May 15

Ephraim Chambers was born in 1680 in Herefordshire, England. He gained recognition for editing and publishing the Cyclopaedia in 1728, the first comprehensive encyclopedia in the English language. His work laid the groundwork for future encyclopedic projects and influenced the organization of knowledge in the Enlightenment era. Chambers combined entries from classical sources with contemporary scholarship, making learning accessible to a wider audience. His Cyclopaedia remained a key reference for scholars and the general public throughout the 18th century. He continued to refine later editions until his death in 1740.

Emily Dickinson was born in 1830 in Amherst, Massachusetts, and lived much of her life in seclusion at her family home. Although fewer than a dozen of her nearly twenty poems were published during her lifetime, her work later gained acclaim for its unconventional punctuation, slant rhyme, and profound emotional depth. Dickinson’s poetry explores themes of death, nature, faith, and identity with startling originality. She corresponded with a close circle of friends and mentors, exchanging ideas that influenced her writing. After Dickinson’s death in 1886, her sister discovered hundreds of poems that would revolutionize modern poetry through posthumous collections. Today, she is regarded as one of America’s greatest poets.

A contemporary of Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, Williams published both poetry and literary criticism in addition to his fiction. His novels, such as 'Descent into Hell' and 'All Hallows' Eve', blend supernatural themes with theological exploration. As a member of the Inklings, Williams contributed to discussions on myth and imagination. His work remains influential for its intricate plots and spiritual depth. His literary legacy endures among scholars of early 20th-century English literature.

March served as a Marine Corps officer in World War I, an experience he later reflected in his fiction. His novel 'Company K' (1933) is considered a classic of war literature, interweaving multiple soldier perspectives. He also wrote the acclaimed psychological novel 'The Bad Seed', exploring themes of inherited evil. March's precise prose and deep character analyses earned him critical praise. His dual career as a veteran and writer provided unique insights into human nature and conflict.

Tyrone Guthrie (1900–1971) was a visionary English theatre director, producer, and playwright who revolutionized stage production. Educated at Oxford, he co-founded the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1932, directing acclaimed renditions of classical works. In 1955, Guthrie established the Stratford Festival in Ontario, introducing professional theater to Canadian audiences. He championed actor-centric staging and the thrust stage format, fostering intimate engagement between performers and spectators. In 1963, he founded the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, further extending his influence in North America. Guthrie’s innovative approaches reshaped modern theatre practice and inspired generations of directors, actors, and designers. His legacy endures in contemporary theatre production around the world.

Gordon W. Prange (1910–1980) was an American military historian and scholar specializing in the Pacific Theater of World War II. He served as a U.S. Navy officer during the war and contributed to the official investigation of the Pearl Harbor attack. After the war, Prange joined the University of Maryland faculty, teaching American history. His seminal book 'At Dawn We Slept' provided a comprehensive narrative of the events leading up to Pearl Harbor and was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize. Prange also edited critical Japanese wartime documents, offering insights into Japanese military decision-making. His meticulous research and engaging writing style made his works influential among historians and the general public. Prange’s contributions significantly advanced the study of World War II history.

Jackie Curtis was an American actress, playwright, and author integral to the 1960s New York underground culture. A member of Andy Warhol's Factory, Curtis blended performance, drag, and experimental theater in groundbreaking works. She wrote and starred in plays like 'Glamour, Glory and Gold,' exploring gender and identity. Her vibrant persona and androgynous style influenced the emerging glam rock and drag movements. Curtis's legacy endures in contemporary theater and queer performance art.

Salah Ahmed Ibrahim was a prominent Sudanese poet celebrated for his passionate and socially conscious verse. Born in 1933, he became one of the leading figures of modern Arabic literature. His poetry explored themes of identity, freedom, and social justice. Beyond his literary work, Ibrahim served as a diplomat representing Sudan in various countries. He used his international platform to promote Sudanese culture and foster cross-cultural understanding. His legacy endures through his influential writings and contributions to Sudan's cultural diplomacy.

Carlos Fuentes was a seminal Mexican writer whose work shaped Latin American literature. Born in Panama in 1928, he grew up in diplomatic circles across Latin America and the U.S. Fuentes's breakthrough novel, The Death of Artemio Cruz, critiqued power and identity in post-revolution Mexico. His acclaimed novels Aura and Terra Nostra blended history, myth, and political commentary. Fuentes also wrote influential essays on culture, politics, and the Spanish language. He served as Mexico's ambassador to France and cultural attaché at the United Nations. A recipient of the Cervantes Prize, he was celebrated for his linguistic mastery and intellectual depth. Fuentes passed away in 2012, leaving a rich literary legacy.

Born in 1933, he began his career at the Nikkatsu film studio. He gained recognition for his bold visual style and genre-blending narratives. He directed cult classics such as "School of the Holy Beast" and "Terrifying Girls' High School". His work helped define the Japanese exploitation genre of the 1970s. He wrote screenplays for a variety of action and drama films throughout his career. He passed away in 2014, leaving a lasting impact on genre filmmaking in Japan.