May 07

Born in Montauban, Olympe de Gouges became one of the first female political writers in France. She is best known for her 1791 Declaration of the Rights of Woman and of the Female Citizen, which argued for gender equality and civil rights. De Gouges also wrote plays that highlighted social injustices and advocated for the abolition of slavery. Her outspoken views made her a controversial figure during the Revolution. She was arrested during the Reign of Terror and executed by guillotine in 1793. De Gouges is remembered today as a pioneering feminist and social reformer.

Robert Browning was born in London in 1812 and displayed literary talent from a young age. He is best known for his dramatic monologues, including 'My Last Duchess' and 'The Ring and the Book.' Browning's works explore complex characters and moral themes, blending psychological insight with rich poetic language. His marriage to poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning formed one of Victorian literature's most celebrated partnerships. Browning served as Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom from 1868 until his death. His innovative style influenced later poets and solidified his place among the era's literary greats.

Rabindranath Tagore (1861–1941) was a Bengali poet, novelist, musician, and painter. He emerged as a key figure of the Bengal Renaissance, blending Eastern and Western literary traditions. In 1913, he became the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize in Literature for his collection Gitanjali. Tagore composed India's national anthem, Jana Gana Mana, and inspired nationalist movements. He founded Santiniketan university, promoting holistic education and cultural exchange. His vast body of work includes poems, songs, plays, essays, and paintings, reflecting humanism and spirituality. Tagore's legacy endures in global literature and the arts.

Władysław Reymont (1867–1925) was a Polish writer known for his vivid regionalist novels. His masterpiece, The Peasants (Chłopi), depicts the yearly cycle of peasant life in rural Poland. In 1924, Reymont won the Nobel Prize in Literature for his rich depictions of national character and community. He began his career as a railway laborer and journalist, drawing inspiration from common folk. Reymont's novels and short stories blend realism with social commentary on tradition and change. His contributions marked a high point in Polish literature during the Young Poland movement. Reymont's work continues to be celebrated for its cultural and historical significance.

Born Alfons de Ridder in Antwerp, he adopted the pen name Willem Elsschot and balanced a career in advertising with his literary pursuits. His best-known novels, including 'Cheese' and 'Soft Soap', offer satirical insights into bourgeois life through clear, engaging language. Elsschot's poetry also garnered praise for its emotional depth and precision. He is regarded as a pioneer of modern Dutch-language literature, influencing generations of writers in Belgium and the Netherlands. His work remains a staple of Flemish cultural heritage.

Born in 1892, MacLeish emerged as a towering figure in 20th-century American literature. He won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry three times, with works such as 'Conquistador' and 'Collected Poems'. His play 'J.B.' earned acclaim for its powerful exploration of faith and suffering. Appointed Librarian of Congress and later Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs, he bridged creative expression and public service. A summa cum laude graduate of Harvard, he practiced law before dedicating himself fully to writing. MacLeish's rich body of work delves into themes of morality, history, and the human condition.

Born near Irkutsk, Zabolotsky became associated with the Oberiu group and published early works reflecting futurist influences. His poetry combined vivid imagery with philosophical depth, earning acclaim in the 1920s. Despite facing political repression and imprisonment during Stalin's purges, he continued writing and translating major works of ancient Greek and Latin poetry into Russian. After rehabilitation, he taught literature and published collections that explored themes of nature and human resilience. His contributions helped shape Soviet poetry, and his translations broadened access to world classics.

Born in Berlin in 1927, Ruth Prawer emigrated to Britain before marrying an Indian architect and settling in India. Her novels, including the Booker Prize–winning 'Heat and Dust' (1975), explore cultural intersections and colonial legacies with keen insight. Jhabvala’s adaptations of 'A Room with a View' (1986) and 'Howards End' (1992) earned her two Academy Awards for Best Adapted Screenplay. She balanced a prolific literary career with her work in film, crafting narratives that bridged East and West. Her cross-cultural legacy continues to influence writers and filmmakers around the world.

Gene Wolfe earned acclaim as one of speculative fiction’s most sophisticated writers, blending far-future science with mythic elements and unreliable narrators. His landmark series 'The Book of the New Sun' (1980–1983) is hailed as a modern classic. Wolfe’s background in engineering and his Catholic faith infused his work with philosophical depth. Over a career spanning five decades, he received multiple Nebula and Locus Awards and was honored as a Guest of Honor at Worldcon. Wolfe’s challenging plots and thematic richness continue to influence writers and readers of genre literature.

Derek Taylor was a pioneering music journalist whose career began in the early 1960s in Liverpool. He rose to fame as the first press officer for The Beatles, shaping their public image during Beatlemania. Later, Taylor served as publicity manager for The Rolling Stones, solidifying his reputation as a leading rock publicist. He authored several books on rock music, including memoirs and biographies that provide insider perspectives on the era. Taylor also worked in television and magazine editing, bridging the gap between musicians and the media. His witty writing style and deep connections with artists made him a beloved figure in music journalism.

Angela Carter was a trailblazing writer whose work reimagined fairy tales and folklore through a feminist lens. Her debut collection, 'Fireworks: Nine Profane Pieces', introduced her bold narrative voice. Carter's landmark book 'The Bloody Chamber' showcased her talent for blending gothic horror, myth, and social critique. She also wrote acclaimed novels such as 'Nights at the Circus' and 'Wise Children', earning praise for her linguistic flair and complex characters. Carter worked as a journalist and critic, contributing to BBC radio and various publications. Her essays challenged literary conventions and championed the power of storytelling. Her legacy endures in contemporary literature, inspiring writers to explore gender, power, and the fantastical.

Born on May 7, 1943, in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria, Peter Carey studied at the University of Melbourne and began writing novels in the late 1960s. He has won the Booker Prize twice, for "Oscar and Lucinda" (1988) and "True History of the Kelly Gang" (2001), becoming one of the few authors to achieve this distinction. Carey’s work often explores Australian identity, colonial history, and myth-making. He has published over a dozen novels and numerous short stories, and has taught creative writing at various institutions. His contributions have made him a leading figure in contemporary literature.