August 10

Abai Qunanbaiuli (1845–1904) was a leading figure in Kazakh literature and thought. He introduced European and Russian philosophical ideas to Kazakh society and advocated for educational reform. His collection of poems and prose, known as the 'Book of Words', is considered a masterpiece of moral and social philosophy. Abai also composed melodies for traditional folk lyrics that remain popular today. His efforts helped codify the modern Kazakh language and cultural identity. He founded schools and translated works by poets like Pushkin and Shakespeare to enrich Kazakh literary heritage. Abai's legacy endures in Kazakhstan, where he is celebrated as a national hero and spiritual guide.

Laurence Binyon (1869–1943) was an esteemed English poet, playwright, and art historian. He is best remembered for his 1914 poem 'For the Fallen', featuring the iconic line 'They shall not grow old', which became central to Remembrance ceremonies. Binyon served as Keeper of Prints and Drawings at the British Museum and lectured on Asian art at the University of London. His poetry and scholarly writings combined aesthetic insight with humanistic themes. A friend of Ezra Pound and other modernists, he contributed significantly to both literature and art criticism. Binyon's work continues to influence war poetry and the study of Eastern art traditions.

Trần Tế Xương (1870–1907), known by the pen name Tú Xương, was a Vietnamese poet and satirist celebrated for his sharp social commentary during the French colonial era. Writing in classical Chinese and the Nôm script, he humorously exposed hypocrisy, corruption, and the struggles of ordinary people under colonial rule. His witty verses appeared in newspapers and circulated widely, earning him acclaim as the father of Vietnamese satirical poetry. Despite censorship, his works inspired later nationalist and literary movements. Tế Xương's blend of humor and protest laid the groundwork for modern Vietnamese literature. Today, he is honored as a cultural icon and pioneer of poetic social critique.

Alfred Döblin was a prominent figure in German literature, best known for his modernist masterpiece "Berlin Alexanderplatz," which depicted life in Weimar Berlin. Trained as a physician, he worked in neurology before fully dedicating himself to writing. Döblin’s works blend vivid social observation with experimental narrative techniques. Forced to flee Nazi Germany in 1933 due to his Jewish heritage, he continued to write in exile in France. His novels and essays have influenced generations of writers, and his pioneering approach to storytelling remains celebrated.

Panait Istrati rose from humble origins to international fame with novels and stories that vividly portrayed the struggles of the marginalized. Often called the "Gorky of the Balkans," his works such as "Kyra Kyralina" and "Saint Georges et le Dragon" combined social justice themes with lyrical prose. Istrati traveled extensively throughout Europe, North Africa, and the Soviet Union, experiences that shaped his political views. His complicated relationship with communism led to both support and later criticism of the Soviet regime. Istrati’s writing remains a testament to his compassion and literary skill.

Zofia Kossak-Szczucka was a celebrated Polish author known for her historical novels and short stories. During the Nazi occupation of Poland, she co-founded the Council for Aid to Jews (Żegota), risking her life to organize underground rescue efforts. Kossak-Szczucka’s writings often explored themes of faith, patriotism, and moral courage. After the war, she emigrated to France before returning to Poland, where her works were subject to censorship. Honored posthumously for her humanitarian efforts, she remains an important figure in Polish literature and resistance history.

Curt Siodmak (1902–2000) was a German-born novelist and screenwriter who made significant contributions to horror and science fiction cinema. He penned the screenplay for The Wolf Man (1941), creating many of the genre's enduring tropes. Siodmak also wrote novels like Donovan's Brain, which was adapted into multiple films. After fleeing Nazi Germany, he built a prolific career in Hollywood and European cinema. His work influenced subsequent generations of writers and filmmakers in speculative fiction.

Ward Moore (1903–1978) was an American novelist and short story writer celebrated for his works in science fiction and alternate history. His most famous novel, Bring the Jubilee (1953), explores a world where the Confederacy won the American Civil War. Moore's writing blended historical speculation with social critique, probing themes of memory and identity. He also published numerous short stories in magazines such as Astounding Science Fiction and The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction. His imaginative narratives influenced later authors in the genre of speculative fiction.

Era Bell Thompson was born in 1905 in Pembina, North Dakota, and graduated from Morningside College. She began her career writing for the Chicago Defender before becoming an editor at Negro Digest. Thompson later contributed to Ebony magazine, using her platform to highlight African American experiences. Her 1946 memoir 'American Daughter' chronicled her experiences growing up in a predominantly white rural community. Throughout her career, she championed civil rights and provided a voice for Black communities. She passed away in 1986, leaving a lasting legacy in journalism.

Rica Erickson was born in 1908 in Western Australia and developed a passion for botany and natural history early in life. She conducted pioneering field research on native plants, producing detailed botanical illustrations and taxonomic studies. Erickson authored several authoritative works on Western Australian wildflowers and contributed to regional museum collections. In addition to her scientific work, she wrote local histories capturing pioneer life and cultural heritage in the Wheatbelt region. Her multidisciplinary contributions earned her membership in academic societies and recognition from the Western Australian community. Erickson remained active in research and writing until her death in 2009.

Jorge Amado was born in 1912 in Itabuna, Brazil, and published his first novel at age 17. He became a leading figure in Brazilian literature, blending regionalism with social critique. Amado’s most famous works include 'Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon' and 'Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands', both set in his native Bahia. His stories explored themes of race, class, and cultural identity, often with humor and warmth. Several of his novels were adapted into films and telenovelas, broadening his international reputation. Amado was elected to the Brazilian Academy of Letters in 1961 and died in 2001.

Nancy Buckingham authored dozens of popular gothic romance and suspense novels under her maiden name and collaboratively with her husband. Her works, often characterized by intricate plots and atmospheric settings, captivated readers from the 1960s through the 1980s. She became a staple author for publishers like Mills & Boon, earning acclaim for blending romance with elements of mystery. Buckingham’s novels have been translated into multiple languages and continue to attract new audiences. She also mentored emerging writers, sharing her expertise in crafting compelling narratives. Buckingham passed away in 2022, leaving behind a rich literary catalogue.