July 28

Jacopo Sannazaro (1458–1530) was a leading figure of the Italian Renaissance who blended classical learning with vernacular poetry. Born in Naples to a noble family, he studied under renowned humanists in Florence and Naples. His masterpiece 'Arcadia' combined prose and verse to create an idealized pastoral world that influenced European literature for centuries. He also published Latin epigrams and elegies reflecting classical themes. Sannazaro's work bridged the gap between medieval traditions and modern Renaissance innovation.

Fabre d'Églantine (1750–1794) began his career as a stage actor in Paris before gaining fame as a playwright with works like 'Les Liaisons dangereuses' adaptations. Elected to the National Convention in 1792, he played a key role in naming the months of the French Revolutionary Calendar. Initially close to the Girondins, he later joined the Montagnards but fell victim to political rivalries. Accused in the Dantonist conspiracy, he was arrested and guillotined during the Reign of Terror. His life reflects the passions and perils of revolutionary France.

Friedrich Wilhelm von Bismarck (1783–1860) served as an officer in the Hanoverian army before retiring to pursue literary interests. He traveled extensively across Europe, documenting his observations in popular travelogues and novels. His writings combined detailed topographical descriptions with cultural and historical insights. von Bismarck’s work contributed to the 19th-century fascination with travel literature and Romanticism. He remained active in literary circles until his death in 1860.

Gerard Manley Hopkins was an English poet and Jesuit priest, whose work was groundbreaking for its time. Born in 1844 in Stratford, he entered the Jesuit order, balancing his religious duties with a passion for poetry. His unique use of sprung rhythm and intense imagery in poems like The Windhover and Pied Beauty set him apart from his Victorian contemporaries. While much of his poetry remained unpublished during his lifetime, it gained posthumous acclaim, influencing modernist poets. Hopkins's themes often explored nature, spirituality, and the divine, reflecting his deep religious convictions. He died in 1889, leaving behind a body of work that would reshape English poetry.

James Edson White was an American author and publisher, born in 1849 to pioneers of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. As the second son of Ellen G. White and James S. White, he embraced his family's religious mission and used publishing to spread their message. In the 1880s, he founded the South American Missionary Society, producing books and tracts in multiple languages. White's publications helped establish educational and medical missions across South America. His work laid the foundation for the global expansion of Adventist literature and missionary outreach. He continued publishing religious and educational materials until his death, leaving a lasting impact on religious communication.

Beatrix Potter was an English writer, illustrator, and natural scientist, born in 1866. In 1901, she self-published 'The Tale of Peter Rabbit,' which became an instant classic of children's literature. Potter wrote and illustrated over twenty books, showcasing her talent for charming narratives and detailed watercolour art. Beyond writing, she was a keen mycologist and philanthropist, purchasing farmland to preserve the Lake District landscape. She left much of her property to the National Trust, ensuring the conservation of her beloved countryside. Potter died in 1943, but her stories and characters continue to enchant readers worldwide.

Born in Toronto, Price began his professional life as a journalist, traveling extensively across Africa, Asia, and South America. He channelled these experiences into his popular 'Adventure' series starring brothers Hal and Roger Hunt, which combined thrilling narratives with detailed natural history. The books emphasized wildlife conservation and inspired generations of young readers to explore the natural world. Price published more than 20 novels and several non-fiction works, garnering international acclaim. His background in journalism lent authenticity to his storytelling and vivid settings. Even after retiring from writing, Price remained an advocate for wildlife preservation and continued to lecture on his travels. His adventure tales remain in print, captivating new audiences with their blend of excitement and educational content.

Malcolm Lowry (1909–1957) was an English writer celebrated for his profound and poetic literary style. His masterpiece 'Under the Volcano' portrays the tragic unraveling of a British consul in Mexico on the Day of the Dead. Lowry's works blend vivid imagery, introspection, and themes of alcoholism and existential crisis. Despite personal struggles with addiction, he produced a body of work that has profoundly influenced modernist literature. His turbulent life and early death have lent his writing an enduring mystique among literary scholars.

David Brown began his career as a journalist at The Washington Post before transitioning to film production. He co-produced iconic films including "Jaws", "The Verdict", and "Driving Miss Daisy". Brown earned multiple Academy Award nominations for his work in Hollywood. His collaborations with director Steven Spielberg and author Peter Benchley brought thrilling stories to the screen. He played a key role in founding the Los Angeles-based film production company Melville Productions. Brown's legacy spans both journalism and film, influencing storytelling across mediums.

John Ashbery was a leading figure in postmodern American poetry. He won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1976 for his collection "Self-Portrait in a Convex Mirror". Ashbery's work is celebrated for its abstract imagery and stream-of-consciousness style. He taught at several universities and served as an art critic for Art News magazine. His poems challenged conventional narrative and lyrical expectations. Ashbery's influence extends through contemporary poetry and literary criticism.

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis served as First Lady of the United States from 1961 to 1963. She led a major restoration of the "White House", emphasizing its historical significance. After her tenure, she worked as a book editor in New York City. Kennedy was admired worldwide for her elegance, diplomacy, and cultural initiatives. She established the White House Historical Association and organized televised tours of the mansion. Her legacy endures through her contributions to arts, culture, and historic preservation.

Born in New Orleans, Shirley Ann Grau studied at Newcomb College before publishing her debut story collection in 1955. Over her career she published nine novels and multiple essays that delved into the intersections of race, history, and personal identity. Her Pulitzer Prize–winning novel 'The Keepers of the House' (1964) was celebrated for its lyrical prose and unflinching portrayal of forbidden relationships. Other notable works include 'The House on Coliseum Street' and 'The Condor Passes'. Grau's writing is characterized by its rich psychological insight and compassionate yet unsparing examination of her characters. Beyond fiction, she was a vocal advocate for civil rights and social justice. She received numerous honors including the PEN/Malamud Award for Excellence in Short Fiction. Grau remained active in literary circles until her death in 2020.