May 22

Born in 1009, Su Xun became an influential literary figure of the Northern Song period. He pioneered a bold essay style that challenged prevailing norms and advocated for practical governance. Su Xun's writings emphasized moral integrity and clear expression, influencing generations of scholars. He is also remembered as the father of the Three Su, a celebrated group of writers including his sons Su Shi and Su Zhe. His collected works remain a cornerstone of classical Chinese literature and rhetoric studies.

Gérard de Nerval (1808–1855) was a central figure of the French Romantic movement, known for his evocative poetry and innovative prose. He translated Goethe’s Faust into French, bringing German Romanticism to a wider audience. His own works, including the sonnet collection “Les Chimères,” are admired for their dreamlike symbolism and emotional depth. Nerval’s struggles with mental illness and his mysterious death by suicide cast a poignant shadow over his literary legacy. He remains a major influence on Symbolist poets and modernist writers who followed.

Born in Paris in 1841, Mendès became a leading voice of the Parnassian school, emphasizing form and precision. His poetry collections, such as Les Poésies de la Pléiade, won critical acclaim for their classical themes and craftsmanship. He collaborated with composers like Gabriel Fauré, writing librettos for operas and songs. Mendès also authored novels and plays that explored contemporary social issues and romantic idealism. He hosted vibrant literary salons in Paris, attracting figures like Mallarmé and Verlaine. Mendès died in 1909, leaving a diverse body of work that bridged poetry, theater, and music.

Rita Cetina Gutiérrez was a pioneering Mexican poet and educator born in 1846. She founded the first secular school for girls in Yucatán, La Siempreviva, promoting literacy and critical thinking. An active participant in liberal intellectual circles, she used her poetry to advocate for social reform and gender equality. Cetina Gutiérrez also published one of the earliest feminist newspapers in Mexico, reaching a wide audience with her progressive ideas. Her writings combined literary elegance with a strong call for educational access and civic participation. She left a lasting legacy as a forerunner of the Mexican feminist movement and an inspiration to future generations of women leaders.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859–1930) was a British writer and physician whose Sherlock Holmes stories revolutionized detective fiction. Educated in Edinburgh, he drew on his medical background to craft Holmes's scientific methods and deductive reasoning. Beyond Holmes, Doyle wrote historical novels, science fiction, and ghost stories, showcasing his literary versatility. He was an early advocate for compulsory vaccination and later became involved in spiritualist causes, reflecting his wide-ranging interests. Conan Doyle's enduring legacy is seen in countless adaptations of his work across literature, film, and television.

Tsubouchi Shōyō (1859–1935) was a pioneering Japanese author, critic, and educator at the forefront of literary reform. His seminal work, Shōsetsu Shinzui (The Essence of the Novel), argued for realism and vernacular language in Japanese literature. Tsubouchi translated Shakespeare's plays into Japanese, laying the foundation for modern Japanese theater. As a professor at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies and later at Waseda University, he mentored generations of writers and dramatists. He also wrote plays and essays that shaped Japan’s literary canon during the Meiji period.

Willy Stöwer (1864–1931) was a German author and illustrator renowned for his detailed maritime artworks. He produced illustrations for newspapers, books, and postcards, documenting naval scenes with striking realism. Stöwer's iconic depiction of the RMS Titanic appeared in early press coverage and became widely circulated. Commissioned by the German Navy, he created official posters and publications to support naval recruitment and morale. His work popularized maritime art in Europe and inspired future generations of illustrators.

He published his first novel at a young age, quickly earning critical acclaim for his lyrical writing style. In 1906, he won the prestigious Prix Goncourt for 'Écrit sur l’eau', marking a high point in his literary career. De Miomandre was also a prolific translator, introducing French readers to Spanish and Latin American literature. Throughout his life, he wrote essays, travelogues, and criticism, demonstrating broad intellectual curiosity. His work influenced early 20th-century French literature with its blend of romanticism and modern sensibility.

He was an early member of the Communist Party of Germany and contributed to leftist literary journals. Becher wrote novels and poems that addressed social inequality and revolutionary themes. After World War II, he helped establish the German Democratic Republic's cultural infrastructure. As Minister of Culture, he promoted socialist realism and supported arts education. He is best remembered for penning the lyrics to 'Auferstanden aus Ruinen', which became the GDR's national anthem.

Born in 1897, Robert Neumann authored works in both German and English, showcasing his versatile literary style. He produced novels, essays, and short stories that delved into cultural identity and displacement. A prolific writer whose bilingual talents broadened his readership across Europe and the United Kingdom. He continued his literary career despite geopolitical turmoil, crafting narratives that resonated with readers experiencing exile and change. Neumann passed away in 1975, leaving a lasting influence on twentieth-century literature.

Dominique Rolin (1913–2012) was a celebrated Belgian author known for her introspective novels and autobiographical writings. She debuted with 'Le Souffle' in 1935 and went on to publish over twenty books, often reflecting on female identity, desire, and existential questions. Rolin’s acclaimed works include 'Journal amoureux' and 'Femme au bois dormant', earning her numerous literary awards. Her poetic prose and candid exploration of human emotions influenced French-language literature. Rolin’s legacy endures through her profound impact on contemporary European literature.

Jean-Louis Curtis (1917–1995) was a distinguished French writer whose novels and essays provided sharp observations of post-war French society. He won the prestigious Prix Goncourt in 1947 for his debut novel 'Les Forêts de la nuit'. Curtis’s works often explored themes of social class, politics, and human morality with wit and clarity. He taught at several universities and was a member of the Académie Goncourt. Throughout his career, Curtis published over thirty books, earning acclaim for his literary craftsmanship and critical insight.