June 20

Marceline Desbordes-Valmore was a pioneering French Romantic poet and novelist, born in Douai in 1786. Orphaned young, she supported herself by singing and writing under difficult circumstances. Her debut collection "Élégies et Romances" (1819) received acclaim for its lyrical intensity. She published several novels and poetry collections that gave voice to personal suffering and maternal love. Desbordes-Valmore's work influenced later French poets, including the Symbolists. She balanced domestic life and literary pursuits, leaving a legacy as a trailblazing woman writer. She passed away in 1859, honored for the depth of her verse.

Born in Marseille in 1813, Joseph Autran became known for poetry that vividly depicted the beauty and culture of the Mediterranean. His collection "Méditerranée" (1835) earned praise from contemporaries like Alphonse de Lamartine. Autran served as a professor of rhetoric and was elected to the Académie Française in 1870. He translated works of Dante and other Italian writers, enriching French literature. His verse combined lyrical grace with epic storytelling. Autran's engagement with classical antiquity and regional landscapes defined his unique style. He died in 1877, remembered as a key figure in 19th-century French poetry.

Charles W. Chesnutt was born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1858 to formerly enslaved parents. He became the first African American writer published by major literary magazines during the post-Reconstruction era. Chesnutt's collections, such as "The Conjure Woman" and "The House Behind the Cedars," blended folklore and social critique. His novel "The Marrow of Tradition" examined the Wilmington race riot of 1898 with unflinching honesty. An educator and lawyer, he advocated for civil rights and challenged Jim Crow laws. Chesnutt's literary voice gave depth to African American experiences in the late 19th century. He died in 1932, leaving a legacy as a pioneer in American literature.

Mary R. Calvert was an American astronomer and author born in 1884. She made significant contributions to the cataloging of star positions and variable stars. Calvert's meticulous work provided valuable data for subsequent generations of astronomers. As an author, she published accessible books and articles that brought the wonders of the night sky to a broader audience. Her dual role bridged the gap between scientific research and public education in astronomy. Calvert's legacy endures in both professional observatory records and popular astronomy writings.

Born in Bremerhaven in 1897, Hauptmann became a key member of Bertolt Brecht’s creative circle. She translated works from English and Russian, bringing new texts to the German stage. Hauptmann wrote and revised libretti, most notably contributing to the script of The Threepenny Opera. Her own novels and plays explored social and political themes of her time. Despite often lacking full credit for her work, she maintained a strong creative voice throughout her career. Today, her writings and translations continue to influence modern drama and theater studies.

Born in New Orleans in 1905, Hellman emerged as one of the most influential dramatists of the 20th century. Her works combined incisive dialogue with deep moral and social critiques, earning her critical acclaim and multiple awards. In Hollywood, she adapted her plays for the screen and wrote original screenplays, collaborating with renowned directors. Hellman’s political activism led to her being blacklisted during the McCarthy era; she famously refused to name colleagues before the House Un-American Activities Committee. Despite the controversies, her plays have remained staples in theaters worldwide. Her memoirs, including An Unfinished Woman, further showcased her compelling narrative voice.

Born in Kirkwood, Missouri, Josephine Johnson began writing short stories in her teens, capturing the rhythms of small-town America. She won the Pulitzer Prize for her novel Now in November in 1935, becoming one of the youngest recipients of the award. Her work blended poetic language with keen observations of nature and human relationships. Over her career, she published several collections of short stories and volumes of poetry that explored themes of loss and memory. Johnson's lyrical style and empathetic characters earned her critical acclaim. She continued writing and teaching throughout her life, leaving a lasting impact on American literature.

Anthony Buckeridge was born in London and began writing radio comedy in the 1930s. He created the character Jennings, a mischievous schoolboy whose exploits captured post-war school life in novels such as Jennings Goes to School (1948). The Jennings books became beloved by generations for their wit, charm, and vivid portrayal of boarding school traditions. Buckeridge wrote more than a dozen Jennings titles, also adapting them for radio and television. His engaging storytelling and gentle humor earned him a devoted readership both in the UK and abroad. He continued writing until the 1970s, leaving a lasting legacy in children's literature.

Born in Hungary in 1918, Zoltán Sztáray emigrated to the United States after World War II. He authored books exploring Central European history, politics, and the experiences of émigré communities. Sztáray's work provided insights into Hungarian culture and contributed to cross-cultural understanding. He held academic lectures and wrote articles for journals and newspapers throughout his career. His scholarship was recognized by cultural organizations and historical societies. He passed away in 2011, leaving a legacy of engaging and informative historical writing.

Simin Behbahani (1927–2014) was a leading figure in modern Persian poetry, celebrated for her mastery of traditional forms and innovative themes. Born in Tehran, she published her first collection at age 16 and went on to author over 20 volumes of verse. Behbahani's poetry often explored love, social justice, and the struggles of women, earning her the title 'Lioness of Iran.' She faced censorship and imprisonment for her outspoken activism during various political regimes. In addition to her literary work, she taught creative writing and held poetry readings worldwide. Her honors include the Human Rights Watch Hellman/Hammett grant and membership in international literary academies.

Anne Weale was an English journalist who became a celebrated author of romantic fiction. Over her career, she published more than fifty novels, captivating readers with her engaging storytelling. Her work appeared in popular magazines and she gained a loyal readership across the UK. Weale’s narratives often featured strong heroines and evocative settings in Britain and abroad. She balanced writing with editorial work, contributing to literary communities. Her novels remain in print, illustrating her enduring appeal in the romance genre. Weale inspired aspiring writers through workshops and literary events until her passing in 2007.

Robert Rozhdestvensky was a leading Soviet poet whose evocative verses spoke to themes of love, nature, and social change. Born in 1932, his poetry collections became bestsellers and were widely studied in schools. He collaborated with composers, setting many poems to music and popularizing them as songs. Rozhdestvensky traveled extensively, reading his work and engaging with young readers. His style combined classical forms with modern sensibilities, earning him critical acclaim. Beyond poetry, he wrote essays on literature and served as editor of influential literary journals. Rozhdestvensky's work remains a cornerstone of 20th-century Russian literature, celebrated for its emotional depth and cultural resonance.