August 18

Born in Tours, France in 1799, Honoré de Balzac originally pursued a career in law before dedicating himself to writing. Over his lifetime, he composed more than 90 novels and novellas, constructing a vast panorama of French society known as La Comédie Humaine. Balzac’s keen observation of character, social ambition, and moral complexity laid the foundation for literary realism. His notable works, including Père Goriot and Eugénie Grandet, vividly depict the struggles of the bourgeoisie and aristocracy. Despite chronic health problems and financial difficulties, he maintained a relentless writing schedule, often working through the night. Balzac’s influence extended to writers such as Flaubert, Dostoevsky, and Zola, and he died in 1850, celebrated as one of France’s greatest literary figures.

Born in 1889 in Sisson, California, Anita Loos began writing sketches for silent films as a teenager. She penned the novel "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" in 1925, introducing the iconic character Lorelei Lee to widespread acclaim. Loos’s sharp wit and social commentary resonated with readers and theatre audiences, leading to various adaptations including a hit Broadway musical. In Hollywood, she became one of the first female screenwriters to achieve prominence, writing or co-writing scripts for major studios. Her ability to blend humor with incisive observations on wealth and society influenced later generations of writers. Loos continued writing novels, plays, and film scripts throughout her career, leaving a lasting mark on American popular culture. She passed away in 1981, remembered as a trailblazer for women in literature and cinema.

Born in 1918, Dean Riesner began his career as a child actor in Hollywood, appearing in silent and early sound films. He transitioned to screenwriting in the 1950s, crafting scripts for television and film. Riesner is best known for his work on the screenplay of "Dirty Harry" (1971), starring Clint Eastwood, and the thriller "Charley Varrick" (1973). His writing blended tight plotting with memorable dialogue, contributing to the success of several crime and action films. Over his career, he wrote or co-wrote dozens of scripts across various genres. Riesner’s ability to adapt to changing cinematic styles made him a versatile figure in Hollywood's golden age. He passed away in 2002, remembered for shaping some of the era's enduring screen characters.

Magdalen Nabb is best known for her Marshal Guarnaccia series, detective stories set in Florence. Born in 1947 in Hampshire, England, she moved to Italy where she began writing. Her novels are praised for their vivid sense of place and intricate plots. Nabb’s work also includes children’s literature and non-fiction pieces about Italian culture. She received critical acclaim for capturing the atmosphere of Tuscany and Italian life. Nabb passed away in 2007, leaving a legacy in international crime fiction.

Rose Friedman made significant contributions to economic thought alongside her husband, Milton Friedman. Born in 1910 in what is now Ukraine, she emigrated to the United States with her family. She co-authored books such as ‘Free to Choose,’ advocating for limited government and free markets. As an economist, she wrote articles and essays on education, taxation, and public policy. Her work influenced policymakers and shaped debates on economic freedom in the 20th century. Rose Friedman passed away in 2009, leaving behind a lasting intellectual legacy.

Robert Novak was a prominent conservative voice in American journalism for over five decades. He worked at major newspapers including The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post. Novak wrote a widely syndicated column that reached millions of readers each week. He co-authored books on public affairs and provided political analysis on radio and television. Known as the ‘Prince of Darkness,’ his sharp commentary often sparked controversy. Novak died in 2009, remembered as an influential and outspoken commentator.

Ra. Ki. Rangarajan (1927–2012) was a prolific Tamil journalist and author whose career spanned over six decades. He wrote more than 400 novels and thousands of short stories under various pseudonyms, captivating readers with his versatile storytelling. Rangarajan began his career in journalism, contributing to leading Tamil magazines and newspapers. His works ranged from detective fiction to social drama, reflecting a deep understanding of human nature and Tamil culture. He held editorial positions and mentored emerging writers, shaping the literary landscape of South India. Rangarajan's enduring legacy lies in his ability to engage a wide audience and his prolific contributions to Tamil literature.

Albert Murray (1916–2013) was an American author, critic, and cultural commentator whose work explored jazz, literature, and African American identity. Born in Martinsville, Virginia, he served in World War II before embarking on a literary career. Murray wrote for publications such as The New Yorker and authored seminal books including 'Stomping the Blues' and 'The Omni-Americans'. His analyses celebrated the improvisational spirit of jazz and its influence on American culture. Collaborating with artists like Duke Ellington, he bridged the worlds of music and literature. Murray mentored figures such as Ralph Ellison, leaving an indelible mark on cultural criticism and African American letters.

Born in 1916, Ruth Johnson Colvin began teaching adult literacy classes in the 1970s and founded Literacy Volunteers of America, now ProLiteracy Worldwide. Under her leadership, the organization expanded to support literacy programs in over 25 countries. Colvin authored instructional materials and trained thousands of volunteer tutors, helping millions of adults gain basic reading and writing skills. She received numerous awards for her contributions to education and literacy advocacy. Her work transformed adult education and remains influential in the field.