July 07

Richard Brinsley Sheridan was born in 1751 in Dublin and quickly rose to fame in London's theatrical world. His debut play 'The Rivals' premiered in 1775 and showcased his gift for witty dialogue and social satire. In 1777 he achieved further acclaim with 'The School for Scandal', a comedy that remains a staple of the stage. Beyond the theatre, Sheridan served as a Member of Parliament and was noted for his oratorical skill. He championed freedom of the press and parliamentary reform during his political career. Sheridan died on July 7, 1816, leaving a lasting legacy in both literature and British politics.

Johanna Spyri (1827–1901) was a Swiss author celebrated for her children's literature.\nHer novel "Heidi", published in 1881, remains a classic of world literature.\nThe story of an orphaned girl and her life in the Swiss Alps has been translated into dozens of languages.\nSpyri wrote over sixty stories and sketches, often exploring themes of nature, morality, and innocence.\nHer compassionate portrayals of rural life continue to enchant readers of all ages.\nSpyri’s legacy endures in countless adaptations on stage, screen, and television.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859–1930) was a Scottish-born novelist, physician, and playwright.\nHe introduced the world to Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson in 1887, revolutionizing detective fiction.\nBeyond Holmes, Doyle wrote historical novels, science fiction, and non-fiction on spiritualism.\nHis works have sold millions of copies and inspired countless adaptations in film, television, and theater.\nDoyle’s adventurous life included service as a war correspondent and an outspoken believer in spiritual phenomena.\nHis enduring characters continue to captivate readers and audiences worldwide.

Alexander Grin (1880–1932) wrote poetic novels and short stories set in fantastical coastal settings.\nHis most famous work, "Scarlet Sails", blends romance, adventure, and dreamy symbolism.\nGrin’s unique narrative style earned him a devoted following in Russia and beyond.\nDespite financial hardship and exile, he continued to craft imaginative tales of hope and destiny.\nHis lyrical prose and vivid imagery have inspired film adaptations and stage productions.\nGrin’s romantic vision remains a touchstone of Russian literary imagination.

Born in 1886 in Mansfeld, Germany, Gottfried Benn trained and worked as a physician before turning to literature. In 1912, he published his first collection, 'Morgue and Other Poems', establishing himself as a leading expressionist voice. Benn's stark imagery and exploration of mortality and modern alienation set his work apart. Although initially welcomed by the Nazi regime, he later fell out of favor due to his critical stance. Over his career, he produced poetry, autobiographical essays, and critical writings that influenced successive generations. He died in 1956, remembered as one of the most important German literary figures of the 20th century.

Born in 1925 in Montreal, Claude Gauvreau emerged as a central figure in Canada's avant-garde theatre and poetry. As a member of the Les Automatistes group, he contributed to the influential Refus Global manifesto. His play 'La charge de l'orignal épormyable' is celebrated for its inventive language and surreal imagery. Gauvreau's works explored the subconscious and challenged conventional narrative forms. Despite personal struggles, he remained prolific until his untimely death in 1971. Today, he is remembered as a pioneer of experimental literature in Quebec.

Born in 1908 in New Rochelle, he published his first collection "Discrete Series" in 1934 before pausing his work to join the war effort. After World War II, he resumed writing and taught mathematics while refining his poetic voice. His later works, including "Of Being Numerous," are celebrated for their precise language and social awareness. Oppen's poetry continues to influence contemporary writers and is studied for its clarity and moral engagement. He remained committed to both art and political ideals until his death in 1984.

Born in 1911, Ilgaz wrote short stories and poems that captured the everyday struggles of working-class Turks. His most famous work, the "Hababam Sınıfı" series, humorously depicted student life and remains a cultural touchstone in Turkey. Ilgaz also worked as a teacher and journalist, using his platform to advocate for literacy and intellectual freedom. He endured political repression yet continued to publish until his death in 1993. His work has left a lasting legacy in Turkish literature and popular culture.

Julie Campbell Tatham was an American author born in 1908 who made significant contributions to juvenile fiction. Writing as Julie Campbell, she created the Mary Jane series, telling stories of adventure, friendship, and everyday youth experiences. She also wrote early volumes of the Trixie Belden mystery series and contributed to Nancy Drew spin-offs, captivating young readers with her engaging characters. Tatham's work stood out for its relatable protagonists and vivid storytelling, influencing generations of children's literature. She passed away in 1999, leaving behind a literary legacy cherished by fans of classic children's series.

Allan W. Eckert (1931-2011) was an American author and naturalist celebrated for his richly detailed historical narratives. He wrote best-selling books such as "The Frontiersmen Trilogy" and "Indian Country", bringing frontier-era figures and events to life. Eckert combined rigorous research with storytelling techniques more common to fiction, earning acclaim from both scholars and general readers. He also contributed articles and essays to national magazines on wildlife conservation and environmental topics. Eckert's work expanded public interest in early American history and indigenous cultures. His engaging prose style and depth of knowledge secured his legacy as a leading popular historian.

Ronaldo Cunha Lima (1936-2012) was a Brazilian poet, lawyer, and influential political leader from the state of Paraíba. He began his career as a celebrated poet, publishing several collections that explored regional culture and social themes. Cunha Lima entered politics in the 1960s and was elected governor of Paraíba in 1971, overseeing infrastructure and education reforms. He later served multiple terms as a federal senator, championing agricultural development and cultural initiatives for northeastern Brazil. Known for his eloquent speeches and dedication to his constituents, he became a prominent figure in national politics. Cunha Lima's dual legacy as a man of letters and a statesman endures in both literary circles and the political history of Brazil.