May 21

Alexander Pope was a central figure of Augustan literature, famed for his wit and poetic craftsmanship. His masterpieces, including The Rape of the Lock and An Essay on Criticism, defined neoclassical satire. Pope’s translation of Homer’s Iliad secured his reputation and influenced English taste. Despite poor health, he maintained a vibrant literary salon at Twickenham. He championed poetic form and classical ideals, shaping the literary landscape. Pope’s work continues to be celebrated for its elegance, humor, and intellectual depth.

Born Ion Theodorescu in 1880, Tudor Arghezi emerged as one of Romania's most influential literary figures. His avant-garde poetry collections, such as 'Cuvinte potrivite', broke with traditional forms and language. Arghezi's work often explored themes of spirituality, nature, and the human condition with stark realism. He also wrote novels, essays, and children's literature, leaving a versatile literary legacy. Arghezi received the Romanian Academy's prize and remains a central figure in 20th-century Romanian culture.

Born in 1884 in Montevideo, Manuel Pérez y Curis co-founded the avant-garde journal 'Grito de Stone'. He published works by emerging writers and promoted artistic experimentation. As a poet, his lyrical style blended symbolism with local themes, influencing contemporaries. Pérez y Curis's smaller publishing house served as a hub for Uruguay's literary avant-garde. He died young in 1920, but his impact on modernist circles endured across Latin America.

Regina M. Anderson was a librarian at the New York Public Library's 135th Street branch and a central figure in the Harlem Renaissance. In 1926, she co-founded the Krigwa Players, a theatre group dedicated to producing works by African-American playwrights. Her plays explored themes of racial identity, social justice, and community life. Anderson organized literary salons that fostered collaboration among writers and artists, including Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston. Her efforts expanded opportunities for Black artists and enriched American theater and literature.

Born in Ghent, Suzanne Lilar studied law and philosophy at the University of Ghent before embarking on a literary career. She became a pioneering voice in Francophone literature with works that examined the nature of love, identity, and societal norms. Her plays often explored the tensions between tradition and modernity, gaining acclaim on European stages. Lilar also published essays on aesthetics and feminist theory, influencing generations of writers. Over her six-decade career, she authored novels, essays, and dramas celebrated for their elegance and psychological depth. She received multiple literary awards in Belgium and served as a prominent cultural figure until her death in Brussels in 1992.

Manly Wade Wellman was born in Angola, Indiana, and developed a deep love for Southern Appalachian culture after moving to North Carolina. Over a career spanning more than fifty years, he published scores of novels, short stories, and essays covering genres from detective fiction to sword-and-sorcery fantasy. His most famous creation, the wandering balladeer John 'Silver John' Roderick, starred in tales rich with regional folklore and supernatural suspense. Wellman's vivid prose and inventive plots earned him the World Fantasy Life Achievement Award in 1987. He also wrote historical novels and collaborated on comic book scripts. His work continues to influence writers and enthusiasts of genre fiction. Wellman died in 1986, leaving behind a diverse literary legacy.

Born Roman Kacew in Vilnius, he served as a pilot in the Free French Air Force during World War II. After the war, he embarked on a diplomatic career, representing France in countries such as Bulgaria and Mexico. Under the name Romain Gary, he published celebrated novels like The Roots of Heaven and Lady L. In 1975, he shocked the literary world by winning the Prix Goncourt a second time as Émile Ajar. He also wrote and directed films, showcasing his versatile talents and inventive spirit. His life and dual literary identity remain a fascinating chapter in modern literature.

Harold Robbins wrote over 23 novels that collectively sold more than 750 million copies worldwide. His works, including The Carpetbaggers and A Stone for Danny Fisher, blended rags-to-riches tales with Hollywood intrigue. Robbins' portrayals of wealth, sex, and power appealed to a mass audience and sparked both admiration and controversy. Several of his books were adapted into films and television series, cementing his pop-cultural impact. He remains one of the most commercially successful writers of the 20th century.

Dorothy Hewett (1923–2002) was a prolific Australian writer whose work spanned poetry, fiction, and drama. A leading voice of the feminist movement in literature, she explored themes of gender, freedom, and social justice. Her novels, including 'Bobbin Up', and plays such as 'The Chapel Perilous', challenged societal norms and gave voice to working-class experiences. Hewett's rich poetic language and experimental style influenced generations of Australian writers. Despite controversy over the autobiographical elements in her work, she remains a significant figure in 20th-century literature.

Robert Creeley (1926–2005) was a central figure in the mid-20th-century American poetry scene. Affiliated with Black Mountain College, he helped shape the minimalist style and personal tone of the movement. Creeley's collections, including 'For Love' and 'Mirrors', explored themes of love, identity, and disparity in concise, direct language. He also taught at several universities, influencing younger generations of writers. In addition to poetry, Creeley wrote novels and essays on poetics, contributing significantly to literary criticism and theory.

Jocasta Innes (1934–2013) was a pioneering journalist and author known for her accessible home decor and cooking books. Her book 'Paint Magic' taught readers simple techniques to transform interiors on a budget. She followed with 'The Pauper's Cookbook', inspiring home cooks with creative, affordable recipes. Innes combined a journalist's clarity with practical advice, making design and cooking approachable for all. Her engaging style and innovative ideas influenced DIY and culinary culture in late 20th-century Britain. Innes' work continues to inspire enthusiasts of stylish, cost-effective home living and cooking.

Janet Dailey was one of the first American writers to break into the romance genre, publishing her debut novel in 1976. Over her career, she wrote more than 160 novels set in American Heartland, Western, and contemporary romance subgenres. Dailey's vivid characters and authentic settings earned her a passionate readership and bestseller status. She founded the e-book publisher Dailey Books to support digital distribution of her works. Her contributions helped shape the romance publishing industry until her death in 2013.