August 03

Guillaume du Vair was born in Pernes in 1556 and became one of the foremost legal minds of his era. He served as advocate general at the Parlement of Provence and later was appointed to the Parlement of Paris. Du Vair was a prolific author whose works blended Stoic philosophy with Christian ethics. His treatises on eloquence and moral conduct influenced both legal and literary circles in France. He also held diplomatic missions for King Henry IV. Du Vair's writings on virtue and governance helped shape early 17th-century thought before his death in 1621.

Stanisław Konarski was born in 1700 in Konary and joined the Piarist order, dedicating his life to education. He founded the Collegium Nobilium in Warsaw, where he introduced a modern curriculum emphasizing science, languages, and critical thinking. Konarski authored influential works on pedagogy and wrote tragedies and didactic poetry in Polish and Latin. His reforms paved the way for the Commission of National Education, Europe's first ministry of education. Konarski's vision transformed Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth schooling and inspired Enlightenment thought before his death in 1773.

Christopher Anstey (1724-1805) was an English author known for his comic verse and satirical wit. His most celebrated work, 'The New Bath Guide' (1766), lampooned fashionable society with epistolary verse and became a bestseller. Anstey's lively poetry influenced later satirists and captured the social scene of Georgian England. He also wrote essays, letters, and translations, showcasing versatility in literary forms. Though his later works were less popular, he maintained a reputation for clever wordplay and social commentary. Anstey's contributions helped shape early modern English satire and remain studied for their humor and historical insights.

Dorothea von Schlegel (1763-1839), born Dorothea Mendelssohn, was a German author at the heart of Berlin's Romantic circles. The daughter of philosopher Moses Mendelssohn, she married novelist Friedrich Schlegel and contributed essays to the journal Athenaeum. She translated works by Cervantes and Goethe into German, introducing classic texts to wider audiences. Her salon gatherings fostered intellectual exchange among writers, philosophers, and artists. Dorothea also penned novels and memoirs exploring personal and philosophical themes. Remembered for her elegant prose and translation mastery, she helped shape the cultural landscape of early 19th-century Germany.

Eugène Sue (1804-1857) was a French author whose melodramatic serial novels captivated 19th-century readers. His most famous work, 'Les Mystères de Paris' (1842-1843), exposed the lives of Paris's underclass and criticized social injustices. Sue's use of cliffhangers and vivid characters influenced the development of popular fiction and feuilletons. He later pursued politics, serving as a deputy in the French parliament and advocating for workers' rights. Sue also authored 'The Wandering Jew,' a novel blending historical narrative with social critique. His storytelling style and reformist zeal left a mark on both literature and political discourse in France.

Born in 1864, Casement first gained fame for his investigations into human rights violations in the Congo and the Amazon, publishing the landmark Casement Report. A gifted writer, he translated Irish legends and composed poetry celebrating his homeland. He became a leading figure in the Irish independence movement and helped organize arms for the 1916 Easter Rising. Captured and tried for treason, Casement was executed the same year, leaving a complex legacy of activism and nationalism. He is commemorated as a martyr and cultural icon in Ireland.

Born Józef Teodor Konrad Korzeniowski in 1857, Conrad spent his early years at sea before turning to writing in English, his third language. His novels, including Heart of Darkness, Lord Jim, and Nostromo, are praised for their psychological depth and vivid settings. Conrad's style influenced modernist authors with its complex characters and moral ambiguity. He addressed themes of imperialism, human nature, and isolation, leaving a lasting mark on English literature. Conrad is celebrated as one of the greatest novelists of the 20th century.

Ignotus, born Hugó Veigelsberg in 1869, was a leading figure in Hungarian literature, best known for his poetry, essays, and critiques. As an influential editor of the literary journal Nyugat, he championed modernist writers and fostered cultural dialogue. His reflective poems explored themes of identity, society, and the human condition. Through his insightful criticism and editorial work, Ignotus helped shape the literary landscape of early 20th-century Hungary. His legacy endures as a testament to his role in promoting literary innovation and artistic expression.

Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette, born in 1873, is one of France’s most renowned writers, celebrated for her vivid portrayals of women’s lives and sensual style. Her novel 'Gigi' brought her international fame and was later adapted into a successful stage and film musical. As a journalist, she wrote candidly about fashion, society, and the natural world, often challenging social norms. Colette’s literary voice combined wit, realism, and a deep empathy for her characters. Her contributions to French literature paved the way for modern feminist narratives and continue to inspire readers worldwide.

Flannery O'Connor, born in 1925 in Savannah, Georgia, is celebrated for her distinct Southern Gothic voice and exploration of complex moral themes. A devout Catholic, she infused her stories with religious symbolism and sharp dialogue. Her notable works include short story collections such as 'A Good Man Is Hard to Find' and the novel 'Wise Blood'. Despite battling lupus, O'Connor’s writing was marked by dark humor and vivid characters who often faced moments of grace and violence. She remains a towering figure in American literature for her profound and provocative narratives.

Born in 1901, Embirikos studied in Paris and became involved with the surrealist movement alongside André Breton. He published groundbreaking poetry that challenged literary norms and explored the unconscious mind. As a photographer, he experimented with techniques like photomontage and double exposure to create dreamlike images. Embirikos also wrote essays on art theory and translated French literary works into Greek. His avant-garde contributions left a profound impact on modern Greek culture.

Born in 1907, Terzakis published his first novel in the 1930s and gained recognition for his lyrical prose and psychological insight. He wrote plays that were performed in Athens, often exploring themes of tradition and social change. His novels captured aspects of everyday life in Greece and resonated with readers through their emotional depth. Terzakis also translated foreign literary works into Greek and contributed essays on literary criticism. His body of work has secured him a lasting place among Greece's most influential 20th-century writers.