July 24

Born in 1802 in Villers-Cotterêts, France, Dumas rose from humble origins to become one of the most prolific 19th-century novelists. His adventure stories, characterized by vivid characters and intricate plots, captivated readers across Europe. Works like 'The Three Musketeers' and 'The Count of Monte Cristo' have never gone out of print. Dumas often collaborated with other writers and maintained a thriving theatrical career alongside his novels. His legacy endures in countless adaptations in film, theater, and popular culture worldwide.

Born in 1857 in Fredericia, Pontoppidan studied theology before pursuing journalism and fiction writing. His novels, including 'Lucky Per' and 'The Promised Land,' explore social change and individual ambition. Pontoppidan’s keen observation of rural and urban Denmark earned him critical acclaim. He shared the 1917 Nobel Prize in Literature for his rich prose and insightful character studies. His works continue to be celebrated for their historical significance and literary artistry.

Frank Wedekind began his career as an actor before gaining fame as a playwright in the 1890s. His play Spring Awakening shocked audiences with its frank exploration of adolescent sexuality and institutional repression. He went on to write the Lulu plays, which exposed the dark underbelly of society and the plight of women. Wedekind’s work anticipated Expressionist theatre and influenced generations of dramatists. Though often controversial and censored, his plays are celebrated for their bold themes and psychological depth.

Edward Plunkett, known as Lord Dunsany, published his first fantasy collection at age 23, creating a unique mythological world. Educated at Eton and Oxford, he inherited Dunsany Castle in Ireland and balanced aristocratic duties with literary pursuits. His prolific output included novels, short stories, and plays that influenced writers like J.R.R. Tolkien and H.P. Lovecraft. Dunsany served in World War I and later engaged in drama production in London. His work laid the groundwork for the modern fantasy genre and remains admired for its lyrical prose and inventive storytelling.

Born in Osaka in 1886, Tanizaki was a prolific writer whose career spanned over five decades. He produced novels, short stories, and essays that examined the clash between traditional Japanese values and Western influences. His best-known works include 'Some Prefer Nettles' and 'The Makioka Sisters', both praised for their lyrical prose and psychological depth. Tanizaki's exploration of human desire and beauty challenged social norms and captivated readers. He received numerous awards and remains influential in modern Japanese literature.

Born in Wimbledon in 1895, Graves served as an officer in World War I and later wrote candidly about his experiences in 'Good-Bye to All That.' He published numerous poetry collections, earning acclaim for his lyrical style and classical themes. His historical novel 'I, Claudius' remains a seminal work of historical fiction. Graves was also a respected literary critic and scholar of classical antiquity. He taught creative writing at Oxford and continued to publish prolifically until his death in 1985.

Born in Alabama in 1900, Zelda Sayre married author F. Scott Fitzgerald and became a muse for the Jazz Age. She published the novel 'Save Me the Waltz' in 1932, offering a fictionalized view of her own life. Fitzgerald also studied ballet and created numerous paintings, developing a unique artistic voice. Despite her talents, she struggled with mental health and spent years in and out of care. Zelda's life and work have since been reevaluated, earning recognition for her contributions to literature and art. She died tragically in a hospital fire in 1948.

Born in Auckland in 1912, Summers began writing romantic fiction in the 1950s and quickly found success. Over a career spanning more than three decades, she published 46 novels that were translated into multiple languages and sold internationally. Her stories featured strong heroines, picturesque settings, and engaging plots. Summers helped popularize the romance genre in New Zealand and inspired future generations of writers. She remained active in writing until shortly before her death in 1998, leaving a lasting legacy in popular fiction.

John D. MacDonald served as a U.S. Army colonel during World War II before embarking on a prolific writing career. He published over 70 novels and numerous short stories spanning genres such as suspense, science fiction, and mystery. MacDonald created the iconic private investigator Travis McGee, whose philosophical musings and social critiques resonated with readers. His work explored themes of moral ambiguity, environmentalism, and the changing American landscape. MacDonald received praise for his tight plotting, vivid characters, and sharp dialogue. He influenced later generations of thriller writers and remains a fixture of mid-20th-century American literature.

Born in Quebec, she began writing radio dramas for Radio-Canada in the 1950s. Her novels and short stories explored themes of family and cultural identity in French Canada. She published several acclaimed works, earning literary awards in Quebec. She hosted cultural radio programs, championing local writers and artists. She co-founded the Association of Quebec Writers, supporting the province’s literary community. Her work helped shape modern Quebec literature and inspired future generations of authors.

Born in New York City, she began her journalism career at the Newark Star-Ledger. She joined The New York Times in 1963, serving as an art critic and editor. She wrote reviews and features on painters, sculptors, and major museum exhibitions. Her insightful criticism helped shape public understanding of postwar art movements. She interviewed influential artists and chronicled landmark retrospectives. She received awards from the Association Internationale des Critiques d'Art before retiring and mentoring young critics.

Alfred Balk (1930-2010) was an American journalist and author known for his investigative reporting and social commentary. He wrote for major publications such as The New York Times Magazine and The Atlantic, focusing on civil rights and poverty. Balk's books explored American society, highlighting the lives of migrant workers and inner-city communities. His investigative articles often brought national attention to social injustices and underrepresented groups. As an editor, he championed long-form narrative journalism and mentored emerging writers. Balk's legacy endures through the generations of journalists he influenced with his human-centered storytelling.