May 16

Liu Bowen, born in 1311, was a key advisor to Zhu Yuanzhang, the founder of the Ming dynasty. He crafted military strategies that helped unify China and secure the new dynasty's power. Renowned for his literary talent, he composed poetry and prose that reflected both scholarly depth and political insight. His works include commentaries on the I Ching and other classics, influencing Chinese thought for centuries. Liu Bowen's blend of martial acumen and literary skill has made him a legendary figure in Chinese history. He died in 1375, leaving a legacy as both a statesman and a cultural icon.

Charles Perrault (1628-1703) was a French author and member of the Académie Française who pioneered the literary fairy tale. His collection Histoires ou contes du temps passé (1697) introduced enduring tales such as Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Puss in Boots. Perrault's elegant style blended folk traditions with courtly refinement, setting the standard for children's literature. He engaged in the famous Quarrel of the Ancients and the Moderns, advocating modern literary innovation over classical ideals. Perrault's fairy tales have inspired countless adaptations and remain beloved cultural treasures.

Matthew Lewis (1775-1818) was an English author and playwright nicknamed Monk Lewis for his sensational Gothic novel The Monk (1796). Born into a literary family, he published his first work at sixteen and quickly gained fame for his dark, imaginative storytelling. The Monk scandalized European audiences with its themes of horror and supernatural intrigue, becoming an international bestseller. Lewis also wrote dramas and translated continental works, contributing to Britain's Romantic literary movement. He died at sea near Sicily on May 16, 1818, leaving a lasting impact on Gothic literature and popular culture.

Veske studied theology at the University of Tartu, becoming a dedicated Lutheran pastor. He collected and published Estonian folk songs, preserving the nation’s oral traditions. His linguistic research helped codify Estonian grammar and standardize the written language. As a poet, he composed patriotic verses that fueled cultural pride and unity. He lectured extensively on linguistics, promoting Estonian studies in academia. Veske’s contributions laid the groundwork for modern Estonian literature and language scholarship.

Born in 1866 in Indiana, Ade began his career as a newspaper columnist. He gained fame for his Fables in Slang, humorous moral stories reflecting everyday life. Ade also wrote popular stage plays and collaborated with theatrical producers in Chicago. His work satirized American manners and contributed to the development of American comedy. He died in 1944, leaving a legacy as one of the early masters of American humor writing.

James Agee (1909–1955) was a multifaceted American writer, novelist, screenwriter, and critic. He gained acclaim for his book 'Let Us Now Praise Famous Men,' co-created with photographer Walker Evans, documenting the lives of sharecropper families during the Great Depression. Agee worked as a film critic for The Nation and Time magazine before moving to Hollywood to write screenplays, including 'The African Queen'. His lyrical prose and social consciousness left a lasting mark on American literature. He died in 1955 at the age of 45, leaving behind a powerful literary legacy.

Irwin Shaw became a prominent American author with works spanning novels, short stories, and plays. His novel The Young Lions, set during World War II, became a bestseller and was adapted into a major motion picture. Shaw’s play Bury the Dead challenged audiences with its innovative anti-war themes. He wrote numerous screenplays in Hollywood, showcasing his versatility across media. His short story collections, such as The Girls in Their Summer Dresses, displayed his sharp insight into relationships. Known for his eloquent prose and deep character studies, Shaw influenced generations of writers. He spent his later years in Europe, continuing to write until his death in 1984.

Leila Kasra wrote under the pen name Taraneh and became one of Iran’s most beloved lyricists. Her poetic words enriched the repertoires of iconic singers such as Googoosh and Ebi. Kasra’s lyrics blended traditional Persian poetic themes with modern musical styles. After the Iranian Revolution, she continued her work in exile, collaborating with artists abroad. Her songs often explored themes of love, loss, and yearning, resonating deeply with listeners. In addition to songwriting, she published poetry collections that highlighted her lyrical skill. Kasra’s legacy endures through the timeless melodies and heartfelt verses she crafted.

Born in 1917, Barker served in the British Army during World War II before pursuing a career in journalism. He wrote extensively about aviation history, publishing acclaimed works such as 'The Bloody Biscuit' and 'The Hundred Days of the Bismarck.' Barker's meticulous research and engaging narrative style brought historic battles and personalities to life for general readers. He also contributed articles to newspapers and magazines, shedding light on wartime experiences and military strategy. His books remain valued resources for historians and enthusiasts alike. Barker died in 2011, leaving behind a significant body of work on 20th-century military history.

Born in 1952, Patricia Aakhus earned her Ph.D. in medieval literature before embarking on a dual career as a writer and educator. Her debut novel The Voyage of Mael Duin's Curragh received critical acclaim for its lyrical prose and inventive storytelling. She published several more works that reimagined classic myths for modern audiences, earning a dedicated following. As a professor, she inspired students with her passion for literature and medieval studies at various universities. Her contributions to contemporary mythic fiction remain influential, and she passed away on May 16, 2012, leaving behind a rich literary legacy.

Bernard Waber was born in Philadelphia in 1921 and served in World War II before beginning his career in design. He published his first children's book, 'My Mother's Dog and Other Animals,' in 1961 and introduced Lyle the Crocodile in 1965. Waber's warm storytelling and gentle illustrations resonated deeply with young readers, making Lyle a cherished figure in children's literature. He authored and illustrated more than twenty books, often focusing on themes of friendship and family. His work has been praised for its humor, charm, and empathetic portrayal of his characters. Waber continued creating stories and artwork until his retirement, inspiring generations of children with his timeless tales. He passed away on May 16, 2013, leaving a rich legacy in the world of children's books.

Clyde Snow was born in Fort Worth, Texas in 1928 and earned his Ph.D. in anthropology from the University of Pennsylvania. He became chief physical anthropologist at the U.S. Army Identification Lab and applied his expertise to mass grave investigations around the world. Snow played a key role in uncovering human rights abuses in Argentina's 'Dirty War' by identifying disappeared political prisoners. He consulted on high-profile cases, including exhumations related to the Kennedy assassination and war crimes tribunals. Snow published authoritative texts on forensic anthropology and helped establish professional standards for the field. He founded the American Board of Forensic Anthropology to credential specialists and promote ethical practices. Snow passed away on May 16, 2014, leaving a lasting impact on human rights investigations and forensic science.