May 10

Born in 1604 in Besançon, Jean Mairet emerged as one of the earliest practitioners of French classical drama. His 1629 tragedy ‘Sophonisbe’ established his reputation and inspired the adoption of classical unities in French theatre. Mairet became a staunch defender of neoclassicism, engaging in literary debates with contemporaries such as Pierre Corneille. Over his long career, he produced comedies, tragedies, and court ballets, influencing the development of 17th-century French drama. He served as secretary to the Duchess of Longueville, using his position to promote the arts. Mairet’s contributions laid the groundwork for the golden age of French theatre.

Johann Peter Hebel was born in Basel in 1760 and became a prominent figure in German Romanticism. Writing in Alemannic dialect, his 'Schatzkästlein des Rheinischen Hausfreundes' blended local folklore with lyrical prose. Hebel’s works, including his dialect poems, captured the everyday life and language of rural communities. He also translated works from French and served as a teacher and clergyman. His literary legacy influenced later regional writers and contributed to the preservation of German dialect traditions. Hebel died in 1826, remembered as a pioneer of German vernacular literature.

Benito Pérez Galdós was a towering figure in Spanish literature, best known for his realist novels that vividly depicted 19th century Spanish society. Works like 'Fortunata y Jacinta' and the 'Episodios Nacionales' series reflect his keen social observation and narrative skill. Galdós also wrote plays and engaged in journalism, addressing political and cultural issues of his time. His flexible prose style and empathetic characterizations earned him critical acclaim and enduring popularity. Scholars often compare his contributions to those of Dickens and Balzac for their breadth and depth. Today, he is celebrated as a pioneer of Spanish realism and a precursor to modern narrative forms.

Ivan Cankar (1876–1918) was a prominent Slovene writer, poet, and playwright. He is considered the father of modern Slovenian literature and one of the most influential Slovene authors. His works often explored themes of social injustice, national identity, and existential struggle. Cankar's notable works include the play "The King of Betajnova" and the short story "The Bailiffs". He was also a political activist and cultural critic who engaged in the defense of Slovene language and culture. His legacy lives on through literary awards, theaters, and academic studies dedicated to his work.

Ettore Scola was born in Trevico, Italy, in 1931 and began his career as a screenwriter in the 1950s. He made his directorial debut in 1964 and quickly gained acclaim for his keen observations of society. His films, including A Special Day and We All Loved Each Other So Much, combined humor with poignant social commentary. Scola received awards and nominations at Cannes and the Academy Awards. He remained active in filmmaking until his death in 2016. His work has left an enduring legacy in European cinema.

Barbara Taylor Bradford was born in Leeds, England, in 1933 and worked as a journalist before turning to fiction. Her debut novel, A Woman of Substance, became an international bestseller and has sold over 30 million copies. Bradford is known for her richly drawn characters and epic storytelling across more than 30 novels. Her work has been translated into dozens of languages, captivating readers around the world. She was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for her services to literature. Bradford continues to write compelling family sagas that resonate with global audiences.

Born on 10 May 1969, John Scalzi is a leading voice in contemporary science fiction. His debut novel, Old Man's War, became a bestseller and launched a successful franchise. Scalzi's novel Redshirts won the 2013 Hugo Award for Best Novel, praised for its humor and meta-commentary. He served as president of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA) from 2010 to 2013. He maintains the popular blog Whatever, where he engages with fans and shares insights on writing. Scalzi's work blends sharp dialogue with imaginative world-building, earning him a devoted global readership.