May 08

Born in 1492 in Alciato, Andrea studied law at the Universities of Pavia and Bologna. He authored the Emblemata, a groundbreaking collection blending poetry and imagery that popularized emblem literature. As a professor of law at various European universities, he championed the application of classical humanist methods to legal texts. Alciato’s scholarship laid the foundations for modern legal studies and inspired generations of jurists. His commentaries on Roman law became standard references across European courts. He died in 1550, leaving a lasting legacy in both literature and jurisprudence.

George Bruce Malleson (1825-1898) was an English-Indian Army colonel who later gained recognition as an author and military historian. Commissioned into the Bengal Artillery, he served in India for much of his career, participating in campaigns during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Malleson authored several influential works, including detailed accounts of the Indian Mutiny and biographies of prominent military figures. His publications, marked by meticulous research and narrative clarity, became standard references on British colonial military operations. Aside from his military writings, he also contributed to literary journals and translated French works into English. Malleson's dual legacy as an officer and scholar offers valuable insights into 19th-century colonial warfare.

Adolphe-Basile Routhier was born in Saint-Placide, Quebec, and pursued a distinguished legal career on the Superior Court of Quebec. In 1880, he penned the French lyrics for "O Canada" at the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day celebration, which later became Canada's national anthem. A respected author and poet, he also translated works and wrote essays on law, culture, and society. His dual contributions in jurisprudence and literature helped shape Canadian identity in the late 19th century. Routhier's anthem lyrics endure as a symbol of national pride and unity. He passed away in 1920, remembered for his lasting impact on Canada's legal and cultural heritage.

J. Meade Falkner was born in North Shields, England, and balanced a successful industrial career with writing. His 1898 novel "Moonfleet" tells a gripping tale of smuggling, treasure, and coming-of-age on the Dorset coast. He also authored the supernatural thriller "The Lost Stradivarius" and several volumes of poetry. Falkner's writing is celebrated for its atmospheric settings, concise prose, and intricate plotting. Although his literary output was modest, his works have enjoyed enduring popularity and multiple adaptations. He died in 1932, leaving a legacy as a classic writer of late Victorian adventure fiction.

Margarete Böhme was a German novelist born in 1867. She gained international fame with her debut novel 'Tagebuch einer Verlorenen' (Diary of a Lost Girl), which portrayed the struggles of a young woman and became a bestseller across Europe and America. Böhme's works often explored social issues and the position of women in society, sparking debates over morality and censorship. Throughout her career, she published numerous novels and short stories, drawing on her background in journalism to craft vivid, realistic narratives. Her candid writing style and willingness to tackle controversial themes made her a prominent and sometimes contentious figure in German literature. She died in 1939, leaving behind a complex legacy that continues to be studied for its cultural impact.

Thomas B. Costain was a Canadian journalist and author born in 1885. He began his career as a reporter and editor for Canadian newspapers before moving to the United States. In the 1940s, Costain transitioned to fiction and published best-selling historical novels such as 'The Black Rose' and 'The Silver Chalice,' which vividly depicted medieval and Renaissance eras. His background in journalism lent precision to his prose and thorough research to his storytelling. Costain’s works were widely translated and adapted for film, introducing global audiences to richly detailed historical narratives. He was known for blending accuracy with engaging plots, making history accessible to general readers. Costain continued writing until his death in 1965, leaving a lasting influence on the historical fiction genre.

Edmund Wilson was an American writer, literary critic, and editor celebrated for his incisive essays on literature and culture. He served as an editor for The New Republic and The New Yorker, shaping the course of 20th-century literary criticism. His notable works include "Axel's Castle", a study of modernist writers, and "Patriotic Gore", an examination of Civil War literature. Wilson's erudition and sharp analysis influenced generations of writers and scholars. He received numerous awards for his criticism and remains a towering figure in American letters.

Born in 1912 in Victoria, British Columbia, George Woodcock began writing poetry and essays in his youth. He gained acclaim for his critical writings on anarchism and social philosophy, becoming a leading voice in libertarian thought. Woodcock authored biographies of George Orwell and D.H. Lawrence, offering fresh insights into their lives and works. As literary editor of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, he championed new writers and brought poetry to a wider audience. Over his career, he published over twenty books spanning fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. Recognized with the Governor General's Award for non-fiction, he also lectured at universities around the world. Woodcock passed away in 1995, leaving a diverse body of work that bridged literature, politics, and culture.

Gary Snyder is an American poet, essayist, and translator whose work blends nature, spirituality, and cultural critique. Born in 1930, he emerged as a leading voice of the Beat Generation alongside poets like Allen Ginsberg. Snyder's poetry is celebrated for its vivid descriptions of the natural world and its roots in Zen Buddhism. He authored influential collections such as 'Turtle Island,' which won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1975. Beyond writing, Snyder has been an active environmentalist, advocating for conservation and sustainable living. His translations have introduced Western audiences to Japanese and Chinese poetry. Snyder's multifaceted career continues to inspire readers and activists worldwide.

Born in 1937, Thomas Pynchon emerged as one of the most enigmatic figures in American literature. His debut novel, V. (1963), won the William Faulkner Foundation Award and established his reputation. He achieved critical acclaim with Gravity's Rainbow (1973), a sprawling epic exploring themes of war and technology. Pynchon's works are characterized by dense prose, dark humor, and an intricate web of characters and conspiracy. He maintains a strong preference for privacy, rarely giving interviews or making public appearances. His later novels include Mason & Dixon, Against the Day, and Bleeding Edge. Pynchon's influence extends across literature, music, and popular culture, inspiring generations of writers and readers.

Born in 1938, Jean Giraud gained fame under the pen name 'Moebius' for his innovative illustrations. He co-founded the influential French magazine Métal Hurlant, shaping the landscape of science fiction comics. His work on series like Blueberry demonstrated his mastery of the Western genre. As Moebius, he produced surreal, visionary art for works such as The Airtight Garage and collaborations with filmmakers. Giraud's distinctive style blended realism with fantasy, influencing artists worldwide. He contributed concept art to major films, including Alien, The Fifth Element, and Tron. Giraud's legacy endures through exhibitions, publications, and his profound impact on visual storytelling. He passed away in 2012, leaving an indelible mark on comics and illustration.

Born in 1940, Peter Benchley launched his writing career with the blockbuster novel Jaws (1974). The novel became a bestseller and was adapted into Steven Spielberg's iconic film, shaping modern thriller cinema. Benchley wrote several more novels, including The Deep and Beast, further exploring the mysteries of the sea. His work often combined meticulous marine research with suspenseful storytelling. He advocated for ocean conservation, raising awareness about marine ecosystems in his later years. As a documentary producer and writer, he contributed to numerous television specials on underwater life. Benchley's legacy endures through his books and his efforts to protect the ocean. He passed away in 2006, but his stories continue to captivate readers and viewers.