June 24

Robert Persons was born in 1546 in Somerset, England, and studied at Oxford before joining the Society of Jesus. He trained at Jesuit colleges on the continent and returned to England as a missionary priest. Persons wrote influential tracts, including polemical works advocating for Catholic restoration under Queen Elizabeth I. He helped found the English College at Rome to train priests for the English mission and supported covert efforts against the Protestant government. His actions and writings made him a prominent figure in the Catholic resistance movement. Persons spent his later years in exile, continuing to write until his death in 1610. He is remembered for his enduring impact on the Catholic cause during the Reformation.

Jean-Jacques Burlamaqui was born in 1694 in Geneva and became a distinguished jurist and political philosopher. His lectures and writings on natural law and political theory blended Enlightenment ideals with classical thought. In works such as 'Principles of Natural and Politic Law,' he argued for the rights of individuals and the importance of constitutional government. Burlamaqui's clear prose made complex legal and moral concepts accessible to students and scholars across Europe. His ideas influenced both European thinkers and early American statesmen, who valued his moderate and rational approach to governance. He held professorships in Geneva and was esteemed for his integrity and pedagogical skill. Burlamaqui's contributions continued to shape debates on human rights and legal frameworks during the 18th century.

Jean-Baptiste de Boyer, Marquis d'Argens, was born in 1704 and became a prominent figure in the French Enlightenment. He authored a range of satirical and philosophical works that challenged religious dogma and social conventions. His 'Dictionnaire historique' and novels such as 'Le Père de famille' displayed his wit and commitment to reason. D'Argens corresponded with leading intellectuals like Voltaire and Cardinal de Bernis, and his salon was a hub for progressive debate. He spent much of his life in exile, where he continued writing and influencing European thought. His work contributed to the spread of Enlightenment ideas across borders. D'Argens's legacy lies in his fearless critique of authority and his eloquent advocacy for intellectual freedom.

Jean-Baptiste Benoît Eyriès was born in 1767 in Lyon, France, and became renowned for his geographical and literary pursuits. He compiled and published travel accounts that introduced readers to distant lands, including Russia, Africa, and the Americas. Eyriès translated important works from German and Russian into French, broadening European understanding of other cultures. His meticulous research and vivid descriptions made his publications popular among scholars and the adventurous public. He was a member of the Société de Géographie and corresponded with leading explorers of his time. Eyriès contributed to the scientific study of geography by collecting data on climate, natural history, and local customs. His legacy endures in the field of travel literature and the development of modern geographic scholarship.

Born in Ohio in 1842, Bierce served in the Union Army during the American Civil War, an experience that deeply influenced his later works. He earned the moniker 'Bitter Bierce' for his caustic wit and unsparing social criticism. His most famous works include the Gothic short story 'An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge' and the satirical compilation The Devil's Dictionary. Bierce's writing style is noted for its brevity, dark humor, and keen observations on human folly. In 1913, he traveled to Mexico during the revolution and mysteriously disappeared, leaving behind a legacy as one of America's most enigmatic literary figures.

Frank Crowninshield helped shape early 20th-century American culture through his visionary editorship of Vanity Fair. He promoted modern art and theatre, publishing works by leading artists and playwrights. His keen critical eye and elegant writing set new standards in arts journalism. Under his guidance, Vanity Fair became a leading voice in arts and society. He championed avant-garde movements, bridging high culture and popular taste. Crowninshield's legacy endures in the world of arts publishing.

Forrest Reid explored the complexities of youth and identity through thirteen acclaimed novels. His works, such as 'The Garden God' and 'Mortmain', received praise for their psychological insight. As a literary critic, he promoted modernist writers and contributed essays to leading journals. Reid’s translations helped introduce French literature to English-speaking audiences. His novels and critical writings were celebrated at literary gatherings across Ireland and Britain. Reid’s lyrical prose continues to inspire authors exploring memory and coming of age.

George Shiels wrote more than 50 plays that captured the humor and struggles of working-class life in Ulster. His hit comedies, including 'Bedtime Story', were performed in Belfast and London to wide acclaim. Shiels’ sharp wit and memorable characters endeared him to audiences on both sides of the Atlantic. He also published poetry that reflected themes of identity and community in early 20th-century Canada. His works were featured at the Dublin Theatre Festival, expanding his reputation internationally. Shiels’ legacy endures through revivals of his engaging and character-driven dramas.

Fritz Löhner-Beda collaborated with composers like Franz Lehár on hit operettas such as 'Giuditta' and 'Das Land des Lächelns'. His witty and lyrical texts captured the spirit of Vienna’s musical theater in the early 20th century. As a prolific writer, he also published satirical sketches and travel essays. After Austria’s annexation by Nazi Germany, he was arrested for his Jewish heritage and anti-fascist views. Löhner-Beda died in the Monowitz concentration camp, leaving behind a legacy of artistic brilliance and courage. His songs continue to be performed worldwide in revivals of classic Viennese operettas.

Willard Maas was a central figure in the New York avant-garde community, blending poetry, film, and performance art. Alongside his wife, filmmaker Marie Menken, he co-created experimental projects that challenged artistic conventions. Maas taught poetry and creative writing at institutions like Ithaca College, where he influenced emerging writers and artists. His witty, evocative poems often explored urban life and human relationships. Though less widely known than some contemporaries, Maas’s interdisciplinary approach left a lasting impact on postwar American art and literature.

Arseny Tarkovsky wrote poetry that vividly captured Soviet-era life with lyrical depth and philosophical insight. His collections, such as "Poem Without a Hero," are celebrated for their introspective style and exploration of memory. Tarkovsky also translated French and Spanish poetry, enriching Russian literature with new voices. As a mentor, he nurtured younger poets and critics, maintaining integrity in a challenging political climate. His legacy endures through his own works and the cinematic masterpieces of his son, Andrei Tarkovsky.

Cavanna wrote dozens of novels focusing on the experiences and emotions of teenage protagonists. Her engaging storytelling and relatable characters resonated with young readers throughout the mid-20th century. She explored themes of friendship, romance, and personal growth in her works. In addition to fiction, Cavanna contributed articles to women's magazines and was respected as an editor. Her books remain an example of classic young adult literature.