August 14

Born Alfred Henschke in 1890, Klabund became a leading voice of German Expressionism as a poet and playwright. His works—such as the play “Der Kreidekreis”—blended lyrical verse with dramatic themes drawn from history and folklore. He served briefly in World War I, after which his pacifist stance and illness shaped much of his writing. Suffering from tuberculosis and chronic poor health, he traveled seeking relief but died in Marienbad in 1928. Klabund’s concise, emotive style influenced subsequent generations of German writers.

Born in Augsburg in 1898, Brecht became a leading figure in 20th-century drama. He developed epic theatre, emphasizing narrative and social critique over emotional immersion. His notable works include “The Threepenny Opera” and “Mother Courage and Her Children.” An outspoken Marxist, he fled Nazi Germany and continued writing in exile. After World War II, he returned to East Berlin, founding the Berliner Ensemble theatre company. His innovative techniques and political engagement profoundly influenced modern theatre.

Born in Philadelphia in 1906, Odets became a leading voice in American theatre. As a member of the Group Theatre, he wrote plays that captured the struggles of the working class. His landmark works include “Waiting for Lefty” and “Awake and Sing!”. He transitioned to Hollywood in the 1930s, writing screenplays such as “The Big Knife.” Odets’s powerful dialogue and realistic characters influenced generations of dramatists. He died in 1963, leaving a lasting impact on both stage and screen.

Born Louis Farigoule in 1885, Romains adopted his pen name to write poetry and novels. He founded Unanimism, emphasizing collective consciousness and social solidarity. His multi-volume novel “Men of Good Will” remains his most celebrated work. Romains was elected to the Académie française in 1946 for his contributions to literature. He also worked as a translator and critic, influencing French literary circles. Jules Romains died in 1972, leaving a rich legacy in 20th-century letters.

Born in 1908 in Mason County, Texas, Gipson began his career as a journalist. He wrote screenplays for Hollywood before finding success as a novelist. His 1956 novel “Old Yeller” became a classic of children’s literature and was adapted by Disney. He followed with “Savage Sam,” a sequel that also inspired a film adaptation. Gipson’s evocative storytelling captured the spirit of rural Texas and frontier life. He died in 1973, leaving behind works that continue to enchant readers of all ages.

Nicolas Bentley was an English author and illustrator celebrated for his sharp wit and minimalist drawings. Born in 1907 in London, he was the son of famed literary critic E. Clerihew Bentley. He studied at Westminster School and honed his craft in the vibrant London art scene. Bentley contributed cartoons and illustrations to leading magazines such as Punch and The Sunday Times. He authored and illustrated numerous books, blending humor and satire to captivate readers. His distinct style influenced generations of British cartoonists and illustrators. He served during World War II in the Ministry of Information, using his art to bolster public morale. Nicolas Bentley passed away on August 14, 1978, leaving behind a legacy of wit and charm in British illustration.

John Boynton Priestley was an English novelist, playwright, and broadcaster born in 1894 in Bradford. He achieved early success with his novel The Good Companions (1929), winning the James Tait Black Memorial Prize. Priestley wrote An Inspector Calls (1945), a moral play still widely performed today. During World War II he presented radio broadcasts that boosted British morale on the Home Front. His works explored class, social change, and human psychology with wit and insight. Priestley also wrote essays, travel books, and was an ardent political commentator advocating social reform. He passed away on August 14, 1984, leaving a rich legacy in modern British literature.

Robert Calvert was a South African-English musician and writer born in 1945, best known for his tenure with the space rock band Hawkwind. He joined Hawkwind in 1972, providing lead vocals and writing lyrics for their landmark Space Ritual tour and album. His science fiction-inspired plays and poetry showcased his imaginative flair. He released solo albums that blended rock, spoken word, and electronic sounds. Calvert's dynamic stage presence and conceptual themes influenced the burgeoning space rock genre. He battled mental health challenges throughout his life, which both fueled and complicated his creativity. He died on August 14, 1988, remembered as a visionary artist across music and literature.

Born in Ruse, Bulgaria, in 1905, Elias Canetti wrote in German and lived in multiple European countries. His first novel, Auto-da-Fé, published in 1935, explored themes of identity and extremism. Canetti's seminal essay work, Crowds and Power, examined the behavior of masses and the psychology of leadership. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1981 for his writings marked by a broad outlook and artistic intensity. Canetti's oeuvre encompasses novels, memoirs, plays, and essays, reflecting his keen observations of human nature. He spent his later years in Zurich, Switzerland, continuing to write until his death in 1994.

Born in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1912, Alice Childress moved to New York in her teens to pursue the arts. She joined the Federal Theatre Project and appeared in the original stage production of Native Son. Childress made history as the first African-American woman to have a play produced off-Broadway with Trouble in Mind. Her works, including the novel A Hero Ain't Nothin' But a Sandwich, addressed racial tensions and social justice. Throughout her career, she defied barriers in theater and literature, creating authentic portrayals of Black life. Childress's legacy endures as a pioneering voice for equality and creative expression.

Born in 1911 in what is now Lithuania, Czesław Miłosz wrote in Polish and later became a U.S. citizen. He published his first poetry collection before World War II and witnessed the turmoil of the Soviet occupation. Miłosz taught Slavic literature at the University of California, Berkeley, after defecting from communist Poland in 1951. His essay The Captive Mind dissected the intellectual impact of totalitarian regimes. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1980, his poetry and prose explore memory, exile, and ethical responsibility. Miłosz continued writing until his death in 2004, leaving a lasting impact on world literature.

Born in 1928, Jack Germond began his journalism career covering local news before rising to national prominence as a political reporter. He co-authored influential books on American politics and was a regular commentator on television news programs. Known for his insightful analysis and engaging writing style, Germond influenced public understanding of political developments. He received awards for his contributions to journalism and mentored many aspiring reporters. He died in 2013 at the age of 84.