August 13

Born in 1719 in Meissen, Schlegel studied at the University of Leipzig. He gained fame as a poet and drama critic during the German Enlightenment. His plays combined strict classical forms with engaging character studies. Schlegel translated French tragedies and introduced new dramatic theories to German audiences. His critical writings laid the foundation for later German literary analysis. Though he died at age 29, his influence persisted through the works of later scholars and playwrights.

Mary Hunter Austin was an American author and playwright renowned for her evocative narratives set in the desert landscapes of the American Southwest. Born in 1868 in Illinois, she spent much of her life exploring California's wilderness and chronicling its natural beauty, indigenous cultures, and environmental challenges. Her landmark work, The Land of Little Rain (1903), became a classic of American nature writing and influenced early environmentalist thought. Austin also wrote plays, essays, and novels that blended folklore, anthropology, and social critique. A pioneering figure for women writers, she advocated for conservation and cultural understanding through her literary efforts. She passed away in 1934, leaving a lasting legacy as a champion of regional writing and environmental awareness.

H. G. Wells was an English novelist, historian, and critic whose imaginative works laid the foundations for modern science fiction. Born in 1866, he authored classics such as The Time Machine, The War of the Worlds, and The Invisible Man, blending speculative ideas with social critique. Beyond fiction, Wells wrote scholarly histories, social commentaries, and political writings that addressed issues like inequality, education, and international relations. He was a prominent voice in the Fabian Society and advocated for social reform and world peace. Wells' visionary storytelling and incisive essays influenced literature, film, and scientific thought throughout the 20th century. He died in 1946, leaving an indelible mark on both literary and popular culture.

Murilo Mendes was born in 1901 in Juiz de Fora, Brazil, and became a leading voice of Brazilian modernist poetry. His works, such as História do Brasil and Tempo e Eternidade, blended surreal imagery with themes of spirituality, politics, and national identity. Mendes worked as a telegrapher, a career that influenced his precise, rhythmic language and concise poetic style. In the 1940s, he lived in Europe, where he connected with international literary movements and deepened his experimentation with form. Upon returning to Brazil, he taught and inspired younger generations of writers, helping to shape the country's literary landscape. He died in 1975, leaving a rich legacy as an innovator of 20th-century Brazilian letters.

Jan Křesadlo, born Václav Jaroslav Karel Pinkava, was a psychologist, mathematician, and prolific writer. He authored groundbreaking studies in psychopathology and contributed to the understanding of thought disorders. Under his pen name, he published satirical fantasy works that combined dark humor with philosophical themes. Křesadlo wrote poetry, essays, and translations, mastering multiple languages and genres. His dual career bridged rigorous academic research and imaginative literature, reflecting his versatile intellect. He remains celebrated for challenging conventions in both psychology and creative writing.

He was born in Paris to American parents in 1900 and wrote predominantly in French. His introspective novels and extensive diaries explored spiritual and existential themes. In 1946, he became the first non-French member of the prestigious Académie française. His works include 'Leviathan' and 'Each Man in His Darkness', celebrated for their psychological depth. He converted to Catholicism, which deeply influenced his literary vision. His diaries, spanning over 75 years, offer a vivid chronicle of 20th-century history and culture.

Betty Cavanna (1909-2001) was an American author recognized for her contributions to young adult literature. She published numerous novels from the 1930s through the 1970s that delved into the challenges and emotions of adolescence. Cavanna's works were praised for their engaging storytelling, well-developed characters, and authentic portrayals of teenage experiences. Her novels influenced the genre and remained popular among young readers. Through her writing, she helped shape the landscape of mid-20th-century American teen fiction.

Julia Child (1912-2004) was an American chef, author, and television host who revolutionized home cooking in America with her debut cookbook 'Mastering the Art of French Cooking.' She co-authored the classic guide bringing sophisticated French techniques to American kitchens. Child broke gender barriers in the culinary world and became a beloved TV personality through her show 'The French Chef,' which aired from 1963 to 1973. Her approachable style, warm personality, and signature voice made cooking accessible and inspired generations of home cooks. Child's contributions earned her numerous awards and established her as a cultural icon in gastronomy and media.

Helen Gurley Brown was born in 1922 and began her career as a secretary and copywriter in magazine publishing. In 1965, she became editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan magazine, a position she held for 32 years. Under her leadership, Cosmopolitan's circulation soared as she championed frank discussions of female sexuality and career ambition. She authored the influential book 'Sex and the Single Girl' in 1962, which sold millions of copies worldwide. Brown was one of the first women to reach a senior executive role at Hearst Communications. She also launched the Helen Gurley Brown Institute, supporting entrepreneurs and authors. She passed away in 2012 at the age of 90, leaving a lasting impact on women's media.

Sergio Donati (1933–2024) was an Italian screenwriter whose career spanned over five decades. He co-wrote classic spaghetti westerns such as Sergio Leone's Once Upon a Time in the West (1968) and contributed to giallo thrillers and crime dramas. His sharp dialogue, intricate plotting, and memorable characters helped define genre cinema in Italy during the 1960s and 1970s. Early in his career, he collaborated with directors like Luigi Vanzi on the A Fistful of Dollars series. Donati's versatility extended to horror and noir films, showcasing his skill across multiple genres. He influenced a generation of filmmakers with his narrative craftsmanship. He passed away in August 2024, leaving behind a lasting legacy in Italian cinema.