May 13

Born in 1632, Bourdaloue joined the Society of Jesus and honed his rhetorical skills.\nHe became a favorite preacher at the court of Louis XIV and at Notre-Dame de Paris.\nHis clear, moralistic sermons were widely printed and studied across Europe.\nHe balanced emotional appeal with logical arguments to influence his listeners.\nHis published works shaped the art of preaching and religious writing.\nBourdaloue died in 1704, leaving a lasting legacy in homiletics.

Born in 1859 in Pereiaslav, Sholem Aleichem became one of the founding figures of modern Yiddish literature. His stories, filled with warmth and wit, chronicled the joys and struggles of Jewish communities in the Russian Empire. He created the beloved character Tevye the Dairyman, whose adventures inspired the musical 'Fiddler on the Roof.' As a playwright, Aleichem integrated folk humor with social critique to reach wide audiences. He emigrated to the United States in 1906 but continued to write in Yiddish, influencing generations of writers. His work remains a testament to the resilience and spirit of Jewish culture.

Born in 1848 in Toulon, Jean Aicard became a prominent figure in late 19th-century French literature. He published collections of poetry that captured the colors and aromas of the French Riviera. Aicard's novels and plays often explored historical and regional themes, blending romanticism with realism. In 1909, he was elected to the Académie française, recognizing his literary achievements. His works celebrated nature, folklore, and human emotion against the backdrop of Provence. Aicard's legacy endures in the richness with which he evoked the spirit of southern France.

Sukanta Bhattacharya (1926–1947) was a rising star of modern Bengali literature. His poetry and plays, imbued with social commentary, captured the struggles of the working class. He joined leftist literary circles during the turbulence of World War II, pioneering a fiery, conversational style. His collection 'Chharpatra' showcased his lyrical prowess and radical themes. Despite his untimely death from tuberculosis at age 21, his work profoundly influenced post-independence Bengali writers. Bhattacharya's legacy endures as a voice of youthful idealism and social justice in South Asian literature.

Jaime Torres Bodet (1902–1974) was a key figure in Mexico's cultural and political life. As a member of the literary group Los Contemporáneos, he produced influential poetry and essays. He served as Mexico's Secretary of Education, implementing reforms to expand access and quality. Torres Bodet held diplomatic posts in France and the United States, representing Mexican interests abroad. From 1948 to 1952, he was Director-General of UNESCO, promoting international cultural cooperation. His contributions left a lasting mark on education, literature, and global cultural dialogue.

Born in 1898, Arthur J. Burks served as a colonel in the United States Army during World War I. After retiring from the military, he embarked on a prolific writing career in the pulp magazine industry. He authored hundreds of short stories spanning fantasy, horror, and adventure genres. His work appeared in prominent publications such as Weird Tales and Argosy. Burks blended his military experiences with imaginative storytelling, creating vivid and suspenseful narratives. He passed away in 1974, leaving behind a legacy as one of pulp fiction’s most industrious writers.

Born in 1918, Richard Ellmann was a leading scholar of modern literature and a professor at Yale University. He authored acclaimed biographies of James Joyce and Oscar Wilde, celebrated for their depth and insight. Ellmann’s meticulous research and elegant prose set new standards in literary biography. His work earned him widespread recognition and prestigious literary awards. He influenced generations of scholars and readers exploring twentieth-century literature. Ellmann passed away in 1985, leaving a lasting impact on the field of literary criticism.

Born in 1936, he built a reputation as a respected newspaper and magazine reporter. Stone covered major national and international events with clarity and depth. He authored several books exploring religious and cultural themes. His work bridged the gap between hard news journalism and thoughtful commentary on faith. Stone's engaging storytelling and ethical approach earned him recognition among peers. He remained active in writing and speaking until his death in 2008.

Born in Ontario in 1931, Alice Munro published her first collection, 'Dance of the Happy Shades', in 1968 and quickly garnered critical acclaim. She earned a reputation as a master of the contemporary short story with works that delve into the complexities of rural Canadian life and interpersonal dynamics. Munro won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2013, becoming the first Canadian woman to receive the honor. Her fifteen collections, including 'Dear Life' and 'The Love of a Good Woman', have won numerous awards, such as the Governor General’s Award. Praised for her economical prose and deep emotional insight, Munro influenced generations of writers. She continued to publish stories that resonated with readers around the world until her death.

Samm-Art Williams gained recognition with his play 'Home', which explores the challenges faced by sharecroppers in the rural South and won the Outer Critics Circle Award. He wrote and directed for television series, including episodes of 'Good Times' and 'The Cosby Show', bringing authentic Black narratives to mainstream audiences. Williams also penned screenplays for films like 'Jason’s Lyric', showcasing his versatility across mediums. His plays often blend humor and social commentary to address issues of race, family, and identity. As an educator, he taught creative writing at the University of Texas, inspiring future writers. His contributions have been honored with grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Kennedy Center.