September 02

Born in 1548 in Meulebeke, van Mander studied painting in Italy, absorbing Mannerist influences. He produced religious altarpieces and portraits for churches and patrons upon his return to the Low Countries. In 1604, he published the 'Schilder-boeck', a pioneering biographical compendium of Northern European artists. The work preserved invaluable information on Renaissance masters and shaped art-historical writing. Van Mander also wrote poetry and taught notable painters in Haarlem, where he lived until his death in 1606.

Nicolai Frederik Severin Grundtvig was born in 1783 in Udby, Denmark, and became one of the country's most influential thinkers. He served as a Lutheran pastor but gained renown for his theological writings and philosophical ideas on education and national identity. Grundtvig pioneered the folk high school movement, emphasizing lifelong learning and community engagement without exams. He authored hundreds of hymns, poems, and historical texts that remain central to Danish culture and liturgy. Grundtvig's legacy endures in educational reform and Scandinavian cultural revival, earning him the title of Denmark's national poet.

Henry Austin Dobson was born in 1840 in London and educated at Marlborough College and Oxford University. He gained recognition for his polished imitation of French poetic forms, notably the ballade and villanelle. Dobson's collections, such as "Vignettes in Rhyme" and "At the Sign of the Lyre", showcased his lyrical mastery. As a critic, he wrote extensively on Victorian literature and fostered appreciation for 17th-century English poets. His blend of scholarly insight and poetic grace made him one of the leading literary figures of his era.

Born in 1867, Henry Lawson became one of Australia's most cherished literary figures. Lawson is celebrated for his bush ballads and short stories that capture the spirit and hardships of rural life. His iconic works such as "The Drover's Wife" and "Up the Country" remain classics of Australian literature. Despite personal struggles with poverty and illness, he pursued writing with unwavering passion. He contributed extensively to The Bulletin magazine, shaping the nation's cultural identity. Lawson's realistic style and sympathetic characters earned him enduring fame. He is often hailed as the "Father of Australian Poetry."

Born in 1877 in Maine, Marsden Hartley emerged as a central figure in American modernism. He studied under influential artists and spent formative years in Europe, absorbing avant-garde movements. Hartley blended visual art with literary expression, publishing poetry alongside abstract paintings. His vivid palettes and geometric forms explored themes of identity, landscape, and mysticism. During World War I, he created powerful works responding to the conflict's emotional impact. Hartley's innovative spirit paved the way for later generations of American artists and writers.

Bella Rosenfeld (1895–1944) was a Russian-born writer celebrated for her evocative diaries and short stories. She met and married artist Marc Chagall, serving as his lifelong muse and inspiration. Her writings capture the spirit of Jewish life in pre-revolutionary Russia and the challenges of exile. After emigrating to France and later to the United States, her works reflected themes of love, memory, and displacement. Posthumously published collections, including "I, Chagall," have kept her literary legacy alive.

Johannes Bobrowski (1917–1965) was a German poet whose writings reflected the cultural crossroads of East Prussia and Slavic lands. He served as a soldier in World War II and was later a prisoner of war in the Soviet Union. After his release, Bobrowski studied Slavic languages and became a leading voice in East German literature. His collections, such as 'Sarmatische Zeit,' explore themes of memory, war, and human resilience. Bobrowski’s work continues to be admired for its poetic intensity and historical depth.

J. R. R. Tolkien was a British scholar of languages and literature. He served as a professor of Anglo-Saxon at Oxford University. He created Middle-earth and wrote The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion. His work laid the foundation for modern high fantasy literature. Tolkien's philological expertise influenced the languages and cultures of his fictional world. His stories have been translated into dozens of languages and adapted into films. He is regarded as one of the greatest fantasy authors of the 20th century.

Stanisław Grochowiak was a leading figure in Polish literature after World War II. He wrote poetry and theatrical plays that explored themes of existentialism and social issues. His work blended classical forms with modernist elements. Grochowiak was part of the 'New Wave' of Polish poetry in the 1950s and 1960s. He received several national literary awards for his contributions. His plays were staged at major Polish theaters and influenced younger writers. He is remembered for his powerful language and dramatic storytelling.

Allen Drury was an American journalist and novelist whose insider knowledge of Washington politics inspired his award-winning fiction. Born in Texas, he began his career covering the U.S. Senate for United Press International before turning to novel writing. His 1959 political thriller ‘Advise and Consent’ won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and was adapted into a successful film. Over his career, Drury authored more than 30 novels, many exploring themes of power, morality, and governance. His sharp insights and compelling narratives made him a leading voice in political literature.

Curt Siodmak was a German-born author and screenwriter whose imaginative storytelling helped define the horror genre in Hollywood. After fleeing Nazi Germany in 1934, he settled in the United States and penned screenplays for iconic Universal horror films, including ‘The Wolf Man’ (1941). Siodmak also wrote novels such as ‘Donovan’s Brain,’ blending science fiction with suspense. His work influenced generations of filmmakers and writers, introducing enduring tropes like the cursed werewolf. Siodmak’s contributions to literature and cinema continue to be celebrated by fans of classic and modern horror alike.

Born in 1919, Frederik Pohl began writing and editing science fiction in the 1930s and became a leading figure in the genre. He edited acclaimed magazines and anthologies, championing new voices and groundbreaking stories. As an author, Pohl wrote classics such as "The Space Merchants" and won multiple Hugo and Nebula Awards. His work explored social satire, environmental themes, and the impact of technology on humanity. Pohl passed away on September 2, 2013, leaving a lasting imprint on speculative fiction.