September 07

Born in 1579, Guido Bentivoglio became a cardinal under Pope Paul V and served as papal nuncio to the Spanish Netherlands. He was a skilled diplomat, navigating complex political and religious tensions of the early 17th century. Bentivoglio authored insightful histories and memoirs detailing European affairs, blending firsthand observations with scholarly analysis. His works remain valuable sources for understanding the Thirty Years' War and Catholic diplomacy. He died on September 7, 1644.

François Tristan l'Hermite was born in 1601 and became one of 17th-century France's notable dramatists. His works, characterized by emotional intensity and lush language, contributed to the Baroque movement in French theater. L'Hermite explored themes of love, honor, and fate in plays such as his popular tragedy 'Les Engagements.' In addition to drama, he wrote lyrical poetry that influenced later French literature. He passed away on September 7, 1655, leaving a mark on early modern French letters.

Born in 1745 in Bristol, she became a leading figure of the Bluestocking circle. She wrote popular moral plays and poetry that emphasized virtue and Christian ethics. More used her writing to campaign against slavery and educate the poor. She founded Sunday schools and promoted educational initiatives for girls. Her works enjoyed widespread popularity during and after her lifetime. She remained a respected moralist and social advocate until her death in 1833.

Born in 1842 in Macon, Georgia, he served in the Confederate army during the Civil War. After the war, he studied music and became a skilled flutist in the Peabody Symphony Orchestra. Lanier taught at Johns Hopkins University's literature department for many years. His poetry, including 'The Marshes of Glynn', is noted for its musical rhythm and vivid imagery. He explored themes of nature, spirituality, and the American South. Lanier's dual talents bridged the worlds of literature and music in the late 19th century.

Born in 1807 in Haverhill, Massachusetts, he began writing poetry at an early age. Whittier used his verse to campaign passionately against slavery and injustice. His works, such as 'Snow-Bound' and 'Maud Muller', earned him national acclaim. He co-founded the American Anti-Slavery Society and edited abolitionist newspapers. His steadfast Quaker beliefs informed his writings on peace and social reform. Whittier's legacy endures as a leading figure among the Fireside Poets.

Alfred William Rich (1856–1921) was an English painter and writer who revolutionized watercolour technique. He promoted sketching en plein air to capture atmospheric light and natural detail, making the medium accessible to amateurs and professionals alike. Rich authored several acclaimed guides, including A Manual of Water Colour Painting, which emphasized spontaneity and direct engagement with nature. He taught at the Slade School of Fine Art and inspired a generation of artists to embrace simplicity and freshness in their work. His legacy endures through his paintings and pedagogical writings.

Kyōka Izumi (1873–1939) was a celebrated novelist and playwright of late Meiji and Taishō Japan. His works, such as "The Holy Man of Mount Koya" and "Black Hair," explore themes of obsession, spiritualism, and the uncanny. Izumi’s lyrical prose and use of traditional Japanese motifs created a haunting literary atmosphere that influenced Japanese modernism. He also contributed to theater, penning scripts that merged classical Noh aesthetics with contemporary drama. His pioneering style secured his reputation as one of Japan’s most original literary voices.

Karen Blixen wrote masterful memoirs and short stories, most notably 'Out of Africa,' which chronicles her years managing a coffee plantation in Kenya from 1914 to 1931. Publishing under the pseudonym Isak Dinesen, her lyrical prose and vivid character depictions earned international acclaim. Blixen's other celebrated works include 'Seven Gothic Tales' and 'Winter's Tales,' blending gothic romance with moral reflection. A member of the Danish aristocracy, she navigated personal tragedies and financial hardship, infusing depth into her storytelling. Her unique voice influenced 20th-century literature and inspired adaptations, including an Academy Award-winning film. Blixen's legacy endures as a symbol of literary elegance and adventurous spirit.

Holling C. Holling was an influential American artist and writer whose children's books introduced readers to geography and natural history. He gained fame with works like "Paddle-to-the-Sea," which combined narrative adventure with intricate illustrations. Holling began his career in journalism and cartooning before turning to full-length book design. His educational approach featured fold-out maps, diagrams, and vivid watercolor artwork that engaged young audiences. Over his career, he published several classic titles that remain beloved for their creativity and informative content.

Born in 1893, Richards studied at Cambridge, where he introduced the practice of practical criticism to English literature. His seminal works, 'Principles of Literary Criticism' and 'Practical Criticism', shaped the New Criticism movement. He explored semantics, focusing on the relationship between language and meaning, influencing linguistics and literary studies. Richards served as Professor of Poetry at Oxford, mentoring a generation of scholars and critics. His interdisciplinary methods bridged literature, rhetoric, and psychology, leaving a lasting impact on humanities research.

Born in 1932 in Dublin with cerebral palsy, Brown learned to write and paint using his left foot. His memoir 'My Left Foot' captivated readers with its honest portrayal of life with disability and inspired an Oscar-winning film. Brown's poetry and painting further demonstrated his creative versatility, earning praise in European art circles. He overcame physical challenges to lecture and exhibit his artwork internationally. Brown's legacy continues to inspire discussions on disability, creativity, and human resilience.

Born in 1904, Dawletschin chronicled the struggles of Tatar communities under Soviet rule. During World War II, he was taken prisoner, an experience that deeply influenced his writing. His novels blended personal memoir with cultural history, offering rare insight into Tatar life. After his release, Dawletschin continued to publish essays advocating for cultural preservation. His works remain important records of Tatar resilience and heritage.