May 26

Francesco Berni was an influential Italian poet of the Renaissance, credited with developing the satirical 'Bernesque' style. Born in 1498, he gained fame for his witty verses and adaptations of classical epics. His work often blended playful mockery with elegant language, earning acclaim in literary circles across Italy. Berni's poetry challenged conventions and inspired future writers with its lively narrative voice. Though much of his output survives only in fragments, his legacy endures in the rich tradition of Italian satire.

Vincent Voiture was a celebrated French poet and courtier of the early 17th century. As a member of the Académie française and a favorite at the court of Louis XIII, he dazzled with his polished verses. Voiture's witty letters and occasional poems graced royal gatherings and private salons alike. His elegant style and charm made him a central figure in Parisian literary society. His correspondence provides valuable insights into the cultural life of the French aristocracy.

Zeb-un-Nissa was a Mughal princess, scholar, and poet, born the eldest daughter of Emperor Aurangzeb. Writing under the pen name 'Makhfi,' she composed ghazals in Persian and Urdu. Her poetry reflects themes of love, devotion, and the soul's journey, showcasing profound emotional depth. Educated in literature, theology, and the arts, she held salons that attracted leading thinkers. Despite living in a patriarchal society, her literary talent earned her a place among the empire's intellectual elite. Her poems remain celebrated for their lyrical beauty and spiritual insight.

Born in 1660 in County Cork, Thomas Southerne became one of the foremost playwrights of late 17th-century London. His works, such as 'Oroonoko' and 'The Fatal Marriage', blended tragedy with emotional depth and social commentary. Southerne gained acclaim for his nuanced characters and exploration of moral themes. He collaborated with leading actors and theatres of the Restoration, influencing English drama. His legacy endures as a key figure who bridged Restoration comedy and early sentimental tragedy. Southerne died in 1746, leaving behind a body of work that shaped theatrical traditions.

Srečko Kosovel was a pioneering Slovenian poet born in 1904 who shaped Central European modernism. He embraced avant-garde movements, blending expressionism and futurism in his vivid imagery. Kosovel experimented with typographic layout and free verse to challenge traditional poetic norms. His major collections, such as the "Surface" series, explored themes of identity, industry, and nature. Despite his death at just 22, he left over a thousand poems and essays that inspired future generations. Kosovel's bold innovations continue to influence contemporary poetry and artistic expression.

Elizabeth Dilling was an American writer and activist whose controversial works shaped political discourse during the 1930s and 1940s. Born in 1894, she gained notoriety with her book 'The Red Network,' which alleged widespread communist influence in American institutions. Dilling founded the National Legion of Mothers of America and testified before Congress against perceived communist threats. Her vehement anti-communist and isolationist views attracted both supporters and fierce critics. Dilling’s publications and speeches played a significant role in the era’s political debates. She passed away on May 26, 1966, leaving behind a complicated legacy marked by passionate advocacy and divisive rhetoric.

Born in Kansas in 1919, Kathleen Winsor began her career as a newspaper journalist in Washington, D.C. Her debut novel, Forever Amber, published in 1944, became an international sensation despite controversy over its erotic content. The book remained on the New York Times bestseller list for 16 consecutive months and was adapted into a 1947 film. She authored three more novels set in the British Restoration period, drawing on meticulous historical research. Known for her vivid storytelling and strong female protagonists, Winsor influenced the historical romance genre. She passed away in 2003, leaving a lasting impact on popular historical fiction.

Sydney Pollack (1934–2008) was a prolific American director and producer whose films earned him multiple Academy Awards. He directed classics such as The Way We Were (1973), Tootsie (1982), and Out of Africa (1985), showcasing his versatility. Pollack also appeared as an actor in films and television, bringing depth and nuance to his roles. He co-founded the successful production company Mirage Enterprises, fostering new filmmaking talent. His work is celebrated for its emotional resonance, strong character development, and visual style. Pollack's contributions left an indelible mark on Hollywood and global cinema.

Arisen Ahubudu (1920–2011) was a renowned Sri Lankan scholar whose research greatly enriched Sinhala language and literary studies. He wrote numerous books on linguistics, folklore, and history, helping to preserve Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage. As a playwright, Ahubudu crafted dramas that blended mythological themes with contemporary social commentary. He served as a professor at the University of Colombo and shared his expertise through lectures internationally. Ahubudu also mentored generations of writers and poets, fostering a renaissance in Sinhala arts. His enduring legacy is reflected in the institutions he strengthened and the many writers he inspired.

Jack Vance was born in San Francisco in 1916 and began writing short stories in the 1940s, quickly gaining a reputation for his imaginative worlds and baroque prose. His groundbreaking 'Dying Earth' series blended dark humor with poetic language, influencing generations of writers. Over his career, Vance wrote more than 60 novels and numerous short stories, including the acclaimed 'Lyonesse' trilogy and the 'Demon Princes' saga. He received multiple Hugo and Nebula Award nominations and won a World Fantasy Award for Lifetime Achievement. Known for his sharp wit and inventive vocabulary, Vance's tales are prized for their moral complexity and exotic settings. He continued to write well into his 90s and passed away in 2013, leaving a vast literary legacy.