July 13

Roland Fréart de Chambray (1606-1676) was a French writer and art theorist known for his influential writings on architecture and painting. He traveled through Italy, immersing himself in classical art and collecting books and engravings. His major works, including A Parallel of the Ancient and Modern Architecture, championed the principles of Vitruvius and Palladio. De Chambray's translations introduced French audiences to Renaissance architectural theory, shaping the classical style in 17th-century France. A devout advocate for harmony and proportion in art, he opposed Baroque excess. His writings influenced prominent architects and contributed to the establishment of French academic standards. Chambray's legacy endures in the scholarly study of architectural classicism.

Born in 1760, Pauli dedicated his life to the spiritual care of the Hungarian-Slovene community. He was ordained as a Catholic priest and served in various parishes, where he also nurtured a love for literature. As a poet, he composed works that captured the cultural heritage and daily life of his bicultural region. His poetry remains valued for its insight into 18th-century Central European rural society. Pauli passed away in 1829, leaving behind a small but significant body of literary work.

Born in 1793 in Northamptonshire, John Clare became one of the most important English rural poets. Despite humble origins as the son of an agricultural laborer, he developed a remarkable talent for verse. Clare's poetry is renowned for its detailed observations of nature and heartfelt reflections on countryside life. He published several volumes of poetry, earning acclaim for his unique voice and sensitive treatment of common themes. Clare struggled with mental health issues later in life and died in 1864, but his work has experienced a lasting revival.

Stewart Culin, born in 1858, was a pioneering American ethnographer and folklorist. He specialized in the study of games, costumes, and material culture from around the world. Culin served as an assistant curator at the Brooklyn Museum, where he curated early anthropological collections. His publications on gaming customs and folk beliefs helped establish cultural anthropology in the United States. Culin passed away in 1929, leaving an enduring impact on museum curation and ethnographic research.

Isaac Babel was a groundbreaking Russian author known for his concise, emotionally powerful short stories. His 1920s collections, including 'Red Cavalry,' offered stark, poetic depictions of the Russian Civil War. Babel also wrote evocative vignettes about Jewish life in Odessa, blending realism with irony. As a journalist and playwright, he collaborated with theater director Vsevolod Meyerhold. Despite his literary success, Babel fell victim to Stalin's purges and was executed in 1940. His work was banned for decades but later rehabilitated, influencing generations of writers with its stylistic innovation and moral depth.

George Weller began his journalism career in the 1920s and gained prominence as a foreign correspondent. He reported from the front lines of World War II in the Pacific Theater, exposing the realities of war to American readers. In 1943, Weller became the first reporter to reach and report on the aftermath of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, earning him a Pulitzer Prize for Telegraphic Reporting. He also wrote plays and books, including the best-selling memoir "First Into Nagasaki". Weller's work combined meticulous research with vivid storytelling, influencing war journalism standards. He continued writing into his later years, covering diverse topics from politics to culture. Weller passed away in 2002, leaving a legacy of courageous and compassionate reporting.

Loren Pope began his career as an editor and writer for The New York Times, focusing on education. He later authored the influential book “Colleges That Change Lives,” which highlighted underappreciated liberal arts colleges that prioritized student growth. Pope advocated for student-centered admissions and guidance, revolutionizing how families approach college selection. His work has had a lasting impact on higher education counseling and continues to inspire students and counselors worldwide.

Marcia Brown was an influential American author and illustrator of over 60 children's picture books. She won three Caldecott Medals for her adaptations of Cinderella, Once a Mouse... and Shadow. Brown's expressive watercolor illustrations and engaging storytelling set a new standard in children's literature. Over her six-decade career, she introduced young readers to both classic fairy tales and original stories. Her work remains celebrated for its warmth, artistic detail, and enduring charm.

Ashley Bryan was a pioneering artist and author who enriched children's literature with colorful illustrations and narratives rooted in African and African-American traditions. After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he studied art in New York and Europe before launching a prolific publishing career. Bryan produced more than 50 books, earning multiple Coretta Scott King awards and a 2021 Laura Ingalls Wilder Award for his lifetime contribution. His work emphasized themes of courage, community, and heritage, and he taught illustration workshops well into his nineties. Bryan's joyful art and stories continue to inspire readers of all ages.

Huang Zongying (1925-2020) was a celebrated Chinese actress and writer whose career began in the 1940s and spanned over sixty years. She appeared in landmark films such as 'Spring in a Small Town' and became known for her nuanced performances and on-screen presence. In addition to her acting, Huang authored short stories and essays that explored social themes and the complexities of human relationships. Her literary works received critical acclaim and contributed to the cultural discourse of her time. Married to novelist Zhao Shuli, her experiences influenced much of her writing. Huang's dual legacy in cinema and literature has made her an enduring icon in modern Chinese culture.

Svein Ellingsen was a celebrated Norwegian painter and writer of hymns. His visual art explored themes of nature and spirituality through abstract forms. As a hymnist, he authored over 400 hymn texts featured in national hymnals, blending poetic depth with devotional sincerity. Ellingsen's works bridged the visual and musical arts, influencing church music in Norway and internationally. He held exhibitions across Scandinavia and received several awards for his contributions to religious art and literature.

Sam Greenlee was an American writer, poet, and activist born in Chicago. His seminal novel 'The Spook Who Sat by the Door' (1969) follows an African American CIA agent who uses his training to empower Black communities. Adapted into a cult film, the work challenged racial stereotypes and sparked debate on social justice. Greenlee also published poetry and essays on civil rights and identity. He lectured at universities nationwide, contributing to scholarly and public discourse until his death.