July 01

Born Liu Ji, he served as a chief adviser to the founding Hongwu Emperor and authored key military treatises that guided early Ming campaigns. As a high-ranking official, he oversaw civil administration and diplomatic missions. His poetic works blended Confucian, Taoist, and folk themes, earning him lasting fame as a literary figure. Liu Bowen's strategies and writings influenced Chinese historiography and military theory for centuries, cementing his reputation as a polymath of the early Ming era.

Born Amantine Lucile Aurore Dupin, George Sand adopted her famous pen name to break free from 19th-century gender norms and write freely. She wrote a prolific body of work, including novels like ‘Indiana,’ ‘Lélia,’ and ‘La Mare au Diable,’ exploring themes of love, independence, and social justice. Sand maintained salons that attracted leading artists, writers, and musicians, including her famous romance with composer Frédéric Chopin. Her outspoken views on women’s rights and rural life influenced literary Realism and early feminist thought. Sand’s engaging narratives and embrace of a nonconformist lifestyle made her one of France’s most celebrated literary figures. Her works continue to be studied for their social critique and innovative storytelling.

Blind from a young age, Nguyễn Đình Chiểu overcame adversity to become one of Vietnam’s most revered poets. Writing under the pen name Chu Đạt, he composed epic poems that inspired resistance against colonial rule. His work blended classical Chinese literary traditions with Vietnamese folk themes and nationalist sentiment. Chiểu taught in his community and used his poetry to advocate for education and social justice. His legacy endures in Vietnam’s cultural memory as a symbol of resilience and patriotic pride.

Often writing under the pseudonym Deotyma, Jadwiga Łuszczewska became a leading voice in Polish Romanticism. Born in Warsaw, she published collections of lyrical poetry that explored themes of nature, love, and national identity. Łuszczewska’s salons attracted poets, writers, and intellectuals, fostering a vibrant literary community. Her contributions helped sustain Polish culture during a period of political partitions and repression. She is remembered as one of 19th-century Poland’s most beloved literary figures.

Born in Philadelphia, Florence Earle Coates became an influential figure in the late 19th-century literary scene. Her poetry dealt with themes of nature, social issues, and classical mythology, earning critical acclaim. Coates hosted salons that brought together writers, artists, and thinkers of her era. She published several volumes of verse and contributed to leading magazines and anthologies. Her work reflected both refined craftsmanship and a deep engagement with contemporary concerns.

Velma Caldwell Melville edited and wrote for various literary periodicals in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Her poetry and short stories appeared in leading magazines, showcasing her lyrical style and narrative skill. Melville explored themes of domestic life, nature, and social issues pertinent to her era. She championed the voices of women writers and contributed to the growing market for women’s literature. Her work reflects both a keen observational eye and a commitment to literary craftsmanship.

Born in 1869, William Strunk Jr. was a professor of English at Cornell University. He published 'The Elements of Style' in 1918 as a concise guide to clear writing. The book emphasized brevity, proper grammar, and active voice, becoming a staple for students and writers. In 1959, E. B. White expanded and popularized the guide, cementing its place in American education. Strunk’s principles continue to shape writing instruction and professional writing standards. He taught at Cornell for over 40 years, influencing generations of students. He died in 1946, leaving a legacy through one of the most enduring style guides in English language.

Dorothea Mackellar was born in 1885 into a well-connected Australian family and began writing poetry in her youth. Her most famous poem, 'My Country,' captures the rugged beauty and vastness of Australia and has become an emblem of national identity. Mackellar published several collections, including 'The Closed Door and Other Verses,' earning acclaim for her vivid imagery and lyrical style. She traveled extensively in Europe, which deepened her appreciation for the Australian landscape upon her return. Mackellar's work has inspired generations of poets and remains a staple of Australian literary studies. She continued to write until her death in 1968, leaving a rich legacy of verse.

Amber Reeves was born in New Zealand in 1887 before moving to England to study history at Cambridge University. At Cambridge, she became a leading voice in the Fabian Society and campaigned for women's rights and social reform. Reeves published novels such as 'A Lady in Waiting' and 'The Moving of Geoghegan' under her own name and pseudonyms. She also wrote political pamphlets and essays, exploring themes of gender, class, and personal freedom. Reeves maintained a salon that attracted intellectuals and activists of the early 20th century. Her interdisciplinary career bridged scholarship, fiction, and political activism, leaving an enduring mark on feminist thought.

James M. Cain was born in 1892 in Annapolis, Maryland and began his career as a newspaper reporter. He rose to prominence writing hard-boiled stories for pulp magazines in the 1920s. Cain authored iconic novels including 'The Postman Always Rings Twice,' 'Double Indemnity,' and 'Mildred Pierce,' which helped define the noir genre. His terse prose, flawed characters, and moral ambiguity influenced generations of crime writers and filmmakers. Several of his works were adapted into successful Hollywood films, cementing his place in American cultural history. Cain continued to write until his death in 1977, leaving a legacy of suspenseful storytelling.

Irna Phillips was a trailblazing American screenwriter and producer born in 1901. She created the genre of daytime soap operas, launching iconic programs like 'Guiding Light' and 'As the World Turns.' Phillips revolutionized radio and television storytelling with serialized, character-driven plots that captivated audiences. She also mentored other writers and established formats still used in modern soap operas. Her innovations earned her recognition as one of the most influential figures in broadcast history. Phillips continued writing until health issues in the late 1960s and passed away in 1973, leaving a lasting mark on entertainment.

Ze'ev Schiff was a leading journalist celebrated for his analysis of Middle East military affairs. As military correspondent and defense editor at Haaretz, he covered major conflicts including the Six-Day War and the Yom Kippur War. His reporting earned international awards and recognition among scholars and policymakers. Schiff authored several influential books on Israeli defense strategy and geopolitics. He mentored a generation of conflict reporters and left a lasting impact on journalism.