August 16

Born into the noble House of Barby-Mühlingen in 1637, she became known for her deep Protestant faith. Emilie Juliane wrote over 600 hymns, many of which remain in Lutheran hymnals today. Her poetry combined heartfelt devotion with doctrinal clarity, reflecting the spiritual currents of her time. She supervised the education of young noblewomen and supported charitable works in her domain. Her hymns were published in several collections and influenced later generations of church musicians. She died in 1706, leaving a rich legacy in German devotional literature.

Born in Paris in 1645, he studied at the Jesuit collège and became secretary to the duc de Bouillon. La Bruyère published Les Caractères in 1688, a collection of character sketches critiquing the manners of his contemporaries. His witty and incisive observations made him one of the foremost moralists of the 17th century. He combined philosophical reflection with literary style, influencing both Enlightenment thought and French literature. Despite criticism from some court figures, his work enjoyed immediate success and multiple editions. La Bruyère's legacy endures in the study of character and ethics in Western philosophy.

Arthur Achleitner was a writer known for his series of short stories and travel sketches that captured the traditions and landscapes of Bavaria and the Alpine regions. Drawing on firsthand observations, his works combined ethnographic detail with literary flair, offering readers an immersive glimpse into rural communities. He published collections like “Aus den Alpen” that became popular for their authentic portrayal of local customs. Achleitner’s writing contributed to the genre of regional literature during a period of rapid modernization. His narratives preserve the dialects, folklore, and everyday experiences of the people he depicted.

Jules Laforgue was an influential poet whose innovative style bridged Romanticism and modernist tendencies. Born in Uruguay and raised in France, he published works such as “Les Complaintes” and “L’Assommoir du Poète,” showcasing a blend of melancholy, wit, and free verse experimentation. Laforgue translated Walt Whitman, introducing American poetic rhythms to Europe. His work influenced later figures like T.S. Eliot and the Symbolist movement. Despite a brief life cut short by tuberculosis at age 27, his poetic voice left a lasting impact on 19th-century literature and beyond.

Dame Mary Gilmore was an influential Australian poet and journalist whose works captured the spirit of the bush and championed social justice. Born in 1865, she became a leading voice for labor rights, writing for the socialist newspaper The Worker. Her poetry often reflected her deep connection to rural Australia and her commitment to women's suffrage. During her career, she published several acclaimed poetry collections and served as the first female editor of The Worker. In recognition of her contributions to literature and social reform, she was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1937.

Hugo Gernsback was a Luxembourger-American writer, editor, and publisher whose work shaped early science fiction. Born in 1884, he founded Modern Electrics magazine in 1908 and later Amazing Stories in 1926, the first magazine devoted solely to science fiction. Gernsback coined the term 'scientifiction' to describe his innovative blend of technology and storytelling. His publications introduced readers to speculative narratives that inspired future writers and inventors. In recognition of his influence on science fiction, the annual Hugo Awards were named in his honor.

Thomas Edward Lawrence was a British archaeologist, army officer, diplomat, and writer. Born in 1888, he participated in archaeological excavations in the Middle East before World War I. During the war, he served with the Arab Bureau and played a key role in the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire. His memoir, Seven Pillars of Wisdom, recounted his experiences and became a classic of war literature. After the war, Lawrence sought anonymity and held various government positions until his death in 1935.

Hal Foster was a Canadian-American artist and writer who created the enduring comic strip Prince Valiant. Born in 1892, he began his career illustrating for magazines before launching his own newspaper strip in 1937. Prince Valiant was celebrated for its detailed artwork and epic storytelling set in Arthurian legend. Foster’s work won numerous awards and influenced generations of comic artists. He continued producing the strip for decades, cementing his reputation as a pioneer of the comic art form.

Albert Cohen was born in 1895 in Corfu and later settled in Switzerland, where he became one of the most significant voices in 20th-century literature. His works often explore themes of love, identity, and the Jewish experience in Europe. Cohen's acclaimed novel "Belle du Seigneur" is celebrated for its lyrical prose and emotional depth. Throughout his career, he authored essays, plays, and short stories that reflect his keen observations of human nature. His literary contributions continue to influence writers and scholars worldwide.

Georgette Heyer authored over 50 novels across the genres of Regency romances, detective fiction, and historical novels. Born in 1902, she was renowned for her meticulous historical research and witty dialogue, creating a loyal readership that endures to this day. Her Regency novels set the standard for the genre and inspired countless authors. Heyer's work also includes detective stories featuring her amateur sleuths and self-published books reflecting her diverse literary talents.

Wallace Thurman emerged as a key literary figure during the Harlem Renaissance, editing the influential magazine "Fire!!" and writing novels that confronted racial issues. Born in 1902, his celebrated work "The Blacker the Berry" explored themes of colorism and identity in the Black community. Thurman's sharp wit and unflinching social critique made him a distinctive voice of his era. He also worked in theater and film, leaving a lasting impact on African American literature.

William Keepers Maxwell Jr. was a celebrated editor and fiction writer. He began his career at The New Yorker in the late 1920s and served as fiction editor for over 40 years. He authored acclaimed novels such as "They Came Like Swallows" and "The Folded Leaf". His short stories and essays are praised for their emotional depth and lyrical style. As an essayist, he offered reflective insights on writing, editing, and memory. He is remembered as a key figure in 20th-century American literature.