June 02

Madeleine de Scudéry (1607-1701) was a prominent French author known for her elaborate heroic romances. She hosted one of Paris' most fashionable literary salons, attracting intellectuals, artists, and nobles. Her works, including 'Clélie' and 'Artamène, ou le Grand Cyrus,' helped define the genre of the 'roman-fleuve.' De Scudéry's allegorical 'Carte du Tendre' mapped the landscape of love, showcasing her literary innovation. Her friendships with leading salonnières and debates on gender and society left an enduring mark on French letters.

Born in 1844 in Ontario, Canada. Ordained as a Presbyterian minister in 1871 and sent to Taiwan as a missionary. Founded the first church and school in Tamsui, building bridges between cultures. Learned the local language and documented Taiwanese customs and folklore. Authored travel writings and a Chinese-English dictionary that aided cross-cultural understanding. Died in 1901, remembered for his pioneering work in education and mission outreach.

George S. Kaufman (1889–1961) was an American playwright, director, and producer who shaped 20th-century Broadway with his sharp wit and satirical style. He collaborated frequently with Moss Hart on hits such as 'You Can't Take It with You' and 'Of Thee I Sing'. Kaufman won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama twice, for 'Of Thee I Sing' in 1932 and 'You Can't Take It with You' in 1937. Beyond the stage, he was a respected drama critic and humorist, contributing essays to magazines like The New Yorker. His influence extended to Hollywood, where he worked on screenplays and musicals. Kaufman's legacy endures in the timeless humor and social commentary of his plays.

Vita Sackville-West (1892–1962) was an English poet, novelist, and horticulturist renowned for her lyrical prose and pioneering garden designs. A member of the Bloomsbury Group, she wrote acclaimed novels like 'The Edwardians' and 'All Passion Spent'. Her love affair with Virginia Woolf inspired the novel 'Orlando'. Apart from her literary achievements, Sackville-West co-created the iconic Sissinghurst Castle Garden in Kent, which remains a landmark of 20th-century garden design. She was awarded the Benson Medal by the Royal Society of Literature in 1953. Her work continues to influence writers and gardeners around the world.

Orhan Kemal (1914–1970) was a prominent Turkish novelist and short story writer whose works focused on the struggles and resilience of the working class. Born Mehmet Raşit Öğütçü, he adopted the pen name Orhan Kemal in 1943. His novels such as 'Murtaza' and 'Bereketli Topraklar Üzerinde' combine rich characterization with social realism, offering a compassionate look at poverty and injustice in mid-20th-century Turkey. Kemal's writing style is marked by straightforward prose, memorable dialogues, and deep empathy for his characters. His legacy lives on in Turkish literature, with festivals and awards named in his honor. Through his storytelling, Orhan Kemal helped shape modern Turkish literary identity.

Giuseppe Ungaretti (1888–1970) was an Italian poet, journalist, academic, and soldier, widely regarded as a father of modern Italian poetry. Born in Alexandria, Egypt, he returned to Europe to study and served in World War I, experiences that profoundly shaped his minimalist poetic style. His collection 'Allegria' introduced spare, evocative verse that captured the brutality of war and the yearning for peace. Ungaretti later taught at universities in Brazil and the United States, spreading Italian modernism worldwide. He received numerous honors, including the Feltrinelli Prize for Literature in 1950. Ungaretti's influence endures through his innovative approach to language and form, inspiring generations of poets.

Ahmed Arif, born in 1927 in Diyarbakır, was a Turkish poet who infused his work with folk idioms, political passion, and lyrical intensity. His only published collection, 'Hasretinden Prangalar Eskittim,' became a classic of modern Turkish literature, speaking to themes of exile and resistance. Arif’s verses drew upon Kurdish oral traditions and the struggles of the working class, earning him a cult following among readers. Though his output was limited, his evocative imagery and social commitment influenced generations of poets. Arif’s legacy endures as a voice of empathy and poetic defiance.

Philip Dunne was born in 1908 in New York City and graduated from Yale University before entering the film industry. He joined 20th Century Fox, where he co-wrote screenplays for classics such as 'The Ghost and Mrs. Muir' (1947) and 'My Cousin Rachel' (1952). Transitioning to directing and producing, Dunne helmed films like 'The Robe' (1953), which became the first feature released in CinemaScope. He earned Academy Award nominations for his writing and was respected for his ability to translate complex literary narratives to the screen. Dunne’s career helped shape mid-century American cinema, and his scripts remain studied by filmmakers and scholars.

Tahar Djaout (1954–1993) was an influential Algerian journalist and writer whose poetry and prose captured the cultural and political tensions of his homeland. He authored acclaimed works such as Les Vigiles and Le dernier été de la raison, blending lyrical storytelling with sharp social critique. Djaout was a vocal advocate for freedom of speech and secular values at a time of rising extremism. In 1993, he was tragically assassinated by armed extremists, making him one of the first high-profile victims of the Algerian Civil War. His death prompted international condemnation and highlighted the risks faced by artists and journalists. Today, Djaout is remembered as a symbol of intellectual bravery and artistic integrity.

Leon Garfield (1921–1996) was a distinguished English writer celebrated for his engaging historical fiction aimed at children and adolescents. His works, including Devil in the Fog and Smith, blend suspense, adventure, and meticulously researched settings to bring bygone eras to life. Garfield's lyrical prose and vivid characters won him numerous literary awards and a devoted readership. He often collaborated with illustrator Edward Ardizzone, creating visually compelling editions that complemented his storytelling. Beyond his novels, Garfield contributed to anthologies and literary adaptations, showcasing his versatility. His timeless tales continue to captivate new generations, securing his place as a master of children's literature.

Born in 1931 in Spokane, Washington, David Eddings served in the U.S. Navy before pursuing creative writing. He struggled for years before publishing 'High Hunt' in 1974, but his breakthrough came with 'Pawn of Prophecy' in 1982, launching the beloved 'Belgariad' saga. Partnering with his wife, Leigh Eddings, he co-authored multiple series, including 'The Malloreon' and 'The Elenium', enchanting readers with richly detailed worlds and endearing characters. His accessible prose and witty dialogue earned him a loyal global fanbase, with millions of copies sold. Eddings also wrote standalone novels and consulted on adapting his work for other media. He died in 2009, remembered as a pillar of modern epic fantasy.