July 05

Born in 1833 in Norway, Jonas Lie emerged as one of his country’s leading literary voices alongside contemporaries like Henrik Ibsen. His novels, such as ‘The Visionary’ and ‘A Happy Boy’s History’, vividly depict rural Norwegian life, folklore, and moral questions. Lie also excelled in poetry and drama, publishing several volumes of verse and stage works. His elegant prose and insightful character studies captured the social changes of 19th-century Norway. As a founding member of the Norwegian Association for Artists, he supported cultural institutions and mentored emerging writers. Lie’s contributions helped establish a national literary identity that endures in Norway’s cultural heritage.

Born Aleksandr Mikhailovich Glikberg in 1880 in Uman, Russian Empire. Adopted the pseudonym Sasha Chorny and began publishing satirical poems in his twenties. His sharp wit and humorous style captured the absurdities of everyday life in early 20th century Russia. He also wrote popular children's stories cherished for their playful language and moral lessons. After the Bolshevik Revolution, he emigrated to Latvia and then to France, continuing to write. He died in Cannes in 1932, leaving behind a vibrant literary legacy.

Born in Paris in 1888, he volunteered for service in World War I and saw combat on the Western Front. After the war, he turned to writing, crafting novels that explored themes of faith, grace, and human suffering. His 1936 novel 'Diary of a Country Priest' won the Prix Femina and established his literary reputation. He wrote stirring pieces against totalitarianism, emigrating to Brazil during World War II. Returning to Europe post-war, he continued publishing until his death in 1948. He is celebrated for his profound impact on 20th-century French Catholic literature.

Born in 1920, Howard Nemerov served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II before embarking on his literary career. He published numerous acclaimed poetry collections, including The Blue Swallows and The Collected Poems of Howard Nemerov. In 1978, he received the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry for his collection The Collected Poems of Howard Nemerov. He served as U.S. Poet Laureate from 1988 to 1990 and won the National Book Award in 1974. Nemerov's work is celebrated for its philosophical depth, formal precision, and subtle wit.

Thirunalloor Karunakaran (1924–2006) was a Malayalam poet, scholar, and social thinker from Kerala, India. He served as a professor and conducted extensive research in economics and cultural studies. Karunakaran's poetry is noted for its humanistic themes and focus on social justice. He published several acclaimed collections of poems and essays throughout his career. His translations introduced Malayalam readers to world literature, enriching the region's literary heritage. Karunakaran's work bridged academic scholarship and artistic expression, leaving a lasting impact on Malayalam literature.

Gerrit Komrij (1944-2012) was a leading figure in Dutch letters, known for his incisive poetry, essays, and critical anthologies. He played a key role in modernizing Dutch poetry, often blending classical forms with sharp social commentary. Komrij's anthologies introduced readers to both contemporary and classical works, and his translations brought international literature to Dutch audiences. As the first Dutch Poet Laureate, he championed literary diversity and free expression. His wit, erudition, and sometimes controversial opinions made him a prominent and dynamic cultural commentator.