May 28

Born in 1140 during the Southern Song dynasty, Xin Qiji rose to prominence as a scholar-official. He distinguished himself on the battlefield by leading forces against Jurchen invaders, earning a reputation for valor. His poetry, especially in the Ci form, is celebrated for its emotional depth and vivid imagery. Xin's works blended patriotic fervor with personal reflection, influencing later generations of poets. As a statesman, he served in various administrative roles and advocated for local governance and reform. His legacy endures in Chinese literature and history as both a patriotic poet and dedicated official.

Born in 1589 into the influential Arnauld family, Robert Arnauld d'Andilly devoted his life to religious writing and translation. He produced French prose translations of key devotional works, including Thomas a Kempis's The Imitation of Christ. His writings reflected Jansenist spirituality, emphasizing piety, introspection, and moral rigor. D'Andilly's home became a center for Jansenist thinkers and clergy seeking theological discourse. He also served as a royal official, balancing his court duties with his religious commitments. His literary contributions inspired devotional literature in France and remain studied by scholars of 17th-century religion.

Thomas Moore was a leading Irish poet, singer, and songwriter in the early 19th century. His publication 'Irish Melodies', with music often composed by John Andrew Stevenson, galvanized Irish cultural pride across Europe. Moore became a fixture in London's literary circles, earning admiration from contemporaries like Byron and Shelley. Beyond poetry, he penned satirical essays, biographies, and translations showcasing his erudition and wit. His work influenced the development of nationalistic song traditions and remains central to Ireland's cultural heritage.

Carl Larsson was a leading Swedish painter and illustrator whose watercolor paintings depicted vibrant domestic scenes. Born in Stockholm in 1853, he studied at the Royal Swedish Academy of Arts. He gained fame through his illustrated books 'A Home' and 'On the Sunny Side', which showcased his domestic life. His warm color palette and detailed interiors became hallmarks of the Swedish national romantic style. Beyond painting, he authored texts blending narrative with art, influencing generations of illustrators. His portrayal of rural and household themes provided a new, intimate perspective on Scandinavian life. Larsson's legacy endures in Sweden's cultural heritage and museums worldwide.

Vinayak Damodar Savarkar was an influential Indian poet, writer, and political leader born in 1883. In his work 'The History of the War of Indian Independence', he portrayed the 1857 revolt as a unified national struggle against colonial rule. Savarkar coined the term 'Hindutva' to define Hindu identity and nationalism, shaping modern political discourse in India. Imprisoned in the Cellular Jail in the Andaman Islands for seven years, he continued writing poetry and essays on political philosophy. After his release, he served as president of the Hindu Mahasabha and advocated for Hindu rights. His views remain contentious, influencing ongoing debates on secularism and nationalism. Savarkar died in 1966, leaving a complex and enduring legacy.

Born in Oxford in 1888, Vivienne Haigh-Wood Eliot was an English author and educator whose life became intertwined with literary history through her marriage to T. S. Eliot in 1915. She taught at various schools and pursued her own writing, though much of her work remained unpublished. Her relationship with Eliot influenced his early poetry and personal life, even as she faced health and emotional challenges. Over time, her contributions were overshadowed by her husband’s fame, but scholars have since revisited her story. She died in 1947, leaving a complex legacy as both muse and creator.

Born in London in 1908, Ian Lancaster Fleming worked as a financial journalist before serving as a naval intelligence officer during World War II. Drawing on his wartime experiences, he penned Casino Royale in 1953, introducing James Bond, a suave British spy. Fleming wrote 12 Bond novels and two short story collections, blending espionage, glamour, and adventure. His work inspired a long-running film series that set the standard for the spy genre. Fleming also authored the children’s classic Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang. He died in 1964, cementing his legacy as one of the 20th century’s most influential thriller writers.

Fritz Hochwälder was born in 1911 and emerged as a leading figure in post-war Austrian theatre. His plays often explored themes of totalitarianism, guilt, and human resilience. Notable works include 'The Public Prosecutor' and 'Der himmlische Weg', which earned critical acclaim. Hochwälder’s writing combined intense character studies with sharp social commentary. His contributions influenced European drama and inspired subsequent playwrights. He received several literary awards before his death in 1986. Hochwälder’s legacy endures through performances of his works worldwide.

Patrick White was born in 1912 and became Australia’s first Nobel laureate in Literature in 1973. His novels, including 'Voss', 'The Tree of Man', and 'The Solid Mandala', are celebrated for their psychological depth and lyrical prose. White’s plays and poetry also contributed to his reputation as a literary innovator. He captured the Australian landscape and cultural tensions with incisive observation. White was knighted in 1970 and received numerous accolades for his literary achievements. His work influenced generations of writers and helped shape modern Australian literature. He passed away in 1990, leaving a rich legacy of groundbreaking fiction.

Walker Percy (1916–1990) was an American novelist and essayist whose work blended Southern gothic with philosophical inquiry. He won the U.S. National Book Award for his debut novel 'The Moviegoer'. Percy's novels often explore themes of identity, faith, and the absurd in mid-20th-century America. His essays in collections like 'Lost in the Cosmos' reflect his background in medicine and philosophy. A native of Alabama, he drew on his Southern roots to craft richly atmospheric narratives. His unique voice influenced generations of writers interested in existential and spiritual questions.

Heinz G. Konsalik (1921–1999) was a prolific German author famed for his popular war and medical dramas. Over his career, he wrote more than 200 novels that sold millions of copies worldwide. Many of his works, such as 'Deep in the Jungle' and 'Dr. Fabian — Lajos Láng', drew on his medical background. He became one of Germany's most widely read writers during the post-war period. Konsalik's vivid storytelling and fast-paced plots appealed to a broad audience. His novels were translated into dozens of languages, cementing his international reputation.

Maeve Binchy was an Irish novelist celebrated for her warm, character-driven tales of small-town life. Her debut novel, Light a Penny Candle, became an international bestseller, and works like Circle of Friends and Tara Road captivated readers around the world. Binchy wrote with humor and empathy, exploring themes of friendship, love, and community. Over her career, she sold over 40 million books in more than 40 countries. She also contributed to newspapers and taught writing workshops until her death in 2012.