July 22

Born in 1849 in Greenfield, Indiana, Riley gained fame for his dialect poems that celebrated Midwestern culture. His bestselling works like 'Little Orphant Annie' and 'When the Frost is on the Punkin' highlighted the beauty of simplicity and nostalgia. He toured the nation reciting his poetry with dramatic flair, becoming one of the most beloved literary figures of his era. Riley's heartfelt style resonated with readers of all backgrounds and helped popularize American regional verse. He spent his later years focused on writing and philanthropy, supporting orphans in his community. Today his work is remembered for its warmth, humor, and authentic voice that continues to charm readers.

Born in 1858 in Dorset, England, Falkner pursued a career in law before turning to writing. His 1898 novel 'Moonfleet' achieved enduring popularity for its thrilling tale of smuggling and treasure hunts on the English coast. Falkner’s lyrical poetry and other works reflected his love for history and the natural world. Despite publishing only a few books, his storytelling prowess earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated readership. Falkner also worked as a shipowner and businessman, balancing his literary pursuits with commerce. He passed away in 1932, but 'Moonfleet' remains a classic of English adventure literature, inspiring film and theatrical adaptations.

Born in 1895, Mikhail Zoshchenko served as a soldier during World War I before rising to fame as a satirist in the Soviet Union. His short stories and sketches blended sharp wit with keen observations of bureaucratic absurdities and common human follies. Though immensely popular in the 1920s, his work later faced censorship for its perceived 'nonconformist' tone. Zoshchenko's vivid characters and witty dialogue offered a critical mirror to society, influencing generations of writers. He died in 1958, leaving behind a legacy of humor and social insight.

Born in 1878, Carl Sandburg rose from humble beginnings to become one of America's most influential voices. He won two Pulitzer Prizes—one for his poetry collections and another for his monumental biography of Abraham Lincoln. Sandburg's free-verse style captured the rhythms of industrial America, the struggles of the working class, and the voices of ordinary people. He also collected folk songs, preserving a vital part of American cultural heritage. His lyrical work and dedication to social themes cemented his place in literary history until his death in 1967.

Born in 1908, Giovannino Guareschi began his career writing for local newspapers while crafting sharp, humorous cartoons. He created the beloved character Don Camillo, a fiery village priest whose clashes with the communist mayor captured the spirit of post-war Italy. Guareschi's blend of satire and humanism resonated with readers, earning him national fame and leading to popular film adaptations. Despite facing occasional censorship, he remained a committed voice of free expression. His work continues to entertain and provoke thought decades after his death in 1968.

Born in 1912, George Johnston began his career as a journalist reporting from the frontlines during World War II. After the war, he channeled his experiences into fiction, crafting vivid narratives that explored themes of identity and the Australian experience. His 1964 novel 'My Brother Jack' became a landmark in Australian literature, praised for its honest portrayal of post-war society. Johnston's clear prose and deep character studies influenced generations of authors. He continued publishing acclaimed novels and essays until his death in 1970.

Manuel Puig was born in 1932 in General Villegas, Argentina and studied literature at the University of Buenos Aires. He gained international acclaim with his 1976 novel 'Kiss of the Spider Woman', which combined stream-of-consciousness narration and dialogues mimicking film scripts. Puig's work often explored themes of sexuality, identity, and popular culture within Latin American society. He wrote screenplays for films and television, and his novel was adapted into an Oscar-winning film and a Broadway musical. After political unrest in Argentina, he lived in exile in Rome and Mexico City, where he continued to write. Other notable works include 'Betrayed by Rita Hayworth' and 'Heartbreak Tango'. Puig died on July 22, 1990, in Cuernavaca, Mexico, and is remembered as a pioneering voice in postmodern Latin American literature.

Carmen Martín Gaite was born in 1925 and became one of Spain's most influential writers of the 20th century. Her works, including 'El cuarto de atrás', explored memory, identity, and the inner lives of her characters. She won the Premio Nacional de las Letras Españolas for her lifetime achievement and numerous other literary awards. Martín Gaite was also a respected poet and playwright, known for her nuanced dialogue and deep psychological insight. She played a key role in the literary circles of post-war Spain, mentoring younger authors. Her writing style combined realism with elements of introspection and experimental narrative techniques. She passed away on July 22, 2000, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire readers and writers.

Born in 1925, Frank Pierson began his career writing for television before transitioning to feature films. He won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for the 1975 thriller "Dog Day Afternoon". Pierson also wrote or directed classics like "Cool Hand Luke" and the 1976 remake of "A Star Is Born". He served two terms as President of the Writers Guild of America, championing writers' creative rights. With a career spanning over five decades, he was celebrated for his sharp dialogue and compelling characters. Pierson passed away on July 22, 2012, leaving an enduring legacy in Hollywood.