July 10

Born in 1610, François Eudes de Mézeray emerged as one of the leading historians of 17th-century France. His principal work, 'Histoire de France,' chronicled French history from its origins to his own time in a thorough multi-volume series. Published starting in 1643, the work was praised for its literary style and meticulous use of sources. Mézeray's history became a standard reference for scholars and the educated public alike. He also held positions as a royal historiographer, advising on historical matters for the French court. His writing influenced the development of modern historiography in Europe.

Clement Clarke Moore (1779–1863) was an American scholar and educator who taught at the General Theological Seminary in New York City. Born into a prominent Manhattan family, Moore wrote the beloved poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas" in 1822, shaping many modern Christmas traditions including Santa's sleigh and reindeer. Though published anonymously at first, the poem brought Moore lasting fame and an enduring legacy. Beyond his literary work, he donated land for the founding of New York University and served as a respected theologian. His contributions continue to be celebrated each holiday season.

Joseph Krumgold began his career writing documentaries for the U.S. Army and the Peace Corps before turning to children’s literature. His novel 'And Now Miguel' won the Newbery Medal in 1966 for its sensitive portrayal of a young shepherd in New Mexico. Krumgold’s works are praised for their vivid sense of place and authentic adolescent characters. He blended his screenwriting skills with literary craft to create engaging narratives that resonated with young readers. His contributions significantly influenced mid-20th-century children’s literature, inspiring both writers and readers alike.

Ruth Krauss was a pioneering writer of children’s books whose playful and poetic texts captured the inner world of young children. Her simple yet evocative story 'The Carrot Seed' became a classic for its themes of patience and growth. Krauss collaborated with illustrators such as Maurice Sendak on beloved titles like 'A Hole Is to Dig' and 'I Can Fly,' blending whimsical language with imaginative imagery. She won the Caldecott Medal and received multiple Newbery honors for her contributions to children’s literature. Krauss advocated for respecting children’s perspectives and creativity, influencing generations of writers and educators. Her legacy lives on in the innovative style and enduring charm of her books.

Born in 1924, Sam Rolfe began his career writing radio scripts before moving into television. He penned episodes for popular series such as Route 66 and Have Gun – Will Travel. In 1964, he co-created the iconic spy drama The Man from U.N.C.L.E., which became a cultural phenomenon. His sharp dialogue and inventive plots earned him critical acclaim and multiple award nominations. Rolfe continued producing and writing influential television projects until his death in 1993.

Born in 1928 in Tallinn, Raud became one of Estonia's most beloved writers for young readers. His works, including the 'Naksitrallid' (The Three Jolly Fellows) trilogy and the classic story 'Sipsik' (Raggie), blend fantasy, adventure, and wit. Raud's narratives are marked by playful language and memorable characters that capture the spirit of childhood. He received numerous awards for his contribution to children's literature and saw his books translated into multiple languages. Raud continued to write and influence new generations of readers until his death in 1996.

Born in 1933, Janifer published dozens of novels and short stories in magazines such as Galaxy and If. He often blended humor, mystery, and adventure in works like the Hastings & Mallory series. Janifer's clever plots and engaging characters earned him a dedicated readership and respect among his peers. He also served in leadership roles within the Science Fiction Writers of America, advocating for writers' rights. Janifer continued writing and influencing the genre until his death in 2002.

Born in 1908 in Manchester, Graham published his first novel at age 52 and went on to write over 30 books. His most celebrated work, the Poldark saga, chronicles the life of Ross Poldark against the backdrop of Georgian England. The series achieved international fame and was adapted for television on multiple occasions. Graham's meticulous research and vivid storytelling brought historical Cornwall to life for readers. He also wrote thrillers and historical novels throughout his long career, remaining a beloved figure in English literature until his death in 2003.

A. J. Quinnell was the pseudonym of English author Philip Nicholson, born in 1940. He gained international acclaim with his debut thriller, Man on Fire, introducing the iconic character Marcus Creasy. Quinnell's gripping narratives combined intense action with rich character exploration, earning a devoted global following. Several of his novels were translated into multiple languages and adapted for film and television. His work continues to influence and inspire thriller writers and readers around the world.

Doug Marlette was an American cartoonist and author born in 1949. He won the Pulitzer Prize for editorial cartooning in 1988 for his incisive visual commentary on social and political issues. Marlette created the popular Kudzu comic strip, which humorously depicted Southern life and ran nationally for decades. He also authored several books and graphic novels, blending satire with storytelling. Beyond his work as a cartoonist, Marlette taught and mentored aspiring artists until his untimely death in 2007, leaving a lasting impact on the cartooning community.

Ebba Haslund was a Norwegian writer born in 1917 whose career spanned post-war literature and journalism. She published her first novel in 1946 and went on to write numerous novels, short stories, and essays focusing on contemporary society and women's rights. Haslund also served as the editor-in-chief of the feminist magazine Kvinneliv in the 1970s, advocating for gender equality. Her work received critical acclaim for its insightful character studies and social commentary. Haslund remained active in literary circles until her death in 2009, leaving a significant imprint on Norwegian cultural life.

Berthe Meijer (1938–2012) was a journalist and author who wrote for leading publications in Germany and the Netherlands. She reported on cultural and social topics, bringing a bicultural perspective to her work. Throughout her career, she authored books and long-form articles that explored European history and identity. Her insightful storytelling earned her recognition among readers on both sides of the Rhine. Meijer’s writing bridged linguistic and cultural divides until her passing in 2012.