July 13

Born in 758, Wu Yuanheng rose through the ranks of the Tang bureaucracy, earning a reputation for integrity. As chancellor, he supported centralization of power and campaigns against regional warlords. He was also celebrated for his lyrical poetry, blending personal reflection with classical form. In 815, he was murdered in a political conspiracy, becoming a symbol of loyalty and courage in official historiography. His death marked a turning point in the struggle between central authority and regional military governors.

Robert Hamerling was a leading figure of 19th-century Austrian literature. Born in Kirchberg an der Mürz, he published his first major work, 'Der König von Sion', at a young age. His epic poem 'Ahasver in Rom' established him as a master of romantic-historical verse. Hamerling's writings are noted for their rich imagery, classical influences, and exploration of human ideals. He also penned several plays that delve into moral and societal themes. Throughout his career, he balanced academic appointments with a prolific output of poetry and drama. Hamerling's legacy endures in German-language literary history for his contributions to romance and drama.

Johann Voldemar Jannsen spearheaded the Estonian national awakening during the 19th century. Born in Vändra, he launched 'Perno Postimees', Estonia's first Estonian-language daily, in 1857. His patriotic poems and editorials championed the preservation of Estonian language and folklore. Jannsen organized the inaugural Estonian Song Festival in 1869, fostering cultural unity. His lyrical works, including early stanzas of the national anthem, inspired generations. Through journalism and poetry, he solidified a sense of national identity under Imperial Russia. Jannsen's legacy endures as a cornerstone of Estonian cultural history.

Alla Nazimova was a celebrated Russian-born actress and filmmaker who rose to fame in early Hollywood silent films. Born in 1879, she enthralled audiences with her emotive performances and androgynous roles in productions like Camille. Not content with acting alone, Nazimova became one of the few female producers and screenwriters of her era, founding her own production company. Her lavish set designs and avant-garde storytelling challenged conventional filmmaking and influenced expressionist cinema. She also mentored emerging talents and pushed boundaries around gender and sexuality both on and off screen. Nazimova’s innovative spirit left a lasting mark on early cinema before her death in 1945.

Joy Davidman was an American poet and writer born in 1915, whose work spanned poetry, memoir, and spiritual reflection. After establishing herself in the New York literary scene, she moved to England where she met C.S. Lewis; their profound friendship led to a historic marriage. Her memoir Smoke on the Mountain and poem Letter to a Comrade reveal candid insights into faith, loss, and personal transformation. Davidman’s eloquent and introspective style earned respect among peers, blending literary flair with deep Christian devotion. Despite battling terminal cancer, she continued to write and influence Lewis’s later works. She died in 1960, leaving behind a poignant legacy of love, resilience, and literary contribution.

Photis Kontoglou was a Greek artist and writer born in 1895, celebrated for his role in the modern revival of Byzantine icon painting. Trained in traditional Orthodox techniques, he executed church frescoes and icons across Greece, infusing them with renewed spiritual and cultural significance. Kontoglou also wrote novels, essays, and critical studies on art and folklore, promoting Greek heritage and Orthodox tradition. His literary works, including the novel Christ in Our Home, reflect his deep religious conviction and narrative skill. As a teacher and lecturer, he influenced generations of artists, reinforcing the value of Byzantine aesthetics. Kontoglou’s dual talents left an indelible mark on both the literary world and the preservation of sacred art.

Gabrielle Roy (1909–1983) was a pioneering Canadian novelist and educator whose works profoundly influenced French-Canadian literature. Born in Saint-Boniface, Manitoba, she taught elementary school before launching her writing career. Her debut novel, 'The Tin Flute' (1945), won the Governor General’s Award and was translated into multiple languages, bringing widespread attention to Quebec’s social realities. Roy’s empathetic storytelling and keen social insight continued in later works such as 'Street of Riches' and 'Alexandre Chenevert.' She received numerous honors, including the Molson Prize and appointment to the Order of Canada. Roy’s legacy endures through literary festivals, schools, and charitable foundations established in her name.

Born in Paris in 1915, Marc Simont moved to the United States as a child and developed a passion for drawing. Over his career, he illustrated more than 100 children's books, blending European artistic sensibilities with American storytelling. He won the 1959 Caldecott Medal for his work on 'A Tree Is Nice' and received Caldecott Honors for 'The Happy Day' and 'The Foolish Turtle'. Simont collaborated with acclaimed authors such as Margaret Wise Brown and James Thurber. His whimsical line drawings and warm watercolor palettes captivated generations of young readers. He continued creating art and teaching illustration until his death in 2013, leaving a lasting impact on children's literature.

Born in Cincinnati in 1924, Thomas Berger published his debut novel 'Crazy in Berlin' in 1958. His breakthrough work, 'Little Big Man' (1964), blended satire and historical fiction to examine American myths of the Old West, later adapted into a successful film starring Dustin Hoffman. Berger's versatile prose spanned genres, from mystery in 'Regiment of Women' to psychological drama in 'The Feud'. He received critical acclaim for his incisive wit and narrative innovation. Throughout his career, Berger also wrote plays, short stories, and essays that showcased his sharp observations of American culture. He passed away in 2014, leaving behind a prolific body of work that continues to influence contemporary fiction.

Born in 1919, Alfred de Grazia completed his Ph.D. in political science at Harvard University and became an early pioneer of quantitative social research methods. As a professor at New School for Social Research and Northwestern University, he published influential works on electoral forecasting and comparative politics. In addition to his academic scholarship, de Grazia authored over 60 books on topics ranging from psychology to pseudoscience. He also explored controversial themes, including UFO phenomena and conspiracies surrounding JFK's assassination. His interdisciplinary approach bridged political science, history, and cultural criticism, earning both accolades and debate. De Grazia remained active in research and writing until his death in 2014, shaping the evolution of political analysis in the 20th century.

Born in 1923 in Springs, South Africa, Nadine Gordimer became one of the leading writers to address the racial and social tensions of apartheid. Her novels, including 'Burger's Daughter' and 'July's People', portrayed the complexities of life and resistance in South Africa. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1991, she was honored for epic writing that illustrated the human condition under oppression. Beyond her literary achievements, Gordimer was an ardent political activist involved with the African National Congress, advocating for equality and human rights. Her essays and journalism further exposed injustices and called for social reform. Gordimer's body of work remains a powerful testament to creativity in the face of adversity. She continued to write and speak on global issues until her death in 2014.

Born in 1927 in London, Martin Litchfield West became one of the most influential classical scholars of the 20th century. Educated at Keble College, Oxford, he specialized in Greek literature and Indo-European linguistics. His seminal works, such as 'The East Face of Helicon' and his critical editions of Greek poetry, reshaped understanding of Homeric and early Greek traditions. West served as Regius Professor of Greek at the University of Oxford and held fellowships at the British Academy. He also published studies on Roman and Latin texts, demonstrating interdisciplinary mastery. Awarded the Kenyon Medal and other honors, his scholarship combined rigorous philology with broad historical insight. West's contributions continue to inform studies of ancient texts and their cultural contexts. He died in 2015, leaving a lasting legacy in classical studies.