May 28

Luc de Clapiers, marquis de Vauvenargues (1715–1747), was a French essayist and moralist celebrated for his concise and insightful maxims. Born into minor aristocracy, he initially pursued a military career before focusing on writing. Influenced by Enlightenment thinkers such as Montesquieu, his posthumously published 'Reflections and Maxims' revealed deep observations on virtue, passion, and human nature. Though he died young from ill health, his clear and elegant style earned admiration from contemporaries. Vauvenargues’s work remains valued for its philosophical depth and literary beauty. He is remembered as one of the notable moralists of the French Enlightenment.

Anne Brontë was born in 1820 in Yorkshire, England, into the literary Brontë family. She worked as a governess and teacher before turning to writing. In 1848 she published her poetry collection, Poems by Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell. Her novel The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (1848) challenged Victorian norms on marriage and women’s rights. The book’s frank treatment of abuse and independence made it one of the first feminist novels. Anne died of tuberculosis in 1849 at the age of 29, but her bold literary voice lives on.

Ivan Franko was born in 1856 in the Austrian-ruled Kingdom of Galicia and Lodomeria. He studied philosophy and economics, becoming one of Ukraine’s first professional scholars. A prolific writer, he published poems, novels, plays, and articles advocating for national awakening. As a journalist, he edited influential newspapers and promoted social reform and cultural revival. He translated major works from world literature into Ukrainian, enriching its literary heritage. Franko’s blend of scholarship and creativity made him a founding father of modern Ukrainian identity until his death in 1916.

Frank Cowper was born in 1849 and became a leading figure in recreational yachting. He authored a popular series of cruising guides and illustrated them with his own sketches. His works, including Letters from a Yachtsman, inspired many to explore coastal cruising. He contributed detailed charts and firsthand observations that improved maritime safety. Cowper’s blend of practical advice, storytelling, and art broadened the appeal of sailing. He continued to write and sail until his death in 1930, leaving enduring nautical literature.

Tatsuo Hori was a leading figure in Japanese modernist literature. Born in 1904, he studied at Rikkyō University and made his literary debut in the 1920s. His best-known novella, "Kaze Tachinu" (The Wind Has Risen), reflects his lyrical prose and deep emotional insight. Hori struggled with tuberculosis, a personal battle that influenced his contemplative writing style. His works, blending poetry and prose, have left a lasting impact on Japanese letters.

Born in 1928 in Istanbul, Edip Cansever emerged as a central figure in the İkinci Yeni (Second New) poetry movement during the 1950s. His debut collection 'İkindi Üstü' (Afternoon) showcased surreal imagery and a break from traditional Ottoman forms. Cansever explored existential themes, urban alienation, and linguistic experimentation in works like 'Saatler' (Clocks) and 'Tragedyalar' (Tragedies). He also translated poets such as T.S. Eliot and William Carlos Williams into Turkish. Awarded the Turkish Language Association Poetry Award, his influence shaped modern Turkish literature. Cansever’s legacy endures in contemporary poetic discourse.

Mildred Benson began writing for the Nancy Drew series under the pseudonym Carolyn Keene in 1929. She authored 23 of the first 30 Nancy Drew books, shaping the character's adventurous and fearless persona. Before her success as an author, she worked as a newspaper reporter. Benson also wrote radio scripts and other juvenile fiction under various pen names. Her pioneering work inspired generations of young readers and female protagonists in literature. She was later celebrated for her contributions to American children's literature.

Michael Buonauro was an American author and illustrator known for his independent graphic storytelling. He self-published a series of personal comics that explored themes of mental health and human relationships. Buonauro's work gained a cult following for its raw emotion and candid narrative style. He contributed illustrations to underground zines and collaborative art projects. Despite his brief career, he left an impact on the indie comics community with his authentic voice.

Thorleif Schjelderup was a pioneering Norwegian ski jumper and prolific author. He represented Norway at the 1948 Winter Olympics, showcasing his talent on the world stage. Schjelderup wrote extensively about winter sports and mountain culture, blending athletic insight with literary flair. His books and articles contributed to popularizing ski jumping and alpine adventure in post-war Norway. Beyond sports, he was an outspoken advocate for environmental conservation in mountainous regions.

Born in 1928, Maya Angelou overcame a tumultuous childhood marked by trauma and racism to become one of America’s most influential writers. Her 1969 memoir, 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,' established her as a powerful literary voice. Angelou authored numerous poetry collections and essays, exploring themes of identity, resilience, and social justice. She collaborated with global leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X during the civil rights movement. Angelou received multiple awards and honorary degrees, and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011. Her eloquent voice and activism inspired generations around the world. She passed away in 2014 at age 86.