July 10

Born in 1501 into a yangban family of the Joseon dynasty. Excelled in Confucian studies and passed the civil service examinations. Served as a government official, educator, and mentor to future scholars. Authored influential texts on ethics, statecraft, and poetry. Advocated for practical learning and social reforms to benefit commoners. His poetic collections combined emotional depth with moral instruction. His legacy shaped Neo-Confucian thought in Korea for centuries.

Alfred Ronalds was an English artisan and author whose 1836 manual 'The Fly-fisher’s Entomology' revolutionized recreational angling by combining scientific observations with practical advice. Drawing on his background as an ironmonger and naturalist, he meticulously illustrated aquatic insects, linking life cycles to effective fly patterns. Emigrating to Australia in 1848, Ronalds pioneered horticulture and viticulture in Victoria, introducing new crops and irrigation methods at his property near Melbourne. He authored several horticultural guides and actively participated in early colonial scientific societies. Ronalds’ interdisciplinary approach bridged natural history, craftsmanship, and writing, influencing fishing enthusiasts and agricultural settlers alike. His engraved plates and detailed writings remain invaluable to anglers and historians of science.

Marcel Proust (1871–1922) was a French novelist, critic, and essayist. He is celebrated for his seven-volume masterpiece 'In Search of Lost Time', which explores memory, time, and society. His innovative narrative techniques and introspective style influenced modern literature. He delved into themes of social change, culture, and human psychology. Proust's meticulous observations and rich prose continue to captivate readers worldwide.

Hugo Raudsepp (1883–1952) was a leading dramatist during Estonia’s national awakening. His satirical comedies and social dramas critiqued political and social norms. Raudsepp served in the Estonian parliament and was active in cultural policy. His works remain staples of Estonian theater and reflect the country’s struggle for independence. He faced persecution during Soviet occupation and died in exile.

Nicolás Guillén is celebrated as Cuba’s leading poet, whose verse fused Afro-Cuban folk rhythms with powerful commentary on race and class. A committed activist and journalist, he embraced socialist ideals and traveled widely as a cultural ambassador for Cuba. His seminal works, including "Motivos de son" and "Sóngoro Cosongo," revolutionized Spanish-language poetry with their musicality and political force. Awarded the Lenin Peace Prize, Guillén’s legacy endures as a voice for justice in Latin American literature.

John Wyndham, born John Wyndham Harris, is best known for his imaginative and suspenseful science fiction novels. His 1951 classic "The Day of the Triffids" depicts a post-apocalyptic world besieged by dangerous towering plants. Other notable works include "The Midwich Cuckoos" and "The Chrysalids," blending ordinary characters with extraordinary scenarios. Wyndham’s clear prose, subtle wit, and exploration of human resilience have influenced generations of writers and readers.

Mildred Wirt Benson was the pioneering journalist and author who wrote the first 23 Nancy Drew books as the uncredited Carolyn Keene. Her spirited and clever heroine set the template for teenage sleuths, captivating young readers for decades. Beyond Nancy Drew, Benson worked as a reporter and radio scriptwriter for CBS. Honored by the Mystery Writers of America as a Grand Master, her contributions to children’s literature have left an indelible mark.

Salvador Espriu was born in 1913 in Santa Coloma de Farners, Spain. He became a leading figure in Catalan literature, writing poetry, novels, and plays that explored themes of mortality, exile, and existential angst. His notable works include the poetic cycle 'Cementiri de Sinera' and the play 'Antígona.' Espriu's writing style blended classical influences with modernist experimentation, helping to revitalize Catalan cultural identity under Franco's dictatorship. He also worked as an editor and translator, promoting Catalan language and literature. Espriu received numerous awards for his contributions to the arts. He died in 1985, and his legacy endures in contemporary Catalan letters.

James Aldridge was an Australian-born journalist and author whose career spanned over seven decades. He covered World War II as a war correspondent, reporting from Europe for major newspapers. Aldridge wrote numerous novels and non-fiction works, including The Sea Eagle and The Diplomat, exploring themes of conflict and human resilience. His award-winning writing earned critical acclaim in both Britain and Australia. He continued to write well into his later years, leaving behind a varied and influential body of work.

Pierre Gamarra was a prolific French author born in 1919, best known for his novels and children’s stories. He published over sixty books, including poetry collections and critical essays. Gamarra’s works often celebrated regional life in southwestern France and explored themes of nature and human emotion. He also taught literature and received the Grand Prix de littérature from the Académie Française. His stories and poems remain staples in French education and continue to inspire new generations of readers.

David Brinkley was a leading American broadcast journalist whose career spanned four decades. He co-anchored NBC’s Huntley-Brinkley Report, bringing national news and commentary into millions of homes. Known for his dry humor and succinct delivery, he earned two Emmy Awards for his work. After NBC, Brinkley joined ABC News, hosting programs like This Week and influencing the format of modern news magazines. He remained a respected voice in journalism until his death in 2003.

Jean Kerr was born in 1922 in Scranton, Pennsylvania and graduated from Mount Holyoke College. She began her writing career in journalism before publishing essays in magazines like The New Yorker. Her 1957 memoir 'Please Don't Eat the Daisies' humorously chronicled family life and became a bestseller. Kerr co-wrote the Broadway play 'Mary, Mary,' which ran for over 1,500 performances. She continued writing plays, essays, and books, leaving a legacy of wit and insight into domestic life until her passing in 2003.