July 16

Marc René, Marquis de Montalembert, was an 18th-century French engineer and author celebrated for revolutionizing military fortifications. Born in 1714, he served in the French army before dedicating himself to the study of fortress design. His multi-volume work 'La Fortification Perpendiculaire' proposed a novel approach emphasizing firepower and polygonal layouts over traditional bastions. Montalembert's theories influenced European military engineering and are seen as precursors to modern defensive structures. As a writer, he engaged in public debates and corresponded with contemporaries like Vauban's successors. He died in 1800, leaving a legacy as one of the era's most innovative thinkers in military architecture.

Kathleen Norris (1880-1966) was an American journalist and best-selling novelist. She wrote more than 80 books, often exploring themes of love and morality. Her works were popular with general audiences and several were adapted into Hollywood films. Norris began her career as a newspaper columnist before turning to fiction. She became one of the highest-paid women writers of her time and influenced early 20th-century American literature.

Anna Vyrubova (1884-1964) was a Russian memoirist and courtier, best known as the close confidante of Tsarina Alexandra of Russia. She witnessed the inner workings of the imperial family during a tumultuous era and provided firsthand accounts of Grigori Rasputin’s influence at court. After the Russian Revolution, she was imprisoned and later settled in Finland, where she wrote her memoirs. Vyrubova’s writings offer valuable insights into the final years of the Romanov dynasty. Her life story combines elements of privilege, tragedy, and historical significance.

Arthur Bowie Chrisman (1889-1953) was an American author best known for his children’s book 'Shen of the Sea,' which won the 1926 Newbery Medal. His collection of whimsical Chinese folk tales captured imaginations with humor and warmth. Chrisman studied forestry before turning to writing, and he served in World War I. His storytelling blended cultural lore with engaging narratives for young readers. Though lesser-known today, his work remains a charming example of early 20th-century children’s literature.

Anatole Broyard was born on July 16, 1920, in New Orleans and graduated from Tulane University and Columbia Journalism School. He joined The New York Times in 1957 and became a prominent book review editor. Broyard’s critiques shaped the literary landscape of the postwar era, and he wrote essays on race, identity, and modern culture. His memoir "Kafka Was the Rage" was published posthumously, revealing his secret of passing as white. Broyard’s honest reflections continue to influence discussions on literature and ethnicity. He died in 1990, leaving a lasting legacy in American literary criticism.

Shirley Hughes wrote and illustrated over 50 books for children, including the classic 'Dogger' and the 'Alfie' series, which have sold millions of copies worldwide. Her charming drawings and heartfelt storytelling captured everyday moments with empathy and humor. Hughes’s work won numerous awards, and her influence can be seen in generations of illustrators and authors. She was also an accomplished painter and mentor to aspiring artists. Hughes continued creating until late in life, passing away in 2022 with a legacy that continues to delight young readers.

Anita Brookner was an English novelist and art historian whose novels often explored themes of solitude and human relationships. She began her academic career lecturing on art history before publishing her first novel in the early 1980s. Brookner received the Booker Prize in 1984 for her novel Hotel du Lac, which brought her international acclaim. Over her lifetime, she published more than a dozen works characterized by their spare style and emotional insight. In addition to her fiction, she contributed scholarly writings on 19th-century art. Brookner remained a private individual, focusing on her literary craft until her death in 2016. Her refined storytelling continues to engage readers around the world.

Robert Sheckley was an American author whose career in science fiction spanned more than five decades. He wrote numerous short stories and novels known for their wit, satire, and imaginative plots. His novel Immortality, Inc. was later adapted into the film The Adjustment Bureau. In addition to fiction, Sheckley wrote screenplays for television and film, demonstrating his versatility as a storyteller. His work appeared regularly in leading genre magazines, influencing writers such as Douglas Adams. Until his death in 2005, he continued to push the boundaries of the genre, leaving a lasting impact on readers and creators alike.

Andrzej Zawada was a pioneering Polish mountaineer and writer whose expeditions defined the era of high-altitude winter climbing. Born in 1928, he organized numerous winter ascents of Himalayan and Karakoram peaks, pushing the limits of human endurance in extreme conditions. His methodical approach to training and logistics set new standards for alpinists worldwide. Zawada documented his adventures in books and articles that combined vivid expedition narratives with reflections on leadership and resilience. He inspired a generation of climbers known as the 'Ice Warriors.' Zawada passed away in 2000, leaving a profound legacy in the history of mountaineering.

Sheri S. Tepper was an American novelist and poet whose work blended speculative fiction with feminist and ecological concerns. Over her prolific career from the 1970s onward, she published more than twenty novels and numerous poetry collections. Tepper's stories are celebrated for their imaginative world-building, strong female protagonists, and examination of societal issues. Notable works include Grass and The Gate to Women's Country. Her contributions earned her multiple awards, including Nebula and Locus honors. Tepper passed away in 2016, leaving a lasting influence on the science fiction and fantasy genres.

Cynthia Enloe (born 1938) is an American author and academic who has reshaped the study of international relations through a feminist lens. Her groundbreaking book 'Bananas, Beaches and Bases' challenged traditional narratives by highlighting the role of women in global politics. Over her career, Enloe has published numerous works on militarism, nationalism, and gender dynamics in foreign policy. She has held professorships at Clark University and the University of Massachusetts, earning praise for her interdisciplinary approach. Enloe's influential research continues to inspire scholars to consider the gendered dimensions of global affairs.

Born July 16, 1941, Dag Solstad is one of his country's most acclaimed novelists and playwrights. Over his career he has published more than 20 novels, numerous plays, and essays, often focusing on themes of existentialism and social critique. His distinctive narrative style blends humor, irony, and philosophical inquiry, challenging readers to question the status quo. Among his most notable works are 'Novel 11, Book 18' (1981) and 'Shyness and Dignity' (2007), both celebrated by critics. Solstad has received the Norwegian Critics Prize for Literature and the Dobloug Prize for his contributions to Scandinavian literature. His writings have been translated into multiple languages, earning him an international readership. Through his enduring exploration of personal and collective identity, he remains a central figure in contemporary Nordic literature.