May 04

Born in 1715 in Mickleton, Graves studied at Christ Church, Oxford, and became an Anglican minister.\nHe published humorous verse and essays, gaining fame with works like the Spiritual Quixote.\nGraves’s writing blends satire with moral reflection, critiquing religious hypocrisy.\nHe served several parishes while mentoring young writers and engaging in literary circles.\nHis novel Columella and his poetry influenced late 18th-century British literature.\nGraves died in 1804, leaving a legacy as one of the era’s witty and thoughtful authors.

Lincoln Kirstein (1907–1996) was a leading American arts patron, writer, and cultural advocate. He co-founded the School of American Ballet and the New York City Ballet with choreographer George Balanchine. Kirstein authored plays, essays, and art criticism, championing modern dance and visual arts. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, applying his creative skills to camouflage and intelligence. His fundraising and organizational efforts secured commissions from major artists and composers. Through lectures and publications, he shaped public appreciation of ballet and American art. Kirstein's vision established enduring institutions that transformed the cultural landscape of the United States.

Jane Jacobs (1916–2006) was a pioneering urbanist whose book 'The Death and Life of Great American Cities' revolutionized city planning. She argued for community-based development, mixed-use neighborhoods, and the vital role of sidewalks and parks. Jacobs led grassroots campaigns that prevented ill-conceived highway projects, preserving historic neighborhoods. Her emphasis on human scale and urban diversity reshaped public policy and architectural practice. She lectured globally and founded the grassroots group Project for Public Spaces. Jacobs's ideas continue to influence urban planning, advocating for vibrant, inclusive cities.

Nick Joaquin was a prolific Filipino writer whose works blended history, culture, and mythology. He authored acclaimed novels, short stories, and plays, including The Woman Who Had Two Navels. As a journalist and historian, he documented Philippine society and won multiple Palanca Awards. He served as the Director of the National Library and wrote for leading newspapers and magazines. In 1976, he was named National Artist for Literature, the highest cultural honor in the Philippines. His legacy endures through his enduring contributions to Philippine literature and cultural scholarship.

Carlos Monsiváis was born in 1938 in Mexico City and became a prolific writer known for his sharp social commentary. His essays and chronicles captured the nuances of Mexican identity, politics, and popular culture across decades. Monsiváis published over 30 books, including 'Días de guardar' and 'Historias para temblar de hambre', blending humor, criticism, and historical insight. He was a vocal advocate for human rights and LGBTQ+ issues in Mexico. His work earned numerous awards, including the Premio Xavier Villaurrutia and a Guggenheim Fellowship. Monsiváis's legacy continues to influence Latin American literature and cultural discourse.

Amos Oz was born in 1939 on a kibbutz in Mandatory Palestine and became one of Israel's most respected writers. His autobiographical novel 'A Tale of Love and Darkness' offers a moving portrait of the Israeli experience and has been translated into dozens of languages. Oz was also a founding member of the Peace Now movement, advocating for dialogue and reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians. Over his career, he published more than 20 novels and collections of essays, receiving honors such as the Israel Prize and the Goethe Prize. His clear prose and moral conviction made him a global voice for peace and understanding.

Born in 1940, Robin Cook earned his medical degree from Harvard before turning to fiction writing. His debut novel 'Coma' introduced readers to the medical thriller genre and became a bestseller, later adapted into a major film. Cook's works blend medical accuracy with suspenseful plots, exploring ethical dilemmas in science and healthcare. Over his career, he has written more than 30 novels, including 'Outbreak' and 'Toxin', many of which have been translated into multiple languages. His books have sold millions of copies worldwide, sparking public interest in medical science and bioethics.

George Will was born in 1941 in Champaign, Illinois and became a leading voice in American political journalism. He won the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary in 1977 for his insightful and eloquent columns. Will's syndicated writings have appeared in newspapers nationwide, and he has authored several books on politics and public policy. He is also a frequent commentator on television and radio, known for his wit and deep understanding of American institutions. His nuanced analysis and commitment to thoughtful discourse have made him one of the most respected columnists of his generation.