June 17

Joseph Addison (1672–1719) was educated at Oxford and became an influential writer and politician. In 1711, he co-founded the periodical The Spectator with Richard Steele, using essays to comment on manners, society, and morality. Addison wrote the celebrated play Cato, which became a model of neoclassical drama and inspired political thought. He served as Under-Secretary of State and later as Secretary of State for the Southern Department. Addison’s elegant prose and thoughtful observations helped shape the intellectual life of the Enlightenment.

Prosper Jolyot de Crébillon was born in 1674 in Dijon, France. He became renowned for his tragedies, including 'Atrée et Thyeste.' His writing style influenced the development of French classical drama. Despite early setbacks, he achieved success with works like 'Électre' and 'Rhadamiste et Zénobie.' In 1735, he was elected to the Académie française, recognizing his literary contributions. De Crébillon’s plays were celebrated for their emotional intensity and rhetorical power. He mentored younger writers and remained active in literary circles until his death. He died in 1762, remembered as one of the great tragedians of French literature.

Joseph Méry was born in 1798 in Marseille, France. He became a celebrated poet, novelist, and playwright of the Romantic period. Méry collaborated with composers like Jacques Offenbach, writing librettos for operettas. His works include historical novels, satirical tales, and travel narratives. A journalist by profession, he edited several newspapers and literary journals. Méry’s versatile writing was marked by wit, imagination, and social commentary. He was elected to the Académie des Sciences, Belles-Lettres et Arts in 1836. He died in 1866, leaving behind a diverse and influential literary legacy.

Dorothy Richardson was born in 1873 and began her career as a journalist before turning to fiction. She is celebrated for her series of semi-autobiographical novels known collectively as 'Pilgrimage'. Richardson's work is credited with pioneering the stream-of-consciousness narrative technique in English literature. Her writing explored inner thoughts and perceptions, influencing the modernist movement alongside contemporaries like Joyce and Woolf. She also contributed essays and articles on social issues, advocating for women's independence. Richardson's literary innovations have secured her place as a key figure in early 20th-century letters.

Zerna Sharp (1889-1981) was an American educator whose work transformed early childhood literacy through the creation of the Dick and Jane characters in the Basic Readers series. As a curriculum consultant for Scott, Foresman, she designed simple, repetitive text and engaging illustrations that became a staple in classrooms from the 1930s to the 1970s. Sharp advocated for phonetic learning and developed teaching methods that improved reading comprehension rates across the United States. A graduate of Chestnut Hill College, she lectured on reading education and curriculum design. Although often uncredited publicly, her contributions shaped generations of students and left a lasting impact on elementary education.

Michael Baigent (1948–2013) was a historian, researcher, and author whose work explored alternative theories of religion, history, and mythology. Born in New Zealand, he later moved to England and studied law before dedicating himself to independent research and writing. In 1982, Baigent co-authored 'The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail', challenging traditional narratives of Jesus and the Crusades, which became an international bestseller. The book’s controversial claims influenced popular culture and inspired novels such as 'The Da Vinci Code'. Baigent continued to publish works on esoteric subjects, lectured at academic conferences, and participated in public debates about historical inquiry. His blend of rigorous research and speculative insight sparked both acclaim and controversy in scholarly and literary circles.

Atiqul Haque Chowdhury (1930–2013) emerged as a pioneering figure in Bangladeshi theatre, writing and producing plays that explored social and political themes. He founded multiple theatre groups in Dhaka, mentoring young actors and directors and fostering experimental stagecraft. Chowdhury’s works often depicted rural life and folklore, resonating deeply with audiences across Bangladesh. Over his career, he received national awards for his playwriting and direction, solidifying his reputation in the performing arts. As a producer, he introduced innovative storytelling techniques and collaborative productions that broadened the scope of Bengali theatre. Chowdhury’s legacy endures through the countless artists he inspired and the lasting popularity of his dramatic works.

Gloria Vanderbilt (1924-2019) was born into the prominent Vanderbilt family and became a cultural icon. She launched a successful line of designer jeans in the 1970s that blended style with her distinctive flair. Vanderbilt was also a painter and exhibited her artwork in galleries across the United States. An accomplished writer, she authored memoirs and novels that explored her personal experiences and family history. She appeared in films and television, showcasing her versatility as an actress and television personality. Vanderbilt’s life reflected a blend of artistic creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and resilience.