July 21

Shangguan Wan'er was born in 664 to an aristocratic family but survived a political purge in her youth. She rose to prominence as a trusted secretary and speechwriter for Empress Wu Zetian. Her poetic works combined personal expression with insight into the complexities of court life. Shangguan played a key role in drafting imperial edicts and advising on policy. Her eloquence and intelligence earned her respect from scholars and nobles alike. In 710, she sided with Empress Wei and was killed during the coup that followed Emperor Zhongzong’s death. She is remembered as one of the greatest female literati of the Tang era.

Robert Burns (1759–1796) is revered as the national bard of Scotland, famous for his passionate love poems, satirical verses, and folk song adaptations. Born in Alloway, Ayrshire, he rose from humble farming origins to international acclaim through his Kilmarnock and Edinburgh editions. His works, including 'Tam o' Shanter' and 'A Red, Red Rose,' explore themes of love, freedom, and Scottish identity. Burns collected and preserved folk traditions, infusing his writing with vernacular language and universal emotion. His birthday, Burns Night, is celebrated worldwide with poetry readings, music, and traditional haggis ceremonies.

Owen Wister (1860–1938) was an American writer and lawyer whose novel The Virginian defined the Western genre. Published in 1902, the book introduced the archetypal cowboy hero and frontier morality. Wister drew on his experiences in Wyoming to create vivid characters and landscapes. He studied law at Harvard and practiced briefly before dedicating himself to writing. His essays and stories explored themes of individualism, honor, and the American frontier. Wister's influence persists in literature and film, shaping the representation of the Old West.

Bohdan Lepky (1872–1941) was a prominent Ukrainian poet and literary scholar. He authored lyrical poetry that celebrated Ukrainian folklore, nature, and national identity. Lepky taught literature at universities in Lviv and Prague, shaping generations of students. He translated works of European writers into Ukrainian, fostering cross-cultural exchange. His scholarship and creative writing played a vital role in the Ukrainian cultural renaissance. Lepky's legacy endures through his contributions to poetry and academic study of Slavic literature.

Born Jacques Dumas in 1908, he adopted the pen name Marijac and became a central figure in Franco-Belgian comics. He created enduring characters such as 'Capitaine Fantôme' and 'L’Ankou', blending comedy, adventure, and social commentary. Marijac also edited and contributed to magazines like 'Cardinal' and 'Lisette', nurturing new talent. His dynamic art style and storytelling influenced generations of comic artists. Beyond comics, he wrote novels and plays, but it was his work in graphic storytelling that cemented his place in European popular culture.

Born in 1948, Reisner studied political science before turning to environmental advocacy. His 1986 book 'Cadillac Desert' critically examined the history of water development in the United States, spotlighting the environmental and social costs of large-scale irrigation and dam projects. The book became a seminal work in environmental literature and policy debates. Reisner founded environmental organizations and wrote articles on water conservation, influencing policymakers and activists. His compelling blend of investigative journalism and narrative storytelling left a lasting mark on environmental discourse.

Born in 1908, Slobodkina fled the Russian Revolution and eventually settled in the United States, where she became a prominent figure in children's literature. Her best-selling book 'Caps for Sale' (1940) is celebrated for its simple text, whimsical illustrations, and timeless humor. She co-founded the American Abstract Artists group and created abstract paintings and sculptures alongside her literary work. Throughout her career, Slobodkina received numerous awards for her contributions to art and literature. Her legacy endures through generations of children enchanted by her stories and art.

Born in Scotland in 1941 and later based in the United States, Alexander Cockburn began his career writing for the Village Voice and The Nation. He co-founded the political magazine CounterPunch in 1994, providing a platform for independent journalism. Cockburn authored several books on politics and energy policy, challenging mainstream narratives with his piercing wit. He won multiple awards for investigative reporting and was celebrated for his uncompromising commentary. His work influenced generations of progressive writers until his death in 2012.

Born in Podujevo in 1942, Ali Podrimja emerged as a leading voice in Albanian literature with his debut poetry collection. His works, such as "Lum Lumi" and "The Sun of a Thousand Stars," blend personal reflection with cultural memory. Podrimja's poetry often grappled with themes of exile, political struggle, and national identity. In addition to writing, he translated major literary works into Albanian, enriching his country's cultural heritage. He served as President of the Kosovo PEN Center and received numerous awards for his contributions to literature before his death in 2012.

Louise Abeita (1926–2014) was an Isleta Pueblo writer, poet, and educator celebrated for her 1939 anthology 'I Am a Woman,' one of the first bilingual collections blending English and Tiwa. Published when she was just twelve, the work highlighted Pueblo culture and traditions through lyrical verse. As an educator, she devoted her career to promoting Native American literacy and preserving Indigenous languages. Her pioneering voice paved the way for future generations of Native American writers. Abeita's legacy endures in her contributions to literature and cultural advocacy.

Born Edmond Lincoln Doctorow Jr. in 1931 in the Bronx, he published his first novel in 1960 and gained acclaim for works like Ragtime and Billy Bathgate. His novels blend real and fictional characters to explore the complexities of American history and society. Doctorow taught creative writing at universities including NYU and Yale, influencing generations of writers. He received the National Book Award and the PEN/Faulkner Award among other honors. He passed away on July 21, 2015, at the age of 84, leaving a legacy of storytelling that continues to resonate.