July 11

Robert Greene was one of the first professional writers in Elizabethan England, born in 1558. He authored popular prose romances, pamphlets, and several plays that influenced his contemporaries. Greene is often remembered for his critique of William Shakespeare as an 'upstart crow' in his pamphlet 'Greene's Groats-Worth of Wit.' His works combined moral commentary with vivid storytelling, reflecting urban life and social tensions. Despite his literary success, Greene struggled with debt and died young in 1592. His contributions helped shape the development of English drama and the novel.

Luis de Góngora was a leading figure of the Spanish Golden Age, born in 1561. As Archdeacon of Córdoba, he combined his ecclesiastical duties with a flourishing literary career. Góngora's poetry is celebrated for its complex metaphors, elaborate syntax, and the literary movement known as 'culteranismo.' His rivalry with fellow poet Francisco de Quevedo became legendary in Golden Age literary circles. Though criticized in his lifetime for obscurity, his work greatly influenced later Spanish literature. Today, Góngora is considered one of Spain's greatest Baroque poets, with a legacy that endures in academies and universities.

Born in Bort-les-Orgues in 1723, Marmontel studied law before dedicating himself to literature. He served as a historian and secretary at the French Royal Academy. His 'Essais historiques' (1755–66) offered critical perspectives on European history. He gained fame for 'Contes moraux', a collection blending folklore with Enlightenment philosophy. Marmontel was a key figure in Paris salons and maintained correspondence with Voltaire and d’Alembert. His election to the Académie Française in 1763 cemented his influence in French letters. He died in 1799, remembered as a vital voice of the French Enlightenment.

Born in Liverpool in 1754, Bowdler trained as a physician before turning to literary pursuits. He published a family-friendly edition of Shakespeare’s plays that removed content he deemed inappropriate. His name became synonymous with the practice of literary censorship, 'bowdlerization'. Bowdler also produced sanitized versions of other classic works, reflecting the moral attitudes of his time. A committed philanthropist, he supported hospitals and charitable causes in London. His editorial approach sparked debate over artistic freedom versus social propriety. He died in 1825, leaving a lasting impact on editorial practices and public morality.

Léon Bloy was a French novelist, essayist and poet born in 1846. He is renowned for his stark, impassioned prose and profound Catholic faith. His works include The Woman Who Was Poor and The Disagreeable Stories, which blend mysticism with social critique. He was a vocal advocate for the poor and a fierce critic of bourgeois hypocrisy. His friendship with Joris-Karl Huysmans and influence on modernist writers cemented his place in French literary history.

Dorothy 'Dolly' Wilde (1895–1941) was the niece of playwright Oscar Wilde and emerged as a literary figure in her own right. Living between London and Paris, she hosted salons that became gathering places for artists and intellectuals of the Roaring Twenties. Wilde published poems and short stories that captured the era’s spirit, and she translated avant-garde French literature into English. Her writing appeared in leading magazines, showcasing her sharp wit and engaging style. Despite her creative successes, she struggled with personal challenges, including alcoholism. Wilde’s daring prose and charismatic presence left a lasting impression on her contemporaries.

Elwyn Brooks White (1899–1985) made his mark as a columnist for The New Yorker and as the author of enduring children’s books. His novels Stuart Little (1945), Charlotte’s Web (1952), and The Trumpet of the Swan (1970) have delighted generations with their warmth and insight. In collaboration with William Strunk Jr., he co-authored the renowned style guide The Elements of Style, shaping English writing standards worldwide. White’s gentle humor and precise prose earned him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977. He spent his later years writing essays about nature and rural life in Maine, leaving a timeless literary legacy.

Born Paul Linebarger in 1913, he combined his deep knowledge of Chinese politics with a vivid imagination to create the unique universe of the Instrumentality of Mankind. Educated at Brown University and Johns Hopkins, he served with the OSS during WWII and later taught politics at Johns Hopkins University. Under the pen name Cordwainer Smith, he published groundbreaking short stories that blended mythology, psychology, and social commentary. His influential works include 'Scanners Live in Vain' and 'The Rediscovery of Man'. Smith's writing has inspired generations of science fiction writers and critics. He died in 1966, leaving a legacy as one of the genre's most original voices.

Born on July 11, 1920 in Baku, Azerbaijan, Zecharia Sitchin immigrated to the United States and pursued studies in economics and history. He gained fame with his series The Earth Chronicles, starting with The 12th Planet, proposing that ancient Sumerian texts describe extraterrestrial visitors. Sitchin’s hypothesis about the planet Nibiru and the Anunnaki captured popular imagination but met skepticism from mainstream scholars. His works sold millions of copies and influenced the modern UFO and ancient astronaut movements. Despite controversy, Sitchin remained a compelling figure for readers fascinated by alternative history until his death in 2010.

Frederick Buechner (1926–2022) was an American Presbyterian minister, theologian, and author celebrated for his eloquent prose and spiritual insight. He wrote over 40 books, including novels, memoirs, and theological works such as 'Godric' and 'Telling the Truth'. Buechner's writing blended narrative storytelling with deep reflections on faith, doubt, and human experience. Ordained in the 1950s, he served congregations before teaching at universities and seminaries. His work influenced contemporary Christian thought and inspired readers beyond church walls. Buechner received numerous awards, including a National Book Award nomination for his literary contribution.

Harold Bloom was born in 1930 and became one of the most prominent literary critics of the 20th century. His book The Anxiety of Influence explored how writers are shaped by their predecessors. Bloom championed the Western literary canon, arguing for the enduring value of authors like Shakespeare and Milton. He published over 30 books, including How to Read and The Western Canon, which sparked vibrant academic debate. Known for his erudite style and sharp intellect, he influenced generations of scholars. Bloom continued writing and lecturing until his death in 2019, leaving a lasting impact on literary studies.

Pai Hsien-yung was born in 1937 in mainland China and moved to Taiwan with his family in 1948. He studied English literature at National Taiwan University and later attended the University of California, Santa Barbara. His groundbreaking 1971 collection 'Taipei People' explores the lives of displaced mainland Chinese, blending modernist narrative techniques with themes of memory and identity. He has published novels, essays, and plays, receiving major literary awards. His work has become a cornerstone of contemporary Chinese-language literature and diaspora studies.