May 13

Juris Alunāns (1832–1864) was a Latvian linguist, philologist, and author who drove the Latvian National Awakening. He published the first Latvian–German dictionary, co-founded efforts to develop a modern Latvian literary language, and wrote poetry celebrating Latvian identity. His work laid the foundation for later cultural and political reforms, inspiring intellectuals to preserve and promote Latvian folklore and language. Although he died young, his contributions remain central to Latvia’s cultural heritage and national consciousness.

Alphonse Daudet (1840–1897) was a celebrated French author whose works include 'Letters from My Windmill' and the novel 'Tartarin of Tarascon.' Born in Nîmes, he captured the charm and color of southern France through lyrical prose and engaging narratives. Daudet worked as a court reporter and journalist in Paris before achieving fame, blending realism with romanticism. His stories often feature humor and satire, reflecting social customs and the human condition. Despite suffering from neurosyphilis, he wrote prolifically, leaving a lasting impact on French literature and theater.

Mehmet Emin Yurdakul (1869–1944) was a prominent Turkish writer, poet, and politician known for his nationalist and patriotic works. Educated in Istanbul, he served in administrative roles before dedicating himself to literature, championing the Turkish language and culture. His poetry collections, such as 'Turan' and 'Türkiye,' celebrated Turkish identity and unity, influencing the Young Turk movement. Elected to the Ottoman parliament and later the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, he advocated for reforms and national sovereignty. His literary and political efforts helped pave the way for the formation of modern Turkey.

Afonso Henriques da Costa, known by his pen name Lima Barreto, was one of Brazil's most influential literary figures. Born in Rio de Janeiro in 1881 to a working-class family, his writings often reflected the struggles of Afro-Brazilians and the urban poor. He gained recognition with his satirical novel 'Triste Fim de Policarpo Quaresma', which criticized political corruption and social inequality. Barreto's journalism appeared in leading newspapers where he fearlessly addressed racial prejudice and injustice. Despite battling mental health issues and financial hardship, his work left a lasting impact on Brazilian literature. He died prematurely in 1922, but his unflinching voice continues to inspire readers and scholars alike.

Oskar Rosenfeld was a Jewish-Austrian writer and journalist born in 1884, known for his literary and historical writings. He contributed essays and reviews to Viennese publications while exploring Jewish culture and identity. During World War II, Rosenfeld was deported to the Theresienstadt ghetto, where he chronicled daily life in secret diaries and reports. His surviving works provide a poignant and reliable account of the ghetto's social conditions and the human spirit under oppression. In 1944, he was deported to Auschwitz and murdered, cutting short a career dedicated to truth and memory. Rosenfeld's writings posthumously gained recognition for their historical importance and literary quality.

Born in London in 1907 to a prominent theatrical family. Achieved international fame with the publication of 'Rebecca' in 1938. Wrote novels, short stories, and plays often characterized by gothic suspense and complex female protagonists. Several of her works, including 'The Birds' and 'Jamaica Inn', were adapted into films by Alfred Hitchcock. Her atmospheric storytelling and exploration of identity influenced generations of writers. Continued writing until her death in 1989, leaving a legacy of enduring classics.

Roger Zelazny rose to fame in the 1960s with his innovative short stories published in science fiction magazines. He won multiple Hugo and Nebula Awards, including for his acclaimed novel Lord of Light. Zelazny’s work skillfully melded elements of mythology, fantasy, and speculative science, creating rich, multi-layered narratives. His Chronicles of Amber series became a cornerstone of fantasy literature and garnered a dedicated fan base. In addition to novels, he wrote poetry and plays, showcasing his literary versatility. Zelazny taught writing workshops and mentored emerging authors throughout his career. His unique voice and boundary-pushing style have left an enduring mark on speculative fiction.

Bruce Chatwin emerged as a unique voice in travel writing with his groundbreaking book The Songlines, blending memoir, history, and mythology. Born in Sheffield, England, he originally trained as an archaeologist before turning to journalism and fiction. His prose was celebrated for its lyrical style and philosophical reflections on wanderlust and human migration. Chatwin's other notable works include In Patagonia and On the Black Hill, demonstrating his range as both a travel writer and novelist. His untimely death in 1989 at the age of 48 cut short a distinctive literary career. His influence endures in modern travel literature and inspired generations of writers to explore the intersection of place and identity.

Armistead Maupin gained fame with Tales of the City, a serialized story published in the San Francisco Chronicle that celebrated queer culture and community. The series spawned bestselling novels and multiple television adaptations, earning critical and audience acclaim. Born in Washington, D.C., Maupin began his career as a journalist before turning to fiction. His candid, witty writing style helped bring LGBTQ stories to mainstream readers. Beyond Tales of the City, he penned plays, memoirs, and screenplays exploring themes of identity and belonging. Maupin's work has had a lasting influence on LGBTQ literature and media representation.

Marv Wolfman is a prolific American comic book writer whose career spans over five decades. He began his career at Marvel and DC Comics in the early 1970s and co-created iconic characters such as Blade. Wolfman revitalized the Teen Titans franchise with The New Teen Titans series, earning critical and commercial success. His landmark series Crisis on Infinite Earths redefined the DC Universe and influenced generations of storytellers. In addition to comics, he has written novels, animation scripts, and video game narratives. Wolfman's innovative storytelling and character development have left a lasting legacy in popular culture. He continues to be celebrated for shaping the modern comic book landscape.

Mary Walsh is a Canadian actress, comedian, and writer renowned for co-creating the comedy troupe CODCO. She gained national fame as a writer and performer on the satirical news series This Hour Has 22 Minutes. Her character Marg Delahunty, the 'Margaret the Princess Warrior,' became a cultural icon in Canada. Walsh has acted in film and television, winning Gemini Awards for her performances and writing. She produced and starred in the series Hatching, Matching and Dispatching, showcasing her range. Walsh is celebrated for her sharp wit, fearless satire, and contributions to Canadian comedy.

Londa Schiebinger is an American professor of history of science at Stanford University and leading scholar in gender studies. Her work examines how gender biases have influenced scientific research and knowledge production. She authored influential books such as The Mind Has No Sex? and Has Feminism Changed Science?. Schiebinger founded the European Gender Summit and the Gendered Innovations project to promote inclusive research. Her interdisciplinary approach has shaped policies and practices in science, technology, and medicine. She has received numerous awards for her contributions to scholarship and advocacy for gender equity in academia.