May 18

Born in Paris in 1732, Pierre Beaumarchais rose from watchmaker to celebrated dramatist and royalist agent. His plays challenged social hierarchies and influenced Enlightenment thought. "The Barber of Seville" and "The Marriage of Figaro" were later adapted into famous operas by Rossini and Mozart. Beyond theatre, he financed covert arms shipments to the American colonies during their fight for independence. He also founded influential newspapers and publishing houses in France. Beaumarchais' wit, bold publishing ventures, and political intrigue marked him as one of the 18th century's most versatile figures.

George Meredith (1828–1909) was an English novelist and poet whose work bridged Victorian tradition and modern sensibilities. He gained acclaim for novels like 'The Egoist' and 'Diana of the Crossways', noted for their complex characters and sharp social critique. Meredith's poetry, including 'Modern Love', is celebrated for its emotive depth and innovative meter. A respected essayist and critic, he influenced writers such as Henry James and Virginia Woolf. Meredith's exploration of love, identity, and society left a lasting impact on English literature.

Eliza Orzeszkowa (1841–1910) was a prominent Polish novelist and publisher known for her realist portrayals of social issues. Her novels, including 'On the Niemen' and 'The Chronicle of the Year 1794', explored themes of national identity under foreign partition. Orzeszkowa was an early advocate for women's education and emancipation in Polish society. She co-founded literary and educational institutions that nurtured Polish culture during times of political suppression. In 1905, she became the first Polish woman nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature.

Jacob Fichman was a pioneering Hebrew poet and critic who shaped early 20th-century Israeli literature. Born in 1881 in Russia, he emigrated to Palestine in 1912 and engaged in the burgeoning literary scene. Fichman's poetry combined introspective themes with vivid imagery drawn from nature and personal experience. He also wrote critical essays that helped define modern Hebrew literary standards. His work appeared in leading journals, influencing generations of Israeli writers. Fichman's literary legacy is marked by his fusion of traditional poetics with emerging modernist trends. He passed away in 1958, leaving behind a rich body of poetic and critical writings.

William Saroyan (1908–1981) was an American writer whose stories and plays captured the resilience and humor of ordinary people. Born to Armenian immigrants in Fresno, California, he rose to fame with his debut collection of stories in 1934. Saroyan won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1940 for his play The Time of Your Life and received an Academy Award for his screenplay adaptation of The Human Comedy in 1943. His writing is characterized by warmth, wit, and deep empathy for characters facing life’s uncertainties. Saroyan’s works often blend humor with philosophical reflection, celebrating human connections and simple joys. Despite periods of financial hardship, he remained prolific, penning novels, short stories, and plays throughout his life. His unique voice influenced generations of writers and dramatists. Today, revivals of his plays and renewed interest in his literary achievements keep his legacy alive.

Mahdi Amel (1936–1987), born Mahdi Ayyad, was a Lebanese journalist, poet, and academic known for his Marxist activism and literary contributions. He studied sociology and political science in Beirut and Paris, where he embraced revolutionary ideas. Amel founded the magazine Al-Tali'a to promote leftist perspectives and critiqued colonialism and authoritarianism in the Middle East. His poetry blended political conviction with lyrical depth, earning him respect among Arab intellectuals. As a professor at the Lebanese University, he mentored a generation of scholars and activists. Amel’s critiques of social inequality and imperialism made him a polarizing figure in Lebanon’s turbulent political landscape. He was assassinated in Beirut on May 18, 1987, his death attributed to political violence. Today, his writings continue to inspire debates on freedom, justice, and the role of literature in social change.

Dorothy Helen Ruth Pirone (1921–1989) was an American horse breeder and writer, and the only surviving daughter of baseball legend Babe Ruth. Growing up in the shadow of her father's fame, she developed a passion for equestrian life and established herself in the Thoroughbred racing community. Dorothy married John Pirone, and together they ran a successful breeding and training operation in Virginia. She authored memoirs detailing her unique upbringing and her experiences in the horse racing world. Her books provide an intimate glimpse into the family life of one of America's greatest sports figures. Beyond her writing, Ruth was active in charitable causes and supported youth equestrian programs. She continued her equine pursuits until her death in 1989. Today, her memoirs and contributions to horse breeding preserve the legacy of both her father and her own accomplishments.

Born in Delhi in 1939 and later relocating to Pakistan, Aleem emerged as a leading voice in modern Urdu poetry. His collections, including Harf-e-Raaz and Gumshuda Log, were praised for their emotional resonance and literary elegance. Aleem's work often explored themes of love, social justice, and the human condition. He served as an editor for several literary magazines, mentoring emerging writers and poets. His poetic contributions enriched South Asian literature and inspired subsequent generations of Urdu poets. Aleem's legacy endures through his enduring verses and influence on the literary community.

Born in 1907 in Pontiac, Illinois, Hunt began her career as an educator before turning to writing and illustrating children's books. Her debut novel, Up a Road Slowly, received the Newbery Medal in 1967 for its heartfelt coming-of-age narrative. She followed with acclaimed works like Across Five Aprils, which vividly depicted life during the Civil War. Hunt's illustrations complemented her prose, creating immersive historical landscapes for young audiences. Committed to literature and education, she inspired empathy and curiosity through her storytelling. Her timeless novels continue to be cherished classics in children's literature.

Dobrica Ćosić was born in 1921 in Velika Drenova and gained recognition as a novelist and essayist before entering politics. A key intellectual figure in Serbian nationalism, he wrote influential works on Yugoslavia’s political future. In 1992, Ćosić was elected the first President of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, holding office until 1993. His presidency saw the early stages of the break-up of Yugoslavia, and he was both praised and criticized for his nationalist views. After leaving office, he continued writing and advising on Balkan affairs until his death in 2014.