August 06

Born in Naples in 1458, Jacopo Sannazaro studied under the influence of Italian humanism. His most famous work, 'Arcadia', blends prose and poetry to depict an idealized pastoral world. Published in 1504, it became a model for later Renaissance literature and influenced European pastoral poetry. Sannazaro also wrote in Latin, composing elegies and epigrams that reflected classical styles. He served in various courtly and ecclesiastical positions, traveling between Naples and Rome. He died on August 6, 1530, leaving a lasting impact on the development of vernacular literature in Italy.

Born in London in 1572, Ben Jonson rose from humble beginnings to become one of the foremost writers of his age. His mastery of classical forms and sharp wit are evident in plays such as 'Volpone' and 'The Alchemist'. Jonson was the first English poet laureate, producing works that celebrated royal events and his literary contemporaries. He held the favor of King James I and often performed before the royal court. His influence extended to his circle of followers known as the 'Tribe of Ben', including poets like Robert Herrick. He died on August 6, 1637, leaving a rich legacy that influenced generations of playwrights and poets.

Born in 1805 in County Cork, Walsh became a schoolteacher while nurturing his poetic talents in the Irish language. He contributed poems and essays to literary journals, championing the preservation of Gaelic traditions. His verse, marked by vivid imagery and national sentiment, resonated during a period of cultural revival. In 1850, he emigrated to America but tragically died at sea, cutting short a rising literary career. Walsh’s work remains significant in the history of the Irish literary and cultural renaissance.

Eduard Hanslick was one of the most influential music critics of the 19th century. As a professor of aesthetics, he championed a formalist approach to music and argued that musical beauty lay in structure rather than emotion. His seminal work 'Vom Musikalisch-Schönen' laid the groundwork for modern musicology. Hanslick's critiques of Richard Wagner and Franz Liszt sparked intense debates about the direction of Western music. He wrote extensively for Viennese journals and guided public opinion on musical tastes for decades.

Preston Sturges was born in Chicago in 1898 and began his career writing Broadway plays. He transitioned to Hollywood in the late 1920s as a screenwriter for Paramount Pictures. In 1940, he became the first filmmaker to write and direct his own feature films, starting with 'The Great McGinty.' Sturges wrote and directed a string of critically acclaimed comedies, including 'The Lady Eve' and 'Sullivan’s Travels.' His films were celebrated for their witty dialogue, satirical edge, and strong characterizations. He won the first Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. Sturges’ work had a lasting influence on American cinema. He died in 1959.

Ye Gongchuo was born in 1881 and rose through the ranks of the Nationalist government in early 20th-century China. He held various ministerial positions, including Minister of Communications and Mayor of Shanghai. A scholar-official, Ye was also celebrated for his classical poetry and mastery of calligraphy. His works reflected traditional literary forms infused with modern sensibilities. During his tenure, he promoted infrastructure development and cultural preservation. After the Chinese Civil War, he lived in Taiwan, where he continued his literary pursuits. Ye passed away in 1968, leaving behind an enduring legacy in both politics and the arts.

Nikos Tsiforos was born in Samos in 1912 and moved to Athens to pursue a career in film. He wrote scripts for popular comedies that resonated with Greek audiences during the 1950s and 1960s. Tsiforos directed films such as 'Diakopes stin Kolopetinitsa' and collaborated with leading actors of the era. His sharp wit and social satire reflected the changes in Greek society after World War II. Alongside his film work, he wrote plays and newspaper columns that showcased his humor. Tsiforos’s contributions helped define a golden age of Greek popular cinema. He died in 1970.

Emilio Fernández was born in 1904 and rose to fame as a charismatic actor in Mexico’s Golden Age of film. He launched his directing career with 'Enamorada' (1946) and achieved international acclaim with 'María Candelaria', which won the Palme d’Or at the 1946 Cannes Film Festival. Fernández’s collaborations with cinematographer Gabriel Figueroa produced visually stunning films that celebrated Mexican culture and landscapes. Known affectionately as 'El Indio', he appeared in over 150 films and directed more than 30 features. His work influenced generations of filmmakers in Latin America and beyond. Fernández’s contributions as an actor, director, and screenwriter cemented his status as a cinema legend.

Jorge Amado was one of Brazil's most beloved writers, known for his colorful and empathetic depictions of life in Bahia. Born in 1912 in Itabuna, he studied law but turned to literature and politics, embracing social critique and communism. His works, including 'Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon' and 'Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands', explored class, race, and folklore. Amado's novels were translated into dozens of languages and adapted into films and television series. He served as a cultural attaché in various countries and used his platform to advocate for the poor. He died on August 6, 2001, leaving a lasting legacy in Brazilian and world literature.

Donald Justice was a celebrated American poet known for his craftsmanship and attention to form. He published several acclaimed collections, including 'Selected Poems,' which won the Pulitzer Prize in 1980. Justice served as a long-time professor at the University of Iowa Writers' Workshop and later at Stanford University, mentoring many notable poets. His poems often explored themes of memory, loss, and the passage of time with clarity and subtlety. He was honored with the Bollingen Prize and other prestigious awards for his lifetime achievement. Justice's precise use of language and form has influenced generations of poets, cementing his place in American letters.

Angelos Kitsos was a Greek lawyer and author whose dual career bridged the fields of law and literature. He practiced law for several decades, advising on significant legal cases and contributing to legal reform discussions. As an author, he published works on legal theory and essays exploring themes of justice and society. Kitsos lectured at universities and wrote for academic journals, influencing both his peers and students. His writings opened dialogues on ethics in the legal profession and left a lasting impact on Greek jurisprudence and letters. His legacy endures through his publications and the legal principles he helped shape.

Robert Hughes was born in 1938 in Sydney, Australia, and began his career as an art critic for The Observer in London. He later became chief art critic for Time magazine, bringing modern art to a broad audience. Hughes wrote the seminal book and television series 'The Shock of the New,' which reshaped public perceptions of contemporary art. He also authored acclaimed works like 'The Fatal Shore,' exploring Australia's convict history. Known for his incisive commentary and elegant prose, Hughes influenced art criticism until his death in 2012.