August 12

Robert Southey was an English Romantic poet, one of the famous Lake Poets alongside Wordsworth and Coleridge. He gained recognition with epic poems like 'Thalaba the Destroyer' and historical biographies such as 'The Life of Nelson'. In 1813, he was appointed Poet Laureate, a position he held until his death in 1843. Southey's literary output also included essays, travel writings, and letters reflecting his wide-ranging interests. His work helped shape 19th-century English literature and Romantic thought.

Katharine Lee Bates was an American poet and author, whose 1893 poem inspired the song 'America the Beautiful.' While teaching at Wellesley College, she visited Pikes Peak, which moved her to write its enduring lyrics. Bates authored novels, travel books, and poetry collections exploring themes of nature and national identity. Her writings reflected her commitment to education, social reform, and patriotic sentiment. 'America the Beautiful' remains a beloved patriotic hymn across the United States.

Born in Madrid in 1866, Jacinto Benavente became one of Spain's most celebrated playwrights. He is best known for his witty and realistic comedies that satirized Spanish society and manners. His play 'Los Intereses Creados' (The Bonds of Interest) remains a classic of early 20th-century drama. In recognition of his contribution to literature, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1922. Benavente's work influenced the development of modern Spanish theater and continues to be performed worldwide.

Edith Hamilton was born in Dresden in 1867 to American parents and later moved to the United States. She became a respected educator, teaching classical literature at Bryn Mawr College for over three decades. Hamilton authored seminal works such as 'The Greek Way' and 'The Roman Way', making ancient civilizations accessible to modern readers. Her book 'Mythology' remains a bestselling introduction to classical myths. Hamilton's engaging style and scholarly rigor popularized the classics and influenced generations of students.

Mary Roberts Rinehart was born in 1876 and became one of the most popular mystery writers of her time. Her novel 'The Circular Staircase' (1908) introduced the phrase 'Had I but known...' and became a bestseller. Often called the ‘American Agatha Christie’, Rinehart published over 60 books, including plays and short stories. She was a pioneer in the suspense genre, influencing later crime writers with her blend of emotion and intrigue. Rinehart's works remain in print and her contributions helped shape early 20th-century detective fiction.

Radclyffe Hall was born in England in 1880 and gained fame as a poet before turning to fiction. Her 1928 novel 'The Well of Loneliness' was one of the first to address lesbian identity and faced an obscenity trial. Hall's work became a touchstone for LGBTQ literature and sparked discussions on censorship and sexuality. She wrote poetry, short stories, and essays, advocating for social acceptance and personal freedom. Hall's legacy endures as a pioneering figure in queer literature and feminist writing.

Martha Hedman was born in Stockholm in 1883 and began her acting career in Sweden. She emigrated to the United States and became known for her performances on Broadway during the 1910s. Hedman was also a talented playwright, contributing original works to the stage. Her notable roles included dramatic and comedic parts that earned critical acclaim. She continued writing for theatre throughout her life before retiring. Hedman passed away in 1974, leaving a legacy as a versatile stage artist and writer.

Zerna Sharp was born in Ohio in 1889 and became an influential figure in early childhood education. While working at Scott Foresman publishing in the 1930s, she devised the characters 'Dick and Jane' to teach reading. The primers were widely adopted in American schools and defined generations of literacy education. Sharp's clear, repetitive style helped countless children learn to read. Beyond her writing, she lectured on education and curriculum development. Although she did not illustrate the books, her creative vision shaped them. Sharp died in 1981, leaving a lasting impact on educational publishing.

Born in 1916, Edward Pinkowski dedicated his career to documenting the experiences of Polish immigrants and their descendants in the United States. He worked as a journalist for local newspapers while conducting extensive archival research on Polonia communities. Pinkowski authored over a dozen books, including detailed biographies of notable Polish-American figures such as Casimir Pulaski. His writings helped preserve the cultural heritage of Polish-Americans and brought wider recognition to their contributions. Throughout his life, he was honored by historical societies and the Polish government for his work in promoting Polish heritage. He died in 2020, remembered as a passionate scholar of immigrant history.

Born in 1917, Oliver Crawford built a prolific career as a screenwriter for both film and television. During the McCarthy era, he was blacklisted after refusing to cooperate with the House Un-American Activities Committee, pausing his Hollywood career. In later years, Crawford returned to writing, contributing scripts to popular television series such as "The Alfred Hitchcock Hour" and "Lost in Space". He also authored novels that reflected his experiences in the entertainment industry and his views on creative freedom. Crawford's resilience in the face of political adversity made him a respected figure among his peers. He passed away in 2008, leaving behind a legacy of storytelling and defiance against censorship.

Born in 1917, Ebba Haslund emerged as a leading voice in Norwegian literature and feminism. Her debut novel, "Det trange hjerte" ("The Narrow Heart"), earned critical acclaim for its exploration of social norms. Over her six-decade career, she published numerous novels, essays, and plays addressing themes of gender, identity, and societal change. Haslund served as president of the Norwegian Association for Women's Rights, championing equality and educational opportunities for women. Her translations and editorial work further enriched Norway's literary landscape. She died in 2009, remembered as a trailblazer for both literature and gender equality.

Born in Miami, Oklahoma, Donald Justice emerged as a leading voice in formal poetry during the mid-20th century. He published nine collections of verse, including the Pulitzer Prize–winning Selected Poems 1956–77 in 1980. Justice taught at the Iowa Writers' Workshop, University of Iowa, and Stanford University, influencing countless poets. His crisp imagery, precise rhyme, and refined technique earned him widespread acclaim. Justice's work often explored themes of memory, loss, and the beauty of ordinary life. Even after retiring, he continued to mentor young writers, leaving a lasting teaching legacy upon his death in 2004.