May 24

Born in 1561 in Córdoba, Luis de Góngora became one of the most influential poets of the Spanish Golden Age. He served as a cleric in various posts while developing a highly ornate style known as culteranismo. His major works include the long poems 'Soledades' and the collection 'Fábula de Polifemo y Galatea'. Góngora’s innovative use of complex metaphors, Latinisms, and mythological references challenged traditional poetic forms. Although controversial in his time, his style inspired later generations of poets and defined the Baroque movement in Spanish literature. He died in 1627, leaving a lasting legacy as a master of poetic language.

Born in 1797 near Münster, Annette von Droste-Hülshoff emerged as one of Germany’s most important 19th-century poets. She crafted lyrical poems and novellas, with 'Die Judenbuche' becoming her best-known prose work. Droste-Hülshoff’s writing is marked by vivid descriptions of nature and deep psychological insight. Despite living a largely reclusive life, she maintained correspondence with leading intellectuals and musicians of her day. In addition to her literary achievements, she composed music for voice and piano which reflected Romantic sensibilities. Her work influenced subsequent generations of writers and remains a cornerstone of German literature. She died in 1848, leaving a rich artistic legacy.

Amado Nervo was born in Tepic, Mexico, in 1870 and became a leading voice of the Modernismo movement in Latin American literature. He published his first poetry collection, "Perlas Negras," in 1898, showcasing his lyrical style and spiritual themes. Nervo worked as a journalist and served as a Mexican diplomat in Argentina, Uruguay, and Spain, promoting Mexican culture abroad. His most famous works, including "La Amada Inmóvil" and "Elevación," explore metaphysical questions of love, loss, and faith. As an educator, he mentored younger writers and shaped Mexico’s literary scene until his death in 1919.

Jacques Feyder was born in Ixelles, Belgium, in 1885 and became one of the leading figures of early European cinema. He started his career as an actor and screenwriter before shifting his focus behind the camera. Feyder earned acclaim for films such as 'Crainquebille' (1922) and 'Visages d'enfants' (1925), which showcased his poetic realism and visual storytelling. He collaborated with prominent writers and actors of his time and helped pave the way for future directors in the French film industry. In the 1930s he directed several sound films and continued to innovate with narratives that explored human emotion and social themes. Feyder's work influenced later filmmakers and left a lasting legacy in both Belgium and France. He died in 1948, leaving behind a rich catalog of pioneering cinematic works.

Thomas Neil Heffron was born in 1872 and began his career on the stage before moving into the burgeoning film industry. He worked with several early production companies, starring in and directing a variety of silent shorts. Heffron penned scripts that contributed to the development of narrative film language in the 1910s. His collaborations included working with actors such as May Allison and production for Famous Players Film Company. Despite the challenges of silent cinema, he became known for his inventive storytelling and dynamic directing style. He retired from filmmaking in the early 1920s and returned to theatrical pursuits later in life. He passed away in 1951, leaving a modest but significant contribution to early American cinema.

Joseph Mitchell joined The New Yorker in 1938 and became renowned for his narrative journalism that blurred the line between fact and folklore. His series 'Old Mr. Flood' and the celebrated profile 'Joe Gould's Secret' reveal his empathetic style and fascination with society's outsiders. Mitchell’s writing captured the soul of early 20th-century New York through detailed character studies. He published two acclaimed collections, 'My Ears Are Bent' and 'Further Ears Are Bent,' solidifying his reputation as a master of creative nonfiction. Despite declining to publish after the 1960s, his influence endured, inspiring generations of journalists and writers. Mitchell’s work remains a touchstone for literary journalism.

Majrooh Sultanpuri began writing poetry at a young age and became one of the foremost Urdu poets of his generation. He entered the Hindi film industry in 1949, penning lyrics for classics like Mother India and Mughal-e-Azam. Over his remarkable career, he wrote more than 1,500 songs that blended classical Urdu imagery with contemporary themes. Sultanpuri won the Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist and was honored with India’s Padma Shri for his contributions to literature and cinema. His collaborations with composers such as Naushad and S.D. Burman produced some of Bollywood’s most enduring melodies. Sultanpuri remained an influential voice in poetry and film until his passing in 2000.

Born in Brooklyn, Wallace Markfield drew on his urban upbringing to create vivid characters and settings in his comic novels. His debut, Teitelbaum’s Window, received critical acclaim for its sharp humor and social commentary. He followed with To an Early Grave, a satirical take on academia and identity. Markfield’s work often explored themes of community, family, and the immigrant experience with warmth and wit. He taught creative writing at several universities and mentored young writers. His contributions to American literature remain appreciated for their humor and humanity.

Born in 1913, Milton Shulman became a leading voice in Canadian literary criticism. His sharp wit and keen insights earned him acclaim among readers and writers alike. He authored numerous reviews that shaped discussions on literature and the arts. Throughout his career, he contributed to various newspapers and magazines, bridging academic and popular discourse. Shulman's work remains influential for its clarity, balance, and depth of analysis. He passed away in 2004, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of literary criticism.

Born in 1900, Edward Wagenknecht became a distinguished literary critic and educator. He authored important works on American and British literature, offering deep analysis of major writers. His scholarly publications and essays were valued for their clarity, thorough research, and accessible style. As a professor, Wagenknecht influenced generations of students through his passion for literature. His career spanned several decades, during which he became a respected figure in literary studies. He passed away in 2004, leaving behind a substantial body of critical literature.

Born in 1922, Carl Amery emerged as a significant voice in German literature and environmentalism. Under his pen name, he wrote novels, essays, and critiques that explored humanity's relationship with nature. His works often blended historical narrative with speculative futures to highlight ecological concerns. As an activist, Amery advocated for environmental protection and sustainable development. He participated in public debates and movements that influenced Germany's environmental policies. His literary and activist efforts continue to inspire readers and environmentalists. He died in 2005, leaving a legacy of ecological awareness in literature.

Born in 1913, Arthur Haulot built a career blending journalism with poetic expression. His articles and poems reflected a deep engagement with contemporary social and cultural issues. As a journalist, he reported on events with clarity, integrity, and a humanistic perspective. His poetry, marked by vivid imagery and emotional depth, earned him recognition among literary circles. Haulot's work bridged the worlds of reporting and literature, offering readers both information and artistic reflection. He passed away in 2005, leaving a body of work that continues to resonate for its humanity and artistry.