June 10

Born in 1213 near Hamadan, Iraq, he traveled widely in pursuit of spiritual knowledge and Sufi masters. His magnum opus, Luṭf al-ʿIshq, is an allegorical poem exploring divine love and mystical union. Iraqi’s philosophical treatises merged Neoplatonic thought with Islamic mysticism, influencing later Sufi literature. He studied under the prominent scholar Sadr al-Din al-Qunawi and engaged in debates on theology and metaphysics. His works Safīnat al-Akhbār and Diwān contain rich imagery and reflect his deep devotion to the Prophet Muhammad. He died in 1289 in Damascus, leaving a lasting imprint on Persian-language Sufi poetry.

Born in 1632 in Pernes-les-Fontaines, Fléchier was educated by Jesuits before joining the priesthood. He became Bishop of Nîmes in 1687 and later Bishop of Alès in 1694. Fléchier gained fame for his eloquent funeral orations delivered at royal and noble funerals in Paris. His Sermons d’Avignon and panegyrics exemplify the classical French style and moral reflection. He corresponded with leading intellectuals of his day and was admitted to the Académie Française in 1672. He died in 1710, remembered as one of France’s greatest 17th-century preachers and writers.

Edwin Arnold was born in Gravesend, Kent, and educated at Winchester College and St. John’s College, Oxford. He became a successful journalist and served as editor of The Daily Telegraph’s morning edition. In 1879, he published The Light of Asia, a narrative poem that introduced Western audiences to the life and teachings of Buddha. Arnold wrote numerous travel books and poetry collections inspired by India and the Middle East. He was honored by Indian princes for his promotion of Eastern culture. Arnold’s work influenced Orientalism in Victorian literature and contributed to the Western understanding of Buddhism.

Sarah Grand was an Irish novelist and essayist born in County Antrim. She gained fame with her 1893 novel "The Heavenly Twins," which challenged Victorian gender norms. As a leading voice of the New Woman movement, she wrote influential works on women's rights and social reforms. Her lectures and articles across Britain and America fueled debates on morality and equality. Grand's career spanned fiction, journalism, and public speaking, leaving a lasting impact on feminist literature. She continued to publish and advocate for women's empowerment until her death in 1943.

Louis Couperus was born in The Hague and became one of the Netherlands' leading literary figures. His debut novel "Eline Vere" (1888) offered a vivid exploration of social constraints and inner turmoil. Couperus wrote novels, short stories, poetry, and essays characterized by psychological depth and refined style. He traveled and lived abroad in Italy and the Dutch East Indies, drawing inspiration from diverse cultures. His work bridged Romanticism and Modernism, influencing generations of Dutch writers. Couperus's acclaimed career continued until his death in 1923, leaving a rich literary legacy.

Lin Huiyin (1904-1955) was a pioneering Chinese architect and poet, regarded as one of China's first female architects. She studied at the University of Pennsylvania and later in England, bringing Western architectural ideas to China. Lin played a key role in major projects, including the restoration of Beijing's Drum Tower and the design of national landmarks. As a writer, she published essays and poetry that captured the cultural shifts of 20th-century China. She passionately advocated for the preservation of China's ancient architecture and heritage. Her multidisciplinary achievements continue to inspire architects and scholars worldwide.

Terence Rattigan was born in 1911 in South Kensington, London, and wrote his first play while still a teenager. He achieved fame with dramas such as "The Winslow Boy," "The Browning Version," and "Separate Tables," which explore themes of duty, repression, and personal integrity. Rattigan's elegant style and sharp dialogue earned him international recognition and numerous film adaptations of his plays. Despite periods of critical neglect, his work experienced a revival in the late 20th century and remains a staple of the theatrical repertoire. Rattigan's legacy endures through his deep understanding of character and society.

Oktay Rıfat Horozcu was born in Trabzon in 1914 and studied law at Istanbul University. He published his first poems in 1934 and soon became a leading figure in the Garip movement alongside Orhan Veli Kanık and Melih Cevdet Anday. His work broke with tradition by embracing free verse and colloquial language, bringing everyday themes to poetry. In addition to his verse, he authored several plays and short story collections that explored social and political issues. Throughout his career, he championed modernist techniques and influenced generations of Turkish writers. Rıfat received numerous awards for his contributions to literature and remained an active cultural figure until his death in 1988.

Saul Bellow was born in Lachine, Quebec, in 1915 and moved to Chicago with his family as a child. He studied at Northwestern University and the University of Chicago, launching a literary career that spanned over five decades. Bellow's novels, including The Adventures of Augie March and Herzog, blended rich character studies with social commentary. In 1976, he received the Nobel Prize in Literature for the human understanding and subtle analysis of contemporary culture that marked his work. His works also earned him the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Awards. Bellow's dynamic prose and complex protagonists left a lasting impact on North American literature before his death in 2005.

Peride Celal was born in Istanbul in 1916 and became one of Turkey's most prominent novelists. Her early writing explored family dynamics and societal change, and she published her first work in the 1940s. Over her career, she produced novels and short stories characterized by psychological depth and nuanced characters. She received several awards from the Turkish Language Association for her contributions to literature. Celal's work offered insight into the evolving role of women in Turkish society. She continued writing into her later years and remained a respected voice until her death in 2013.

Born in 1925, Nat Hentoff began his career as a music critic for Down Beat magazine. He authored numerous books on jazz history, profiling legends like Louis Armstrong and Billie Holiday. Hentoff wrote a long-running column for The Village Voice, championing free speech and civil rights. His journalism expanded into issues of criminal justice and first amendment freedoms. Over his career, he published more than fifty books and received several awards for his advocacy. Hentoff’s clear, engaging prose and principled stances influenced both music lovers and activists. He passed away in 2017, leaving a rich legacy of cultural and political commentary.

Born James Horowitz in 1925, he served as a fighter pilot before pursuing writing. His debut novel, The Hunters, drew on his military experiences and received critical praise. Salter’s works, including A Sport and a Pastime, are celebrated for their lyrical style and emotional depth. Over his career, he wrote several novels, collections of short stories, and memoirs. He was awarded fellowships and literary honors, admired by peers for his mastery of language. His restrained, evocative narratives continue to influence contemporary writers. Salter passed away in 2015, leaving a lasting impact on American literature.