July 25

George Peele was born around 1556 in East Anglia and educated at Christ’s College, Cambridge, though he left without a degree. He became a prolific playwright and poet at the height of the Elizabethan era, contributing works for the Queen’s Men and the Admiral’s Men theatrical companies. Peele’s notable dramas include 'The Arraignment of Paris' and 'Edward I,' which showcase his lyrical style and classical influences. He also produced satirical verse and engaged in translation projects, bringing continental works to English readers. Collaborating with contemporaries like Christopher Marlowe, he helped shape the emerging professional theatre in London. Peele’s life was marked by financial difficulties and controversies, and he died in 1596 under mysterious circumstances. Despite a short career, his inventive use of language and dramatic flair influenced later playwrights.

Born in 1683 in Rotterdam, Pieter Langendijk became a leading literary figure during the waning years of the Dutch Golden Age. His satirical comedies, such as 'De Gekroonde Lootsman,' critiqued social hypocrisy with wit and precision. Langendijk also excelled in pastoral poetry, celebrating rural life through graceful language. Serving as city secretary in The Hague, he skillfully balanced administrative duties with his literary career. His works influenced a generation of Dutch dramatists and remain studied for their linguistic charm and moral insight. Langendijk’s ability to capture the manners and mores of his time earned him widespread acclaim. He died in 1756, leaving a legacy as one of the era’s most versatile writers.

Max Dauthendey (1867–1918) was a German author, poet, and painter. He was a leading figure in early German Expressionism, blending prose and visual art. Dauthendey published collections of poetry that explored nature, emotion, and mysticism. As a painter, he created vivid landscapes influenced by travel and exotic cultures. He traveled extensively in Asia, incorporating diverse aesthetics into his work. Dauthendey's multidisciplinary contributions influenced modern literature and art movements.

Born in India under British rule, Jim Corbett gained fame for hunting dangerous big cats that terrorized villages. After retiring from hunting, he became a passionate advocate for wildlife preservation and helped establish India's first national park. His bestselling books, including Man-Eaters of Kumaon and My India, offer vivid accounts of his adventures and deep respect for nature. Corbett’s work laid the groundwork for modern conservation efforts in the Indian subcontinent. Today, Jim Corbett National Park stands as a lasting tribute to his legacy as a protector of wild landscapes.

Josephine Tey was the pen name of Elizabeth MacKintosh, who revolutionized the crime fiction genre in the 1930s and 1940s. She introduced Inspector Alan Grant in her debut novel, A Shilling for Candles, establishing a series beloved by mystery fans. Her masterpiece, Daughter of Time, questioned historical narratives through a detective’s investigation of King Richard III. Tey’s elegant plotting and psychological depth influenced generations of crime writers. Her works remain classics of Golden Age detective fiction, celebrated for their intelligence and narrative finesse.

Born in 1901, Ruth Krauss began her career as a poet before turning to children's books. Her debut work "A Hole Is to Dig" won acclaim for its simple, poetic style. She famously partnered with Maurice Sendak on works such as "The Carrot Seed." Krauss's writing combined imaginative narratives with lyrical brevity. Over her lifetime, she published more than 20 books that remain staples in children's literature. She was awarded a Caldecott Honor and received widespread recognition for her contributions. Krauss passed away in 1993, leaving a lasting legacy in the literary world.

Born in 1902 to a working-class family, Eric Hoffer educated himself through extensive reading and writing. His landmark work, "The True Believer" (1951), offered deep insights into the psychology of mass movements and remains widely cited. Hoffer's essays explored topics such as self-esteem, leadership, and the human condition. Although he never held an academic post, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1983. Hoffer wrote more than a dozen books during his lifetime, combining clear prose with philosophical depth. He passed away in 1983, leaving a legacy as one of America's most original thinkers.

Born in 1905 in Bulgaria, Elias Canetti grew up across Europe, writing in German. His acclaimed novel "Auto-da-Fé" (1935) and his study "Crowds and Power" (1960) showcased his intellectual breadth. Canetti's plays and memoirs, such as "The Tongue Set Free," reflect on language, identity, and exile. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1981, he was praised for his epic vision and masterful storytelling. Canetti's work spans genres, blending fiction, philosophical inquiry, and autobiography. He died in 1994, leaving a profound impact on 20th-century literature.

Born in 1905, Denys Watkins-Pitchford wrote under the pseudonym "BB" and gained fame for his vividly illustrated books on the English countryside. His work "The Little Grey Men" (1942) won the Carnegie Medal and remains a beloved classic. Watkins-Pitchford combined detailed observations of wildlife with charming storytelling. Over his career, he produced numerous books, articles, and paintings capturing rural life. He influenced generations of naturalists and readers with his passion for the outdoors. Denys Watkins-Pitchford died in 1990, leaving a legacy as a pioneering nature writer and artist.

Born in 1908, Ambroise-Marie Carré joined the Dominican Order and dedicated his life to pastoral work, preaching, and teaching. He authored numerous books and articles on spirituality, theology, and Christian living. Carré's accessible style made complex theological ideas understandable to a broad audience. He frequently appeared on radio and television programs in France, bringing religious discourse to the public. Over his career, he received several ecclesiastical honors for his contributions to faith and culture. Carré passed away in 2004, leaving behind a rich collection of spiritual literature.

Maria Gripe was born in Vaxholm, Sweden, in 1923. She initially worked as a journalist before publishing her first novel in 1954. Gripe's works, such as 'Agnes Cecilia' and 'Elvis Peter,' combine mystery with psychological depth. Her stories have been translated into numerous languages and remain popular worldwide. She received the Astrid Lindgren Prize and the Nils Holgersson Plaque for her contributions to children's literature. Gripe passed away in 2007, leaving a rich legacy in Scandinavian storytelling.

Midge Decter was a leading voice in American intellectual circles, contributing to prominent magazines such as Commentary and The Weekly Standard. A founder of the neoconservative movement, she wrote extensively on feminism, politics, and culture, challenging prevailing views with incisive analysis. Decter's books and articles have sparked debate and shaped public discourse in the late 20th century. Her sharp wit and fearless commentary earned her recognition as a pioneering public intellectual. Her work continues to influence thinkers and writers today.