May 16

Born in Schweinfurt in 1788, Friedrich Rückert studied classical and oriental languages, becoming proficient in Arabic, Persian, and Sanskrit. His poetry collections, including "Liebesfrühling" and "Kindertotenlieder", showcased his mastery of lyricism and deep emotional expression. Rückert translated major works of Eastern poets like Hafez and wrote essays on language and poetics, fostering cross-cultural appreciation. Composers such as Gustav Mahler set his poems to music, bringing his verses to wider audiences through song cycles. He held a professorship at the University of Erlangen and was respected as a scholar of languages and literature. Rückert died in 1866, remembered for bridging European and Oriental literary traditions.

Born in 1819 in Vändra, Jannsen studied theology but pursued journalism to advance Estonian culture. In 1857 he founded the newspaper Perno Postimees, giving a voice to the Estonian peasantry. His patriotic poetry celebrated the language and traditions of Estonia, including lyrics for the national anthem Mu isamaa mu õnn ja rõõm. A leader of the Estonian national awakening, he organized song festivals that united cultural identity and pride. Jannsen's work laid the foundation for modern Estonian literature and press freedom. He died in 1890, revered as a father of the Estonian nation.

Born in 1862 in Norfolk, Fountaine developed a passion for butterflies at an early age. She embarked on solo expeditions across Asia, Africa, and the Americas, amassing over 20,000 butterfly specimens. Her detailed diaries recorded scientific observations and personal reflections, offering a rare female perspective on Victorian exploration. Fountaine corresponded with leading entomologists and contributed specimens to institutions such as the Natural History Museum in London. Her posthumously published journals reveal a vivid portrait of adventure, science, and female autonomy. She died in 1940, leaving a lasting legacy in natural history and travel literature.

Pierre Gilliard served as a tutor to Tsar Nicholas II's children, offering a unique perspective on the Romanov family. He chronicled his experiences in memoirs that became key historical sources on the fall of Imperial Russia. As a professor of languages and literature, he lectured at the University of Lausanne. Gilliard published works on Russian history and culture, blending scholarly research with personal anecdotes. His writings remain valuable to historians seeking firsthand accounts of the Romanovs' final years.

Walter Yust was an American journalist and encyclopedian who served as Editor-in-Chief of Encyclopaedia Britannica. He led Britannica through its expansion in the mid-20th century, making it a global reference work. Under his leadership, the encyclopedia published new editions and expanded coverage of emerging fields. Yust was also a writer and editor for newspapers and magazines prior to his work at Britannica. His editorial vision shaped how knowledge was curated and disseminated to readers worldwide.

Desanka Maksimović was born in 1898 in Serbia and became one of the country's most beloved literary figures. She studied philosophy and Slavonic literature before teaching at the University of Belgrade. Maksimović's poetry is celebrated for its emotional depth, exploring themes of love, loss, and national identity. During World War II, she wrote powerful anti-war poems that resonated with many and solidified her status as a voice of conscience. Over her long career, she published numerous collections and received several awards, leaving a lasting legacy in Serbian literature.

Arturo Uslar Pietri was born in 1906 and studied law before dedicating himself to writing and journalism. He became a prolific novelist, essayist, and political commentator, addressing themes of national identity, social justice, and modernization. Uslar Pietri founded cultural journals and worked in diplomatic posts, influencing Venezuelan public discourse. His most famous novel, 'Las lanzas coloradas,' examines the complexities of the country's independence struggle. Over his long career, he received numerous honors, solidifying his reputation as a leading voice in Latin American literature.

Born Margarete Waldstein in 1906, Margret Rey fled Nazi Germany with her husband, Hans Augusto Rey, and later established a successful writing partnership in the United States. Together they created 'Curious George,' the mischievous monkey who has delighted children since 1941. Rey's simple lines and engaging storytelling captured the imagination of readers worldwide. She continued to write and illustrate children's books for decades, often drawing inspiration from everyday adventures. Margret Rey's work has become a timeless part of children's literature and remains popular across generations.

Olga Bergholz was a leading Soviet poet whose emotionally charged verses captured the resilience of the human spirit during World War II. Born in St. Petersburg, she rose to prominence as the "voice of Leningrad," delivering radio broadcasts that bolstered civilian morale during the city's brutal siege. Her poetry blended personal sorrow with collective endurance, creating works that resonated deeply with survivors. After the war, Bergholz continued to write poetry and memoirs reflecting on themes of memory and survival. She served in editorial roles at prominent literary journals, influencing a generation of Soviet writers. Bergholz's legacy endures as a symbol of cultural perseverance and artistic courage.

Studs Terkel was a pioneering figure in oral history, dedicating his career to documenting the stories of individuals from all walks of life. Born in Chicago, he hosted a long-running radio show where he interviewed factory workers, musicians, immigrants, and celebrities. His landmark books, including "Working" and "The Good War," combined firsthand accounts to create a mosaic of American experience. Terkel won the Pulitzer Prize for his contributions to literature and history. He was also a passionate forum moderator and advocate for civil rights. His work highlighted the power of personal narrative and has influenced generations of historians and journalists.

Rulfo's sparse, poetic prose captured the essence of rural Mexico and its folklore. His 1955 novel 'Pedro Páramo' is considered one of the greatest works of Latin American literature. He also published the short story collection 'El Llano en llamas', influencing generations of writers. In addition to writing, Rulfo documented Mexican life through striking black-and-white photography. His innovative narrative techniques and haunting imagery cemented his reputation as a literary pioneer.

Peter Underwood (1923–2014) was an English parapsychologist and author. He dedicated his career to investigating claims of hauntings and mediums. Underwood published numerous books that combined historical research with eyewitness accounts of ghost sightings. He worked to promote rigorous standards for evidence in parapsychological research. His writings brought popular attention to folklore and unexplained phenomena across the UK. Underwood was regarded as an authority on the history of ghost stories and spiritualism. His accessible style helped bridge academic and popular audiences interested in the paranormal.