September 03

Robert Greene was a prominent Elizabethan pamphleteer, dramatist, and novelist active in the late 16th century. He studied at Cambridge University before pursuing a literary career that included popular plays and prose works. Greene authored 'Greene's Groats-Worth of Wit,' famously criticizing rival writers and signaling the rise of professional authors. He contributed to the development of English drama alongside contemporaries like Christopher Marlowe. Despite financial struggles and early death in 1592, his writings influenced the golden age of English literature.

Archibald Bower was born in Scotland in 1686 and became a prominent historian of the early 18th century. He authored several comprehensive histories that examined European political and religious developments. His writing combined rigorous research with an engaging narrative style, making complex historical events accessible. Bower's works contributed to the Enlightenment-era interest in secular history and church affairs. He spent much of his life traveling across Europe to gather source materials and correspondence. His legacy endures in the field of historiography for his detailed chronicles and scholarly approach.

Ivan Turgenev was born in 1818 into a wealthy Russian family and studied philosophy in Germany before returning to Russia. He became one of the leading figures of literary realism, best known for his novel 'Fathers and Sons', which captured generational conflicts in 19th-century Russia. Turgenev's lyrical style and nuanced characters influenced European writers and critics. He spent much of his life in Western Europe, hosting literary salons that brought together intellectuals and artists. His plays and short stories explored themes of love, social change, and individual freedom. Turgenev's contributions helped define Russian literature's golden age and resonated with audiences worldwide.

Mihály Kolossa was born in 1846 in Hungary and emerged as a significant literary voice in the late 19th century. He published collections of poetry and prose that drew on national folklore and personal experiences. Kolossa's work often explored themes of identity, nature, and social change during a period of political transformation in Hungary. As an editor and critic, he supported emerging writers and contributed to literary journals of his time. His lyrical style and evocative imagery influenced the Hungarian poetry movement. Kolossa's writings continue to be studied for their cultural and historical insight into his era.

Will James (1892–1942) was a Canadian-American author and illustrator renowned for his memoirs of cowboy life. After drifting through ranches in the American West, he drew on firsthand experiences to produce authentic narratives and striking pen-and-ink drawings. His book 'Smoky the Cowhorse' won the 1927 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and became a beloved classic. James's vivid depiction of the cowboy ethos and frontier landscapes influenced popular culture and inspired film adaptations. Beyond writing, he lectured about western history and co-founded the Tucson Ranchers' Club. Despite his itinerant lifestyle, his work cemented his reputation as a definitive chronicler of the American West.

Edward Estlin Cummings (1894–1962), known as E. E. Cummings, was a pioneering American poet, painter, and playwright. He broke poetic conventions with playful syntax, inventive compounds, and unconventional punctuation. His collections such as Tulips and Chimneys and 95 Poems revolutionized modern verse. A Harvard graduate who served as an ambulance driver during World War I, his wartime experiences informed his humanistic themes. Cummings also explored painting and visual art, showcasing his multifaceted creativity.

George Louis MacNeice (1907–1963) was a leading Irish poet and dramatist associated with the Auden Group. Educated at Oxford, he gained recognition for his first poetry collection, Poems (1935), noted for its urbane style and modern themes. His radio drama The Dark Tower explored themes of time and faith, earning widespread acclaim. MacNeice's work blended personal reflection with social commentary, capturing the tensions of pre-war Europe. A prolific writer, he also produced essays, diaries, and travel books that showcased his keen observations of human nature.

Born in 1898, Alec Waugh served in the British Army during World War I before turning to writing. He authored numerous travel books and novels that captured colonial settings and exotic locales. His 1930 novel "Island in the Sun" inspired a major Hollywood film in 1957. A prolific travel writer, he penned works about East Africa and the Indian Ocean region. As the elder brother of Evelyn Waugh, he influenced and contributed to English literature through his vivid storytelling. Throughout his career, he balanced roles as a soldier and author, offering unique perspectives in his writings.

Emma Bailey (1910–1999) was the first woman to receive an auctioneer's license in the United States, breaking gender barriers in a male-dominated profession. She operated the Bailey Auction Gallery in Vermont, specializing in American folk art and antiques. Bailey authored several books sharing her expertise and promoting the appreciation of decorative arts. Her pioneering role opened doors for women in the auction industry, and she became a respected voice at antiques shows and fairs. Emma Bailey's influence endures in the continued presence of women auctioneers and her writings on American material culture.

Edward Anhalt (1914–2000) was an American screenwriter, producer, and actor who won two Academy Awards for Best Story, for the films Panic in the Streets (1950) and Becket (1964). He began his career writing documentary scripts during World War II and later transitioned to feature films, collaborating with major Hollywood studios. Anhalt's work spanned genres, including thrillers, biographical dramas, and historical epics. He also produced several films and made occasional acting appearances on screen and television. His storytelling skill and adaptability cemented his reputation as a versatile figure in mid-20th century American cinema.

Pauline Kael (1919–2001) was an American film critic whose work at The New Yorker revolutionized cinematic commentary with its lively prose and candid opinions. Her collections of essays, including I Lost It at the Movies and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, influenced generations of critics and filmmakers. Kael championed auteurs and brought attention to independent and foreign films rarely covered in mainstream media. Her fearless approach and personal style made her one of the most respected and controversial voices in film criticism. Kael's legacy endures in the way movies are discussed and debated in popular culture.

W. Clement Stone (1902–2002) was an American businessman and philanthropist best known for founding Combined Insurance Company of America and co-authoring the best-selling self-help book Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude. Born into poverty, Stone built a vast insurance empire and promoted the philosophy of optimism and personal responsibility. Throughout his life, he donated millions to education, medical research, and youth programs. Stone collaborated with Napoleon Hill and delivered motivational speeches worldwide. His blend of business acumen and charitable work made him an enduring figure in American entrepreneurship and self-improvement movements.