June 11

Born in Peaster, Texas in 1906, Robert E. Howard became a seminal pulp fiction writer during the 1920s and 1930s. He created enduring characters such as Conan the Barbarian and Solomon Kane, shaping the sword-and-sorcery genre. Howard's vivid storytelling and rich world-building were widely published in Weird Tales magazine. He also wrote poetry and historical fiction, showcasing his versatility as a writer. Struggling with depression, he tragically died by his own hand at the age of 30 in 1936. Despite his brief career, his work has inspired books, films, comics, and video games. Howard's legacy endures as a cornerstone of fantasy literature.

Born in Cincinnati in 1850, Daniel Carter Beard gained fame as a newspaper illustrator and author of children's books. He founded the Sons of Daniel Boone in 1905, promoting outdoor skills, patriotism, and character development in young boys. In 1910, Beard merged his organization into the newly formed Boy Scouts of America, becoming its first national scout commissioner. He introduced pioneering programs focused on nature study, crafts, and self-reliance. His classic work, 'The American Boy's Handy Book,' inspired generations to explore and learn. Beard served the Scouting movement until his death in 1941 at the age of 90. His vision and creative approach helped shape the ethos of modern Scouting worldwide.

Julius Evola was born in 1898 and emerged as a leading figure in the Traditionalist school of thought. His writings, including Revolt Against the Modern World and The Doctrine of Awakening, explored themes of spirituality, occultism, and critiques of modernity. Evola drew inspiration from Eastern traditions such as Buddhism and yoga, blending them with European metaphysics. He became a controversial influencer of far-right movements but maintained a following among scholars of esotericism. His work continues to spark debate among philosophers, historians, and political theorists.

Alice Dalgliesh was born in Trinidad in 1893 and moved to the United States, where she became a pioneering figure in children's literature. As a long-time editor and later publisher at Scribner's, she introduced and nurtured authors of numerous beloved children's classics. Dalgliesh also wrote historical fiction and poetry for young readers, blending accuracy with engaging storytelling. She founded the Franklin School at the Book-of-the-Month Club to champion quality juvenile literature. Her dedication to children's books shaped publishing standards and inspired generations of young readers.

Born in 1906 in South Shields, Catherine Cookson overcame a difficult childhood with foster parents to pursue writing. Her first novel was published in 1950, launching a prolific career that produced over 100 titles in historical and contemporary fiction. Cookson's stories often explored themes of class, family, and resilience against the backdrop of the English industrial landscape. She sold more than 100 million books worldwide and became one of Britain's most-read novelists. Numerous BBC television adaptations of her work brought her tales to wider audiences. She passed away on June 11, 1998, leaving a lasting legacy in popular literature.

Anne-Marie Alonzo was a multifaceted Canadian literary figure and champion of francophone arts. Born in 1951 in Alexandria, Egypt, she emigrated to Canada as a child and embraced the French language in her writing. Over her career, she authored numerous plays, poetry collections, and novels that explored themes of identity, gender, and memory. As a critic and publisher, Alonzo helped bring attention to emerging writers through her work at Éditions du Remue-Ménage. She also founded the Festival littéraire de Montréal to celebrate French-language literature. Her contributions earned her several awards, including the Prix Alain-Grandbois for poetry. Alonzo's innovative voice and dedication to cultural initiatives left a lasting mark on Canada's literary scene.

Stella Pevsner was a prolific American author who published more than fifty books for children and young adults. Her works often explored themes of identity, family relationships, and social issues with empathy and insight. Pevsner's engaging storytelling and relatable characters earned her critical praise and a devoted readership. She contributed significantly to children's literature over her career, inspiring young readers worldwide. Her legacy endures through her memorable stories that continue to resonate with new generations.