.

Earl Woods (1932–2006) served as a U.S. Army colonel and saw combat in the Korean War before playing minor league baseball. He later wrote the memoir Training a Tiger, chronicling his methods in nurturing his son Tiger Woods into a golf legend. Woods emphasized discipline, mental toughness, and unconventional training techniques throughout Tiger's upbringing. His experiences in the military and sports informed his coaching philosophy. Remembered for his unwavering support and mentorship, he built a multifaceted legacy that extended beyond his famous family name.

Ram Balkrushna Shewalkar was an Indian author and critic celebrated for his contributions to Marathi literature. He wrote influential critiques and essays that shaped modern literary discourse in Maharashtra. Shewalkar's works often explored social and cultural themes, earning him acclaim among readers and scholars. He also authored several books on literary theory and history. As a respected professor, he mentored a generation of writers and critics. He passed away on May 3, 2009, leaving a rich legacy in Indian literary criticism.

Peter O'Donnell was an English soldier who served in World War II before gaining fame as an author. He created the iconic fictional spy heroine Modesty Blaise, first introduced in a comic strip in 1963. The character's adventures were later adapted into novels, films, and stage productions. O'Donnell's writing blended action, humor, and strong character development, earning a dedicated fan base. He also wrote scripts for film and television, showcasing his versatility as a storyteller. He passed away on May 3, 2010, leaving an enduring legacy in adventure fiction.

Revaz Chkheidze was born in 1926 in Georgia and became one of the leading figures in Georgian filmmaking during the Soviet period. He co-directed the acclaimed film 'Magdana's Donkey,' which won a prize at the 1956 Cannes Film Festival. Chkheidze's work often explored social themes and human relationships with visual poetry and narrative depth. In addition to directing, he wrote screenplays that helped define the national identity of Georgian cinema. He remained active in film until his death in 2015, leaving a lasting legacy on Eastern European film.