June 27

Born in 1564, John Hayward gained recognition for his vivid chronicles of Tudor England, including works such as 'The Life and Raigne of King Edward the Sixth'. He served as a Member of Parliament for Dorchester and was noted for his journalistic accounts of political intrigues in the Elizabethan court. His historical narratives combined rigorous research with engaging prose, influencing later chroniclers of English history. Hayward’s writings on the Scottish succession and the Essex rebellion provided valuable insights into the era’s power struggles. He navigated shifting political landscapes, balancing scholarly pursuits with active civic engagement until his death in 1627.

Born in 1639, Chaulieu gained favor in the salons of Paris and later at the court of Philippe I, Duke of Orléans. He composed witty epigrams, elegant odes, and pastoral poetry that delighted his contemporaries. His collections, such as 'Contes ridicules', showcased his talent for blending humor with classical style. Chaulieu’s friendship with leading literary figures of his day helped shape French poetic taste under the Sun King. Though he refused major court appointments, he maintained influence through his writing and personal charm. He died in 1720, remembered as one of the most engaging poets of the late 17th century.

Adolphe-Basile Routhier (1839–1920) was a Canadian lawyer, judge, and author best known for writing the original French lyrics of Canada’s national anthem, 'O Canada.' Born in Quebec City, he studied law at Laval University and served as a judge on the Superior Court of Quebec. His poetic text was first performed in 1880 for Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day celebrations, becoming an enduring symbol of Canadian identity. Beyond his lyrical contribution, Routhier was active in literary circles and advocated for French Canadian culture. His dual legacy as a jurist and cultural figure continues to resonate in Canadian history.

Wanda Gág (1893–1946) was an American artist, author, and illustrator whose groundbreaking work helped define the modern picture book. Born in New Ulm, Minnesota, she gained fame with her 1928 debut 'Millions of Cats,' which combined whimsical narrative and bold woodcut-style illustrations. Gág’s dynamic black-and-white artwork and playful prose set a new standard for children’s literature in the United States. In addition to children’s books, she produced linocuts, murals, and fine art that were exhibited in major galleries. As a pioneering female artist in the early 20th century, her contributions continue to inspire illustrators and storytellers alike.

Paul Viiding (1904-1962) was an Estonian poet, author, and critic who played an influential role in the interwar literary scene. As a member of the Arbujad poetic circle, he explored themes of nature, national identity, and existential reflection in his work. Viiding's collections, such as 'Süda' and 'Künklik maa', showcased his lyrical style and modernist sensibilities. As a critic, he championed emerging Estonian writers and contributed to journals that shaped cultural discourse. Despite facing censorship under Soviet rule after World War II, he continued to write and translate works from Russian and German, leaving a lasting literary legacy that also influenced his children.

Milton Subotsky (1921–1991) made his mark in British cinema as a co-founder of Amicus Productions alongside Max J. Rosenberg. Born in New York, Subotsky moved to London after World War II and transitioned from television writing to film production. He specialized in horror anthology films, producing hits such as 'Dr. Terror's House of Horrors' and 'Torture Garden'. Subotsky's flair for imaginative storytelling and strong production values set his studio apart in the 1960s and 1970s. He collaborated with leading directors and actors to bring gripping tales to the screen. His contributions expanded the international reach of British genre cinema. Subotsky died in 1991, remembered for his pioneering work in the horror genre.

Tove Jansson was a pioneering Finnish writer and artist born in 1914. She gained international fame for her Moomin books, introducing whimsical creatures that captured the hearts of children and adults alike. Trained in fine arts, Jansson’s distinctive illustrations blended playfulness with profound emotion. Beyond literature, she produced evocative paintings and political cartoons during World War II. Her work earned numerous awards and continues to inspire new generations. Jansson’s legacy endures through museums and exhibitions dedicated to her life and art.

David Newman was born in 1937 in New York City and studied literature at Yale University. He gained fame co-writing the groundbreaking film ‘Bonnie and Clyde’ (1967), which earned him an Academy Award nomination. Newman also contributed to the screenplay of ‘Superman’ (1978), leaving a lasting impact on the superhero genre. He wrote, produced, and directed films and television shows throughout his career, demonstrating versatility across mediums. A mentor to emerging writers, he was respected for his sharp dialogue and innovative storytelling. Newman died in 2003, remembered as a pioneer of New Hollywood.

Shelby Foote was born in 1916 in Greenville, Mississippi, and earned a degree in history from the University of North Carolina. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, an experience that deepened his historical insight. Foote spent decades researching and writing ‘The Civil War: A Narrative’, published between 1958 and 1974, which combined scholarly rigor with compelling storytelling. His work gained wider recognition when he appeared in Ken Burns’s 1990 documentary The Civil War. Foote’s engaging prose and narrative style reshaped public understanding of the war. He died in 2005, leaving a monumental legacy in American historiography.

Rosemary Dobson (1920–2012) was born in Sydney and became a leading figure in 20th-century Australian poetry. Her work blended lyrical expression with mythic and domestic themes, earning critical acclaim. Over six decades, she published more than a dozen poetry collections, including In a Convex Mirror. Dobson also illustrated books and exhibited her watercolour paintings in galleries. She served as deputy chair of the Literature Board of the Australia Council, promoting the arts nationwide. Her poetry received numerous awards, including the Patrick White Award. Dobson passed away in 2012, remembered for enriching Australia's literary and artistic heritage.

Allen Grossman (1932–2014) was an American poet, critic, and professor recognized for his profound and complex works. He taught at Johns Hopkins University from 1977 until his retirement, influencing generations of writers. Grossman's poetry explored themes of metaphysics and human emotion through nuanced language and innovative forms. He authored several collections, including 'The Woman on the Bridge over the Chicago River' and 'Gold Beater's Skin'. As a critic, he contributed important essays on modernist poets and literary theory. Grossman received the Poetry Society of America's Shelley Memorial Award and other honors. His legacy endures through his impactful teaching and enduring poetic contributions.

Born Carlo Pedersoli in 1929, Bud Spencer was a champion swimmer who represented Italy in the 1952 and 1956 Olympics. He adopted his stage name and transitioned to acting, starring in over 50 films. Spencer formed a legendary duo with Terence Hill in spaghetti westerns, combining his imposing physique with comedic timing. He co-wrote many of his films and became a cult favorite across Europe. Outside of cinema, he was an avid pilot, yachtsman, and wine producer whose philanthropic efforts extended to sports and education.