May 25

Edward Bulwer-Lytton was born in 1803 and rose to fame as a novelist and playwright. He served as a Member of Parliament and was appointed Secretary of State for the Colonies in 1858. Bulwer-Lytton wrote popular works including "The Last Days of Pompeii" and coined the phrase "the pen is mightier than the sword." He used his political connections to influence literary and imperial policy. His career bridged the worlds of literature and politics until his death in 1873.

Ralph Waldo Emerson was a leading figure in the American transcendentalist movement. He published essays such as "Nature" and "Self-Reliance" that challenged conventional thought and inspired intellectual independence. Emerson traveled widely, delivering lectures on philosophy, poetry, and religion. He emphasized individual intuition and the spiritual connection between humanity and nature. His writings and lectures had a lasting impact on American literature and thought until his death in 1882.

Louise de Broglie, Countess d'Haussonville was a French essayist and biographer born in 1818. As a member of the Parisian aristocracy, she hosted influential literary salons and developed friendships with leading thinkers. She wrote essays on history, literature, and biographies of notable figures in French society. Her works combined scholarly research with elegant prose, earning her respect among contemporary intellectuals. She remained an important voice in literary circles until her death in 1882.

Trebor Mai, born Robert Williams, was a Welsh poet celebrated for his mastery of bardic verse. He wrote elegiac poems and pastoral lyrics that reflected Welsh folklore and natural landscapes. His poetry was published in local eisteddfod collections and contributed to the revival of Welsh-language literature. Williams performed his works at cultural festivals, earning him recognition as a key figure in 19th-century Welsh poetry. He continued to influence the literary tradition until his death in 1877.

Naim Frashëri was an Albanian poet and translator born in 1846 and a leading figure in the Albanian National Awakening. He wrote lyrical poems that celebrated Albanian identity, traditions, and language. Frashëri translated major literary works, making foreign classics accessible to Albanian readers. His collection "Bagëti e Bujqësi" is considered a masterpiece of Albanian literature. He inspired future generations of writers and nationalists before his death in 1900.

Robert “Robbie” Ross was a Canadian-born journalist and art critic best known for championing Oscar Wilde. He managed Wilde’s literary estate and published his works posthumously, preserving his legacy. An influential critic, Ross wrote insightful articles on poetry, literature, and art for leading periodicals. His close friendship with Wilde provided key insights into the writer’s life and works. Ross’s biography of Wilde remains a definitive study of the author’s life and trials. Despite personal hardships, he maintained a lifelong commitment to artistic and literary excellence.

Often celebrated as the national poet of Bangladesh, Nazrul Islam served in the British Indian Army during World War I before turning to literature and music. He penned hundreds of poems, essays, and songs (known as Nazrul Geeti) that championed freedom, equality, and communal harmony. His 1922 poem "Bidrohi" (The Rebel) became an anthem for anti-colonial resistance across South Asia. A masterful flute player, he blended classical and folk traditions in his compositions, leaving a lasting musical legacy. Nazrul's work inspired progressive movements and remains a cornerstone of Bengali literature and culture.

Born in Saint-Casimir, Quebec, Grandbois published his first poetry collection in 1924 and became a leading voice in French-Canadian literature. His extensive travels through Europe, Asia, and the Americas inspired acclaimed travelogues that blended lyrical observation with personal reflection. Grandbois won the Governor General’s Award for his travelogue "Alerte au sud", earning national recognition. His work influenced generations of Quebec writers, merging poetic form with the journalistic eye. He is remembered as a pioneer who expanded the horizons of Francophone Canadian literature.

Born in Saginaw, Michigan, Roethke often drew inspiration from his family’s greenhouse business, infusing his poetry with organic imagery and emotional depth. He published his first collection, "Open House", in 1941 and later won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1954 with "The Waking". Roethke taught creative writing at institutions such as the University of Washington, influencing a generation of poets. His work is celebrated for its lyricism, formal innovation, and exploration of identity and the unconscious. Roethke’s legacy endures as a key figure in mid-20th-century American literature.

Born in 1925 in Mexico City and raised in Chiapas, she studied literature and philosophy at UNAM. Her poetry collections and novels, including Balún Canán and Oficio de tinieblas, delve into indigenous heritage and gender dynamics. She was a prominent voice in Mexican literature, blending personal reflection with social critique. Served as cultural attaché in Tel Aviv, where she tragically died in 1974 under mysterious circumstances. Her work continues to inspire writers and scholars, solidifying her legacy as a leading feminist and literary figure.

Phyllis Gotlieb was born in Toronto, Ontario, in 1926. She became one of Canada's foremost science fiction authors, blending poetic language with speculative storytelling. Over her career she published nine novels and multiple poetry collections exploring themes of identity, technology, and humanity's future. She was a founding member of the Canadian Science Fiction Writers Association and received several awards for her work. Her innovative writing helped establish a vibrant Canadian presence in the global science fiction community.

Robert Ludlum was born in New York City in 1927 and served as a U.S. Marine during World War II. He began writing novels that combined intricate espionage plots with compelling characters, launching his literary career. Ludlum's best-known works include 'The Bourne Identity,' 'The Matarese Circle,' and 'The Chancellor Manuscript,' selling over 300 million copies worldwide. His novels have been adapted into blockbuster films and continue to influence the thriller genre. Ludlum's intricate plotting and high-stakes storytelling have made him one of the most celebrated thriller writers of the 20th century.