June 09

Born in Ghent in 1580, Heinsius moved to Leiden after his family fled the Eighty Years' War. He became a professor of poetry and Greek literature at Leiden University at the age of 20. He published acclaimed Latin poetry collections, classical commentaries, and treatises on rhetoric. His editorial work on Greek and Latin texts helped to establish modern philology. Heinsius's scholarship and poetic style left a lasting mark on European humanism. He died in Leiden in 1655.

Born in 1837, the daughter of William Makepeace Thackeray, she grew up in a prominent literary family. Her works include novels such as 'Old Kensington' and 'Mrs. Dymond', noted for their observation of London life. Ritchie also wrote short stories and edited anthologies, influencing Victorian literary circles. She maintained a close friendship with Lewis Carroll and was admired for her wit and narrative style. Ritchie contributed to periodicals and supported emerging writers until her death in 1919.

Hazard Stevens served with distinction as a Union Army officer during the American Civil War, earning the Medal of Honor for bravery. In 1870, he and his father completed the first documented ascent of Mount Rainier, opening a new era in American mountaineering. After his military career, Stevens practiced law and entered politics, serving as a legislator in Washington Territory. He authored books and articles on exploration and military history, sharing his experiences. His diverse career bridged adventure, public service, and scholarship. Stevens remained an advocate for conservation and mountaineering until his death in 1918. His accomplishments left a lasting mark on both American history and outdoor exploration.

Bertha von Suttner was a leading figure in the international peace movement of the late 19th century. Her novel 'Die Waffen nieder!' ('Lay Down Your Arms!') galvanized public opinion against the arms race and militarism. She co-founded the Austrian Peace Society in 1891 and campaigned tirelessly for arbitration and disarmament. A close correspondent of Alfred Nobel, her advocacy influenced the establishment of the Peace Prize, which she won in 1905. Von Suttner lectured widely across Europe and engaged with political leaders to promote peace. Her writings and activism ahead of World War I made her an enduring symbol of pacifism. She remains celebrated for her role in shaping early international peace efforts.

Born in 1903 in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Davenport was the daughter of a musician and immersed in music from a young age. She began her writing career as a music critic for journals and newspapers in the 1920s. Davenport's bestselling novel 'The Valley of Decision' (1942) was adapted into a major Hollywood film. She wrote acclaimed biographies of Mozart and George Frideric Handel, showcasing her deep musical knowledge. Her elegant prose and vivid historical research won her a dedicated readership. Davenport passed away in 1996, leaving behind a rich legacy of literary and music scholarship.

Born in 1908 in Chicago, Kutner received his law degree from the University of Michigan. He co-founded the International Commission of Jurists and advocated for global human rights protections. Kutner is credited with originating the idea of an international habeas corpus to protect individuals from unjust detention. He authored numerous legal texts and articles on civil liberties and psychiatry law. Throughout his career, he fought for refugees and political prisoners worldwide. Kutner passed away in 1993, remembered as a trailblazer in the fight for international justice.

Jurij Brězan was a German soldier and acclaimed author whose wartime experiences influenced his literary work. Born in 1916, he served during World War II before turning to writing. Brězan penned numerous novels and short stories that explored themes of identity, culture, and social change. His unique voice earned him several literary awards in post-war Germany. He passed away in 2006, leaving a lasting legacy in German literature.

Born in 1921, Jean Lacouture began his career at Le Monde and reported on decolonization and international affairs. He wrote acclaimed biographies of Charles de Gaulle, Ho Chi Minh, and Indira Gandhi, blending rigorous research with compelling narrative. Lacouture’s works shed light on political leadership during times of change and conflict. He held academic positions at universities in France and abroad, lecturing on history and journalism. Over his career, he received the Prix Médicis and was named a Commander of the Legion of Honor. He remained an active commentator on global politics until his death in 2015.

Born to missionary parents in China in 1922, John Gillespie Magee Jr. was educated in England and at Yale University. He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force before transferring to the Royal Air Force as World War II intensified. Magee wrote the poem 'High Flight' after experiencing the freedom of flight in a Spitfire, capturing the beauty of the skies in a few passionate lines. The poem became an enduring tribute to aviators and was quoted by astronauts in space missions. Tragically, he died in a midair collision in 1941 at the age of 19. His legacy endures through his work and the ethos of flight it embodies.

Keith Laumer was born in 1925 and served as a U.S. Air Force intelligence officer, later joining the CIA. He published his first science fiction story in 1955 and created the popular Retief series, featuring a wry diplomat navigating interstellar bureaucracy. Laumer’s military background lent authenticity to his tales of conflict and strategy. His works appeared in magazines such as Astounding Science Fiction, earning Hugo Award nominations. He wrote novels and short stories marked by humor and imaginative world-building. Laumer died in 1993, leaving a lasting mark on the genre.

Nell Dunn, born June 9, 1936, is an English playwright, screenwriter, and author whose work often explores the lives of ordinary people. She debuted with The Factory Girls, a collection chronicling women working in a Battersea factory. Her play Steaming won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Comedy in 1981 and was adapted into a film. Dunn's novels, including Up the Junction and Chocolates in My Pockets, are praised for their vivid dialogue and social insight. As a screenwriter, she has contributed to both film and television projects, bringing authenticity to her characters and settings.

Giles Havergal, born June 9, 1938, is a Scottish actor, director, and playwright who co-led the Citizens Theatre in Glasgow from 1969 to 2003. His innovative productions of classical and contemporary works earned international acclaim and revitalized the city's cultural scene. Havergal directed acclaimed adaptations of plays by Shakespeare, Brecht, and Pinter, known for bold staging and dramatic flair. As an actor, he has appeared in stage, radio, and television productions, demonstrating versatility across genres. He has also authored original plays and adaptations, contributing richly to modern theatre.