June 13

Born in 1282, Don Juan Manuel was a member of the Castilian royal family and a key political figure during the reign of his uncle, King Alfonso XI. Best known for his work El Conde Lucanor, he penned one of the earliest examples of prose narrative in Castilian, blending didactic stories with courtly themes. As a military leader and diplomat, he governed territories in Murcia and Valencia, forging alliances to protect his lands. Juan Manuel hosted salons that attracted prominent poets and scholars, fostering a cultural renaissance in his domains. His literary output and political acumen made him a pivotal figure in the transition from medieval to early Renaissance Spain. He died in 1348, leaving a legacy as both a statesman and a pioneer of Spanish literature.

Born in Correggio in 1485 to a ruling family, Veronica Gambara received a comprehensive education in languages, philosophy, and the arts. Widowed at a young age, she assumed the regency of Correggio, skillfully navigating alliances to preserve her territory’s independence. Gambara’s poetry, praised by contemporaries like Pietro Bembo and Ludovico Ariosto, explores themes of love, faith, and political duty. She established a literary salon that drew scholars, artists, and dignitaries, making her court a hub of intellectual activity. Veronica’s dual role as a ruler and artist exemplifies the humanist ideals of the Renaissance. Her sonnets and letters remain valued for their lyrical beauty and insight into early modern courtly life.

Jean-Baptiste Benoît Eyriès authored and translated numerous works on geography and exploration. He collaborated with leading scientists and writers, bringing accounts of distant lands to the French public. Eyriès translated seminal works by Alexander von Humboldt, enriching France's scientific discourse. He contributed entries on geography, natural history, and travel to major encyclopedias of his era. A founding member of the Société de Géographie, he played a key role in formalizing the study of geography in France.

Kočo Racin was born in 1908 in Voden, then Ottoman Empire (modern Edessa, Greece). He was a leading voice in the literary movement that shaped the Macedonian language and identity through his poetry and essays. His 1939 poetry collection 'White Dawns' is celebrated as a cornerstone of modern Macedonian literature. Racin was also active in workers' rights movements and the Communist Party of Yugoslavia. He edited underground publications and organized labor strikes in the early 1940s. Kočo Racin died in 1943 under suspicious circumstances, remaining a symbol of literary and political resistance.

Osamu Dazai was born in 1909 in Aomori Prefecture, Japan. He emerged as a major literary figure during the Shōwa era, exploring themes of self-destruction and social alienation. His novel 'No Longer Human' (1948) is considered one of the greatest Japanese novels of the 20th century. Earlier works like 'The Setting Sun' (1947) offered a stark portrayal of post-war Japanese society. Dazai's tumultuous life and multiple suicide attempts informed his confessional writing style. He died by suicide in 1948, leaving a lasting legacy in modern Japanese literature.

Edwin Keppel Bennett was born in 1887 in Bristol, England. He studied at Cambridge and later became a Fellow of St John’s College, specializing in French literature. Bennett published poetry under his own name and translated works by Stéphane Mallarmé and other prominent French poets. His scholarly essays contributed to the understanding of Symbolist poetry. As a university lecturer, he influenced generations of students with his deep knowledge and passion for literature. Bennett also served as one of the early editors of Cambridge University Press’s French series. His work bridged creative writing and academic analysis, making him a respected figure in both fields. He passed away in 1958, leaving behind a legacy of literary scholarship.

Maia Wojciechowska was a Polish American writer acclaimed for her contributions to young adult literature. She won the Newbery Medal in 1965 for Shadow of a Bull, a novel inspired by Spanish bullfighting traditions. Born in Warsaw, she emigrated to the United States as a child and drew on her multicultural background in her works. Over her career she published more than twenty books, exploring themes of identity, courage, and cultural heritage. Her storytelling combined lyrical prose with compelling characters, earning her a lasting place in children’s literature.

Ralph Wiley was a trailblazing American journalist and author whose work spanned sports writing and cultural critique. He began his career in the 1970s, writing for publications like Sports Illustrated and Rolling Stone. Wiley’s bold voice explored issues of race, identity, and society through the lens of sports and popular culture. He published several books, including four well received volumes of essays and commentary. His fearless analysis and innovative narrative style influenced a generation of writers.

Roger Garaudy was a French philosopher, novelist, and essayist. He gained prominence as a leading Marxist thinker in mid-20th century France. After converting to Islam, he wrote extensively on spirituality and interfaith dialogue. His scholarship included historical and philosophical analyses of modern ideologies. Garaudy's works sparked both acclaim and controversy, particularly his critiques of established narratives. He received the Prix de l'Académie française for his literary contributions. Garaudy died in 2012 at the age of 98, leaving a complex and influential body of work.

Jože Humer was a Slovenian composer, educator, and translator. He created a wide range of choral and instrumental works performed in Slovenia and abroad. As a professor at the Ljubljana Academy of Music, he influenced many young musicians. Humer translated key literary and musical texts into Slovenian, enriching the cultural dialogue. He received national awards for his artistic and academic achievements. Humer passed away in 2012 at the age of 78, remembered for his dual legacy in music and literature.

Born in 1924, Robert Peters authored over 40 poetry collections, plays, and critical essays. His playful yet incisive verse explored themes of history, psychology, and biography. Peters served as a professor at the University of California, Santa Cruz, nurturing young writers. He founded the Thomas McGrath Poetry Festival, celebrating modern American poetry. His critical works examined 19th- and 20th-century poets with scholarly rigor and humor. A beloved figure in literary circles, he received numerous awards for his creative and critical contributions.

Cormac McCarthy (1933-2023) was an American novelist celebrated for his sparse prose and exploration of dark themes. His early masterpiece Blood Meridian is regarded as one of the great American Western novels. He won the Pulitzer Prize for The Road, a haunting tale of a father and son surviving in a post-apocalyptic world. Several of his novels, including No Country for Old Men, were adapted into critically acclaimed films. McCarthy received numerous honors, including the National Book Award and the National Book Critics Circle Award. His influence on modern literature endures through his unique narrative style and philosophical depth.