July 15

Clement Clarke Moore, born in 1779, was an American educator and writer whose poem 'A Visit from St. Nicholas' (commonly known as 'The Night Before Christmas') shaped modern Christmas traditions. A professor of Oriental and Greek literature at the General Theological Seminary, he was also a respected linguist and scholar. His poetry captured the spirit of early 19th-century America and contributed to its literary culture. Moore's holiday verse introduced enduring imagery of Santa Claus and his reindeer. His work remains a cornerstone of American Christmas folklore.

Almira Hart Lincoln Phelps, born in 1793, was an influential educator and writer who authored numerous science textbooks in the 19th century. She served as principal at Mount Holyoke Seminary and later led women’s academies, advocating for expanded educational opportunities for women. Her works on botany, chemistry, and astronomy were widely used in schools and praised for their clarity and accessibility. Phelps also edited magazines and wrote devotional literature, reflecting her commitment to moral and intellectual development. Her pioneering efforts advanced women's education in the United States.

Thomas Bulfinch, born in 1796, was an American author best known for 'Bulfinch's Mythology', a compilation of Greek, Roman, and Norse myths. A Harvard-educated scholar, he wrote with the aim of making classical stories accessible to general readers. His engaging retellings became a standard introduction to mythology in American schools and libraries. Bulfinch's approachable style influenced the teaching of literature and the arts in the 19th century. His legacy endures through the continued popularity of his works on mythological narratives.

Doppo Kunikida was born Kunisaburo Kunikida in 1871 and became a central figure in Japan’s naturalist literary movement. He co-founded the literary magazine Ho-o (Phoenix) and published influential essays and poetry. His novel Musashino and his lyrical travel writings captured the beauty and melancholy of the Japanese landscape. Kunikida’s candid portrayal of personal emotion and everyday life marked a shift toward realism in literature. Despite his early death at age 37, his works inspired later generations of writers. He is remembered for his delicate prose and pioneering spirit.

Walter D. Edmonds (1903–1998) was an American journalist and novelist celebrated for his vivid portrayals of early American life. Born in Rochester, New York, he started as a newspaper reporter before writing 'Drums Along the Mohawk' in 1936, a novel praised for its rich characters and historical accuracy. The book was later adapted into a popular film by John Ford. Edmonds authored over twenty novels and biographies, focusing on colonial frontier life and maritime adventure. His clear prose and meticulous research brought history to life, earning him both critical acclaim and a devoted readership.

R. S. Mugali (1906–1993) was an influential Indian poet and academic in the Kannada literary world. Born in Karnataka, he pursued advanced studies in literature and served as a professor at leading universities. Mugali published several poetry collections that blended traditional motifs with modern themes, earning critical acclaim for their lyrical depth. He also authored scholarly works on Kannada poetics and folklore, shaping mid-20th century literary criticism. As a mentor, he guided emerging writers and was honored with state literary awards. His legacy endures through his teaching and enduring contributions to regional language literature.

Hammond Innes was born in 1913 in Henley-on-Thames, England. He served in the Royal Artillery during World War II before becoming a journalist. Innes's thrilling novels, such as "The Wreck of the Mary Deare" and "Golden Soak," captivated readers with vivid settings and tense plots. His firsthand experience of war and travel lent authenticity to his writing. Over his career, he wrote more than 30 novels and several non-fiction books. Innes's works have been adapted into films and continue to be read worldwide. He passed away in 1998, leaving a legacy of adventure storytelling.

Abraham Sutzkever was born in 1913 in Smorgon, in present-day Belarus. He wrote poetry in Yiddish and survived the Vilna Ghetto during World War II. Sutzkever co-founded the Paper Brigade, saving thousands of Jewish cultural artifacts from destruction. After the war, he emigrated to Israel and continued to write powerful poems reflecting on memory, loss, and hope. He published many collections and became a central figure in Yiddish literature. He also translated works between Yiddish and Hebrew. Sutzkever received numerous awards and recognition before his death in 2010.

Robert Conquest was an English-American scholar whose groundbreaking research shed light on the mechanisms and human cost of Stalin’s purges. His 1968 book 'The Great Terror' became a seminal work in Soviet studies and challenged prevailing narratives of the era. A gifted poet as well as historian, he published several collections of verse. Conquest held academic positions at Stanford University and Claremont Graduate School, influencing generations of students. He also served in British intelligence during World War II. Throughout his career, he remained a vocal commentator on totalitarianism and human rights. He died in 2015, leaving a legacy as one of the most influential historians of his time.

Iris Murdoch was an Anglo-Irish writer whose prolific output included over 25 novels and numerous philosophical essays. After studying at Oxford, she taught philosophy at Cambridge, influencing both academic and literary circles. Her debut novel, 'Under the Net' (1954), introduced her signature blend of wit, moral inquiry, and complex characters. Murdoch won the Booker Prize in 1978 for 'The Sea, the Sea' and continued to produce acclaimed works exploring the human condition. She wrote extensively on existential philosophy, ethics, and the role of imagination. Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease later in life, she remained celebrated for her intellectual rigor until her death in 1999.

Jean-Pierre Richard was a leading French literary critic and scholar, specializing in classical and modern French literature. Born in 1922, he studied at the École Normale Supérieure and taught at the Sorbonne. His influential works, such as 'Littérature et Sensation,' reshaped critical approaches to Proust, Corneille, and Racine. Richard emphasized the role of sensation and emotion in narrative structures, bridging classical and contemporary literary theories. His insightful essays and lectures earned him recognition in France and abroad. Until his death in 2019, he remained a vital voice in literary criticism, inspiring scholars worldwide.

Driss Chraïbi (1926–2007) was a Moroccan-French novelist and journalist whose work broke new ground in North African literature. His debut novel, 'Le Passé Simple', challenged traditional values by candidly exploring themes of identity, tradition, and colonialism. Over his career, he published numerous novels and essays that grappled with cultural clashes and social change in the Maghreb. A fierce advocate for freedom of expression, Chraïbi also worked as a journalist for prominent French publications. His writings remain influential in postcolonial studies.