July 18

Born in Haarlem in 1683, Pieter Langendijk initially studied law before devoting himself to literature. He achieved fame with comedic plays such as The Wily Widow and The Coffee House, which satirized urban manners. His poetry, including elegies and pastoral verse, explored themes of morality and human folly with wit. Langendijk’s works resonated with audiences across the Netherlands and anticipated the Enlightenment’s social critiques. He died in The Hague in 1756, leaving a lasting influence on Dutch drama and literary culture.

Born in Hampshire, England, in 1775, Jane Austen was the seventh of eight children in a close-knit family. She began writing early, composing juvenilia and romantic tales that evolved into her major novels. Her works—Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, and Emma—blend witty dialogue with incisive commentary on Georgian society. Austen published all her novels anonymously during her lifetime, gaining modest acclaim before her death. She died in Winchester in 1817, and her novels have since become cornerstones of English literature.

Lydia Becker was a leading English suffrage activist, journalist, and author born in Manchester in 1827. She co-founded the Women's Suffrage Journal in 1870, providing a crucial platform for debates on women's rights and enfranchisement. Becker traveled extensively, addressing public meetings and lobbying Parliament to support voting rights for women. She corresponded with international reformers and led regional suffrage societies in Lancashire. Her scientific background in botany influenced her empirical approach to advocacy. Becker's tireless efforts helped lay the groundwork for later successes in women's suffrage movements, and she remains an inspiring figure in the history of gender equality.

Horatio Alger was an American writer born in 1832 whose 'rags-to-riches' novels became emblematic of the American Dream. Beginning his writing career in the 1860s, he crafted more than 100 dime novels featuring young protagonists who rise from humble beginnings through hard work, honesty, and luck. Alger's stories, such as 'Ragged Dick,' captured the imagination of 19th-century readers and influenced popular culture. His moralistic narratives underscored values of self-reliance and integrity, resonating with generations of young readers. Alger died in 1899, but his name endures as shorthand for narratives of upward mobility and personal success.

Benjamin C. Truman, born in 1835, was an American journalist and author celebrated for his chronicles of the Wild West. He served as a newspaper editor in St. Louis and contributed to leading periodicals of his time. Truman wrote several books detailing frontier legends, outlaws, and military campaigns, preserving firsthand accounts of 19th-century American expansion. His meticulous research and engaging storytelling brought the rugged landscapes and characters of the West to eager readers. Truman's works remain valuable resources for historians studying American frontier life. He passed away in 1916, leaving a legacy as one of the era's foremost western chroniclers.

Julian Bell was an English poet and academic born in 1908 into the influential Bloomsbury circle. Educated at Cambridge, he published his first volume of poetry in 1929 and lectured on literature and art. Deeply moved by the political turmoil in Europe, he volunteered as an ambulance driver for the Republican forces in the Spanish Civil War. Bell was killed in action near Brunete in 1937. His poetry and letters reflect the intellectual intensity and moral convictions of his era. Although his career was brief, Bell's work and heroic sacrifice continue to resonate in studies of modernist literature and political commitment.

Thomas Sturge Moore was an English author, poet, and playwright born in 1870. Influenced by the Pre-Raphaelites and Symbolists, he published poetry collections such as 'The Vinedressers' and crafted plays that blended lyrical language with imaginative themes. Moore was also an accomplished wood-engraver and illustrator, collaborating with prominent artists of his time. He married artist Jane Yeats and became part of the Irish literary revival, fostering creative exchange across Britain and Ireland. His writings and artwork embodied the ideals of the Arts and Crafts movement, emphasizing craftsmanship and aesthetic beauty. Moore died in 1944, remembered for his refined artistry and enduring literary contributions.

Carl Clinton Van Doren was an influential American critic and literary historian born in 1885. He produced scholarly biographies and essays that deepened public understanding of America’s founding era. Van Doren’s biography of Benjamin Franklin earned him the Pulitzer Prize in 1939, cementing his reputation as a leading literary biographer. He taught English at institutions including Columbia University and contributed to respected publications such as The New Yorker. A key figure in the development of American literary criticism, he advocated for rigorous historical research in biographical writing. Van Doren’s work continues to be celebrated for its clarity, depth, and impact on the study of American literature.

Henry Hewes was born in 1917 in New York City and became a leading theater critic for Saturday Review. He advocated for diversity in theater, launching the Hewes Awards to honor excellence Off-Broadway and in regional productions. In 1976, he co-founded the American Theater Critics Association to support and network critics nationwide. Hewes's insightful reviews and tireless promotion helped broaden the American theatrical landscape. He continued writing and mentoring until his death in 2006, leaving a lasting impact on theater criticism.

Rabbi Yosef Shalom Eliashiv (1910–2012) was a Lithuanian-born Israeli Torah scholar revered as one of the foremost halachic authorities of his time. Born in Kaunas, he immigrated to Palestine in 1935 and studied under renowned rabbis, mastering Jewish law and ethics. Eliashiv led a yeshiva in Bnei Brak and authored decisive rulings that shaped everyday religious practice. He counseled governments and communities, influencing policy on Sabbath observance and personal status issues. Known for his disciplined lifestyle and profound erudition, he attracted students worldwide. His scholarship and leadership cemented his legacy as a guiding light for ultra-Orthodox Jewry.

Vaali (born T. S. Rangarajan; 1931–2013) was a celebrated Tamil poet, lyricist, and actor whose career spanned over five decades. He wrote over 15,000 songs for Tamil films, earning recognition for his poetic depth and versatility. In addition to songwriting, he appeared in supporting roles on screen, showcasing his talent as a performer. Vaali received numerous awards, including Filmfare and state honors, for his contributions to South Indian cinema. His lyrics continue to resonate with audiences, cementing his legacy as one of Tamil cinema’s most influential artists.

João Ubaldo Ribeiro (1941–2014) was one of Brazil’s foremost literary figures, whose works captured the humor and complexity of life in Bahia. His debut novel 'Sargento Getúlio' earned critical acclaim and established him as a leading voice in Brazilian literature. Over his career, he authored more than a dozen novels, short story collections, and essays, winning the prestigious Jabuti Prize. Ribeiro also worked as a journalist and taught literature and creative writing at universities in Brazil and abroad. His storytelling blended realism with folklore, earning him international recognition. He remains an inspiration to writers exploring cultural identity and social themes.