September 01

Born in 1873 in Ontario, McClung became a prominent voice in the Canadian women's suffrage movement. As a founding member of the Political Equality League, she organized rallies and delivered powerful speeches that helped secure voting rights for women in Manitoba in 1916. McClung also enjoyed a successful writing career, publishing novels, short stories, and essays that explored themes of gender and social justice. Her play 'The Second Wife,' first performed in 1908, remains an early example of Canadian feminist drama. Beyond suffrage, she advocated for improved working conditions, temperance, and education reforms. Appointed to the Canadian Senate in 1935, she continued to influence national policy until her death in 1951. McClung's legacy endures as part of Canada's Famous Five, the group that fought for women's legal recognition as 'persons.'

Born in 1886 into an affluent family, Sassoon served with the Royal Welch Fusiliers during the First World War, where he won the Military Cross for bravery. His combat experiences profoundly shaped his poetry, leading him to produce stark and poignant verses such as 'Counter-Attack' and 'Suicide in the Trenches.' Sassoon became a vocal critic of the war, publishing a declaration in 1917 that condemned the British government's conduct of the conflict. His protest led to a brief period of duty in a mental asylum, where he befriended fellow war poet Wilfred Owen. After the war, Sassoon continued to write memoirs and novels, including 'Memoirs of an Infantry Officer.' He also played a role in the literary circles of the interwar years. Sassoon died in 1967, leaving a lasting impact on war literature and modern poetry.

Born in 1897 in Evanston, Illinois, Pearson pioneered the 'Washington Merry-Go-Round' newsletter, which exposed corruption and insider information in U.S. politics. His investigative reports and bold commentary made him one of the most widely read columnists of his time. Pearson's work helped shape public opinion during critical periods such as the New Deal and World War II. He also collaborated with political leaders, sometimes blurring the lines between journalism and advocacy. In addition to his newspaper columns, he wrote several books, including 'Washington Merry-Go-Round' and 'Our Navy.' Pearson's fearless approach often drew criticism and legal challenges but solidified his reputation as a muckraker. He passed away in 1969, remembered as a trailblazer in political journalism.

Born in 1885 in Bordeaux, Mauriac belonged to a family of minor nobility and developed a devout Catholic worldview that permeated his writing. His novel 'Thérèse Desqueyroux' (1927) and other works explored moral conflicts, guilt, and redemption in provincial life. Mauriac received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1952 for his deep psychological insight and spiritual depth. In addition to novels, he wrote essays, poetry, and plays, engaging with social and political issues of his time. During World War II, Mauriac was an outspoken critic of the Vichy regime and later served in the French Senate. He influenced generations of writers with his lyrical prose and ethical concerns. Mauriac died in 1970, leaving a rich legacy in 20th-century French literature.

Józef Krupiński (1930 – September 1, 1998) was a Polish poet whose work vividly captured the essence of Upper Silesia. His poetry collections, such as 'Kamienny śpiew,' explored themes of nature, history, and the human condition. Krupiński’s lyrical style and regional focus earned him recognition, including the Stanisław Piętak Award. He also penned essays and translated works, contributing to Polish literary discourse. His writings resonate with readers for their emotional depth and cultural authenticity. Krupiński’s legacy remains strong in contemporary Polish poetry.

György Faludy was born in Budapest and became one of Hungary's most celebrated literary figures. He survived World War II, spending years in exile before returning to his homeland in 1988. Faludy's poetry dealt with themes of freedom, love, and the human spirit, often reflecting his personal struggles. His memoirs, including My Happy Days on This Sorrowful Earth, offered candid insights into his life and times. An accomplished translator, he introduced Hungarian readers to poets such as Walt Whitman and Federico García Lorca.

Barbara Ehrenreich (1941–2022) was an influential American writer and social critic. A MacArthur Fellow, she authored over 20 books examining economic inequality, health care, and feminist issues. Her 2001 bestseller 'Nickel and Dimed' immersed her in low-wage jobs to expose the realities of poverty in America. Ehrenreich co-founded the Economic Hardship Reporting Project to amplify voices of the working poor. She wrote for publications such as Harper's, The New York Times, and The Atlantic. Known for her incisive wit and meticulous research, she challenged conventional wisdom on social justice. Ehrenreich remained an outspoken advocate for labor rights and progressive causes until her passing in 2022.

Jimmy Buffett (1946–2023) was an American cultural icon who blended folk, country, and Caribbean sounds into his signature 'Gulf and Western' music. He achieved worldwide fame with the 1977 song 'Margaritaville,' capturing the spirit of carefree beach living. Buffett released over 30 studio albums, sold more than 20 million records, and wrote bestselling books like 'Tales from Margaritaville.' He built the Margaritaville empire, spanning restaurants, resorts, and merchandise, including the Cheeseburger in Paradise chain. A dedicated philanthropist, he supported ocean conservation and music education. Inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, Buffett’s legacy endures through his music and global lifestyle brand.