June 19

Born in 1633 in Amsterdam, Limborch studied at Leiden University and became a prominent Remonstrant preacher. He served as a professor of theology, advocating for moderation and freedom of conscience in religious matters. His 'Institutiones theologiae' became a standard text for Protestant theology and academic instruction. Limborch’s writings on toleration influenced Enlightenment thinkers and contributed to early concepts of religious liberty. His blend of scholarly rigor and humanitarianism left a lasting mark on modern theological thought.

Mary Tenney Gray was born in 1833 and became a pioneering voice in American journalism and social reform. As an editorial writer, she used her platform to advocate for temperance and women's rights. She held leadership roles in national women's clubs, fostering educational and philanthropic projects. Gray helped organize state and national suffrage associations and allied with key figures in the movement. Her philanthropic efforts supported schools and welfare programs for women and children. She remained an influential clubwoman until her death in 1904.

Sam Walter Foss (1858-1911) was a celebrated American librarian and poet whose work bridged the worlds of literature and public service. Born in Maine, he graduated from Brown University and dedicated much of his career to library work in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Foss’s poetry collections, including "Whiffs from Wild Meadows" and "Songs of the Average Man", combined humor, simplicity, and moral clarity. His most enduring poem, "The House by the Side of the Road", remains a favorite for its themes of neighborliness and kindness. Foss’s writings were widely published in newspapers and magazines, making him a household name in early 20th-century America. His legacy endures through anthologies and the continued popularity of his inspirational verse.

José Rizal (1861-1896) was a leading figure in the Philippine nationalist movement and is considered a national hero. Educated in Manila and Europe, he practiced ophthalmology while writing influential novels such as "Noli Me Tángere" and "El Filibusterismo", which criticized Spanish colonial rule. Rizal’s essays and poems promoted cultural pride and social reforms. His outspoken activism led to his arrest and execution by Spanish authorities, galvanizing the revolution that ultimately secured the nation’s independence. Beyond his political impact, Rizal was a linguist, educator, and artist whose legacy continues to shape Filipino identity. Today, his life and works are commemorated across the Philippines and by Filipino communities worldwide.

Born Tsushima Shūji in Kanagi, Aomori in 1909, Osamu Dazai studied French literature at the University of Tokyo. His major works include ‘No Longer Human’ and ‘The Setting Sun’, which candidly portray characters struggling with social isolation and inner turmoil. Dazai’s confessional style and dark humor resonated with readers during Japan’s recovery from war. He battled addiction and depression throughout his life, ultimately taking his own life in 1948 at the age of 38. His writing remains a touchstone of modern Japanese literature.

Kael began her career writing reviews for local San Francisco newspapers before joining The New Yorker in 1968. Her witty and outspoken style made her one of the most respected and controversial voices in film criticism. She championed directors such as François Truffaut, Ingmar Bergman, and Martin Scorsese, often sparking public debates with her opinions. Kael authored several influential essay collections, including "I Lost It at the Movies" and "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang." Her approach revolutionized modern film criticism and inspired generations of writers and critics. Kael retired in 1991 but remained a towering figure in cinema until her death in 2001.

Robert began his career on stage and in French cinema in the 1940s, appearing in films like "Le clan des Siciliens." He transitioned to directing with his debut feature in 1958 and found success with comedies such as "The Tall Blond Man with One Black Shoe" and its sequel. His adaptations of Marcel Pagnol's autobiographical novels, including "My Father's Glory" and "My Mother's Castle," earned critical acclaim. Robert's films were noted for their gentle humor, humanistic themes, and vivid portrayals of provincial life. He received several César Award nominations and remains a beloved figure in French film history.

Born in 1932 in Valencia, José Sanchis Grau began drawing comics at a young age in post-war Spain. In 1954, he introduced 'Pumby,' a cheerful cat whose adventures captivated generations of readers. He wrote and illustrated hundreds of issues, blending fantasy, humor, and artistic innovation. Sanchis Grau's artwork appeared in leading Spanish magazines, earning him national acclaim. He influenced the golden age of Spanish comics and mentored aspiring artists. His stories remain beloved classics in Spanish pop culture.

André Glucksmann was born in 1937 in Boulogne-Billancourt, France. He emerged as a leading figure among the Nouvelle Philosophie movement in the 1970s. His essays challenged orthodox Marxist thought and condemned political oppression. Glucksmann wrote seminal works such as “La Cuisinière et le Mangeur d’Hommes” and “Les maîtres penseurs”. He was an outspoken advocate for human rights and intervened on behalf of oppressed groups in Bosnia and Chechnya. He continued to write prolifically until his death in 2015, leaving a lasting impact on contemporary philosophical discourse.

Chico Buarque was born in 1944 in Rio de Janeiro into a musical family. He rose to fame in the 1960s as a leading voice of the Brazilian protest song movement against the military dictatorship. Buarque has produced iconic albums blending bossa nova, samba, and popular music. He is also an award-winning novelist, authoring works like “Budapest” and “Leite Derramado.” His poetry and plays explore themes of politics, culture, and personal identity. Buarque’s multidisciplinary contributions have made him one of Brazil’s most celebrated cultural figures.

Tobias Wolff is renowned for his skillful storytelling that blends memoir, fiction, and autobiography. Born in 1945, he won the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction in 1989 for 'The Poisoned Embrace' and the PEN/Malamud Award for excellence in short fiction. His memoir 'This Boy's Life' offers an unflinching look at his turbulent youth and inspired a major film adaptation. Wolff's works are celebrated for their emotional depth, precise prose, and insightful exploration of human character. He has taught creative writing at prestigious institutions such as Stanford University and Syracuse University. His influence extends to a new generation of writers who admire his mastery of the short story form.

Born in 1947 in India, Salman Rushdie gained international acclaim with his second novel 'Midnight's Children,' which won the Booker Prize in 1981 and later the Booker of Bookers. His work combines magical realism, historical fiction, and social commentary to explore themes of identity, religion, and migration. Rushdie's novel 'The Satanic Verses' sparked global controversy in 1988, leading to a fatwa calling for his death and years spent in hiding. Despite these challenges, he has continued to write novels, essays, and short stories that challenge political and religious orthodoxy. A vocal advocate for freedom of expression, he has received numerous honors, including a knighthood in 2007. Rushdie's resilience and literary innovation have inspired writers and readers around the world.