June 02

Born in 1840 in Dorset, Thomas Hardy trained as an architect before turning to writing, capturing rural English life with rich detail and sympathy. His major novels often explore themes of social constraints, fate, and human endurance against societal norms. Works such as 'Tess of the d'Urbervilles' and 'Jude the Obscure' challenged Victorian morals and stirred public debate. In later life, Hardy focused on poetry, producing acclaimed verse that reflected on universal themes and the natural world. His literary legacy endures as a cornerstone of English literature, and he remains celebrated for his powerful storytelling and poetic voice.

Karl Adolph Gjellerup was a Danish author and poet whose work spanned romanticism and symbolism. He received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1917, sharing the honor with Henrik Pontoppidan. Gjellerup's notable writings include the philosophical novel 'The Pilgrim Kamanita', which explores spiritual awakening. His early works drew on Nordic landscapes and folklore, while later writings reflected his interest in Eastern philosophies. A controversial figure, he provoked both admiration and criticism for his thematic shifts. His contribution to Scandinavian literature remains significant for its lyrical style and intellectual depth.

Dorothy West, born in 1907 in Martha's Vineyard, emerged as a prominent figure of the Harlem Renaissance alongside writers like Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston. She began her career writing poetry and fiction for The Crisis, the NAACP's magazine, before publishing her first novel, The Living Is Easy, in 1948. West's work often examined the complexities of African American life, class disparities, and the pursuit of identity. After a period away from the literary spotlight, she returned to acclaim in the 1990s with the publication of The Wedding (1995), a novel lauded for its rich character study and historical insight. In addition to her novels, she contributed journalism and short stories that captured cultural shifts of the 20th century. West passed away in 1998, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most enduring voices of 20th-century American literature.

John Lehmann, born in London in 1907, was a central figure in British literary culture as both a poet and a publisher. He founded the groundbreaking magazine New Writing in 1936, providing a platform for emerging writers and avant-garde voices. Lehmann's own poetry explored themes of modernity, sexuality, and the human condition, earning critical praise. During World War II, he served in the British Army but continued to write and edit, later leading the publishing house Jonathan Cape. His memoir, The Ample Proposition, offers an insider's view of the literary scene between the world wars. Lehmann's contributions helped shape mid-century British literature, and he remained active in the literary world until his death in 1987.

Barbara Pym wrote novels that combined gentle humor with sharp observations of everyday English life after World War II. Her works explore themes of loneliness, romance, and social convention through endearing characters. Pym’s novels, including "Excellent Women" and "Jane and Prudence," were praised for their engaging dialogue and nuanced satire. After a period of obscurity, she was rediscovered in the 1970s and gained renewed acclaim. Today she is regarded as one of England’s most insightful social novelists.

Kathryn Tucker Windham gained fame for her storytelling and preservation of Southern folklore. As a journalist for the Birmingham News, she developed a reputation for captivating human-interest writing. Her best-known book, "13 Alabama Ghosts and Jeffrey," blends history, humor, and the supernatural. Windham toured extensively, sharing ghost stories and folklore through live performances and radio broadcasts. She authored over 30 books and inspired enthusiasts of folklore and regional history before her death in 2011.

Marcel Reich-Ranicki survived the Warsaw Ghetto and Auschwitz before moving to Germany after World War II. He became one of the most influential literary critics in Germany, editing the literary journal "Akzente" and hosting the television show "Literarisches Quartett." Reich-Ranicki advocated for literary quality and brought international attention to German literature. His candid reviews and spirited debates earned him a reputation for both brilliance and controversy. He authored memoirs and critical essays that remain central to German literary discourse.

Johnny Speight was a pioneering British television writer and producer whose work combined sharp wit with social commentary. He created the groundbreaking sitcom "Till Death Us Do Part," which tackled issues of class, race, and politics and inspired the American series "All in the Family." Over his career, Speight wrote for radio, stage, and television, earning acclaim for his fearless approach to controversial topics. His scripts remain influential in the world of TV comedy, celebrated for their biting humor and cultural relevance.

Juan Antonio Bardem was a pioneering Spanish filmmaker whose works offered sharp critiques of social and political realities under Franco’s regime. His debut feature, "Death of a Cyclist," won the International Critics’ Prize at Cannes in 1955. Bardem co-founded the Spanish Film Academy and was instrumental in revitalizing post-war Spanish cinema. Throughout his career, he tackled themes of class inequality, moral ambiguity, and repression, earning recognition at international festivals. His legacy endures in the continued vitality of Spanish auteur filmmaking.

June Callwood was a passionate Canadian writer and social activist whose career spanned journalism, literature, and human rights advocacy. She co-founded the first shelter for battered women in Canada and established programs for the homeless, single parents, and people living with HIV/AIDS. As an author, Callwood wrote biographies and social commentaries that amplified the voices of marginalized communities. She received numerous honors for her humanitarian work, including the Order of Canada, and remained a tireless advocate for social justice throughout her life.

W. Watts Biggers was born in Atlanta and graduated from Emory University. In 1959, he co-founded Total Television, where he created iconic animated characters like Underdog and Tennessee Tuxedo. His work on children's programming combined wit, charm, and adventure, capturing audiences across North America. Apart from animation, he authored novels and scripts, showcasing versatility in storytelling. Biggers's contributions helped shape early television animation and influenced future generations of creators. He remained active in writing and media until his passing in 2013.

Norton Juster was born in 1929 in Brooklyn and studied architecture at the University of Pennsylvania. In 1961, he published 'The Phantom Tollbooth', which became a beloved children's book known for its wordplay and imagination. He followed this success with works like 'The Dot and the Line', earning a Caldecott Honor for his storytelling. Juster balanced his writing career with architectural practice and teaching at Hampshire College. His creative blend of visual design and narrative captivated readers and influenced generations of writers and artists. He remained active in literature and education until his death in 2021.