July 16

Born in 1520, Anne Askew embraced Protestant ideas and wrote devotional poetry that circulated among reformist circles. She challenged established church doctrines, particularly rejecting transubstantiation, which led to her arrest in 1545. While imprisoned in the Tower of London, she endured torture on the rack but refused to recant her beliefs. Askew’s outspoken testimony before the privy council made her persecution widely known. In 1546, she was burned at the stake, one of the few women to face such execution for heresy. Her writings and martyrdom have resonated as symbols of religious conviction and the role of women in the early English Reformation.

Born in 1616 in Głogów, Gryphius witnessed the horrors of the Thirty Years' War, which profoundly influenced his work. He produced a rich body of tragedies, including “Leo Armenius” and “Catharina von Georgien,” blending classical form with emotional depth. His sonnets and lyrics captured the fragility of life and the quest for meaning amid chaos. Gryphius helped shape the German literary language and is celebrated as one of the era's greatest writers.

Born in 1840 in Alexandrovsk, Russia, Dmitry Pisarev became a leading voice among the Russian intelligentsia. He gained fame as a literary critic and advocate of nihilist philosophy, promoting science and rationalism over tradition. Pisarev's essays in Sovremennik challenged serfdom and autocracy, arguing for social and political reforms. His provocative style and uncompromising views inspired a generation of young radicals in Tsarist Russia. Despite his early death in 1868 at age 28, Pisarev's writings left an enduring mark on Russian thought.

Born in 1837 in Santiago de Compostela, Rosalía de Castro became a pioneering voice of Galician literature. Her 1863 collection 'Cantares Gallegos' celebrated Galician language and culture, inspiring a literary revival. De Castro's poetry explored themes of love, social injustice, and the plight of Galician peasants. She also wrote novels, including 'La hija del mar', addressing issues of rural poverty and gender. Recognized today as a foundational figure in Spanish Romanticism, her work continues to influence writers.

Born in 1823 in New York, Edward Zane Carroll Judson, known as Ned Buntline, rose to fame as a journalist and prolific author. He wrote sensational dime novels that romanticized the Wild West, greatly influencing public perceptions of frontier life. Buntline is credited with popularizing figures like Buffalo Bill Cody through stories that blended fact and fiction. His flamboyant personality led him into adventures and controversies, including duels and political intrigues. Despite criticism for his embellishments, his vivid storytelling shaped 19th-century American popular culture.

Born in 1822 in Nancy, France, Edmond de Goncourt formed a literary partnership with his brother Jules de Goncourt. Together they wrote novels and art criticism, capturing the nuances of French society in the mid-19th century. After Jules's death, Edmond continued their project by publishing the famous 'Journal des Goncourt', acclaimed for its candid insights. In 1896, he established the Académie Goncourt to honor literary achievement, creating one of France's most prestigious awards. De Goncourt's influence endures through both his writings and the annual Goncourt Prize.

Vyacheslav Ivanov was born in 1866 and emerged as a central figure in Russia's Symbolist movement. He published poetry, essays, and plays exploring myth, spirituality, and the human psyche, influencing contemporaries like Alexander Blok. In 1904, he founded the influential journal Vesy to promote avant-garde literature and art. After the 1917 Revolution, he emigrated to Italy, where he continued writing and lecturing on literature and philosophy. His work bridged classical and modernist traditions, leaving a profound mark on early 20th-century Russian culture.

Hilaire Belloc was born in France in 1870 and moved to England as a child, later studying at Oxford University. A prolific author, he wrote satirical verse, travel books, and historical studies spanning medieval and modern Europe. He published the beloved Cautionary Tales for Children and co-founded the literary group with G.K. Chesterton. An outspoken Catholic apologist, he defended his faith through essays and debates, becoming a leading voice in early 20th-century apologetics. Belloc's work combined scholarly depth with playful humor, earning him lasting recognition in British letters.

John P. Marquand was born in 1893 in New York and attended Harvard University, where he began writing short stories. He created the popular Japanese secret agent Mr. Moto, authoring a series of espionage novels in the 1930s. In 1937, he won the Pulitzer Prize for The Late George Apley, a satirical portrayal of Boston society. Over his career, he wrote more than twenty novels, blending wit, social critique, and suspense. Marquand's work captured the nuances of American class and culture before his death in 1960.

Heinrich Böll was born in Cologne in 1917 and became one of Germany's most important post-war writers. His novels and short stories, including "Billiards at Half-Past Nine" and "The Clown," explored the moral and social challenges of war and reconstruction. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1972, Böll was celebrated for his humanistic voice and critical stance toward authority. He served as president of PEN International from 1971 to 1973 and influenced literary freedom worldwide. Böll died in 1985, leaving behind a profound legacy in German literature.

Born in the Netherlands in 1906, Meindert DeJong emigrated to the United States and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. After the war, he became a prolific children's author, drawing on his immigrant experiences to create vivid stories. His books, including "The Wheel on the School" and "Shadrach," received Newbery honors for their warmth and realism. DeJong also taught creative writing and mentored aspiring authors. He passed away in 1991, leaving a lasting legacy in children's literature.

Born in 1912, May Sarton published over 50 books, including poetry collections, novels, and a celebrated series of personal journals. Her candid diaries explored themes of creativity, solitude, and aging, resonating with readers worldwide. Sarton also wrote plays and essays, and she conducted writing workshops that influenced aspiring authors. Her lyrical prose and honest reflections earned her critical acclaim. She died in 1995, leaving a rich legacy in American letters.