September 08

Born in 1592, Quarles studied at Oxford and the Middle Temple before dedicating himself to religious poetry. In 1635, he published The Emblems, combining poetic couplets with woodcut illustrations on faith and morality. His accessible style made him one of the most popular devotional poets of the 17th century. During the English Civil War, Quarles supported the Royalists and wrote politically charged verse. After the Restoration, his emblem books continued to influence devotional literature across Europe. Quarles’s fusion of imagery and verse endured as a model of emblematic writing.

Born in 1580 in Madrid, Quevedo rose to prominence as a master of the conceptismo literary style. His poetry and prose, marked by biting satire and linguistic agility, critiqued societal vices and political corruption. Quevedo served at the courts of Philip III and Philip IV, engaging in political intrigues and rivalries. He was imprisoned for his outspoken pamphlets and later exiled to a rural estate. Despite hardships, he produced some of the era’s most enduring works, from sonnets to satirical prose. Quevedo’s blend of political engagement and literary innovation influenced Spanish letters for centuries.

Born in 1905 in Thurleston, Denys Watkins-Pitchford wrote and illustrated over thirty books for young readers. Publishing under the pen name 'BB', he gained acclaim for The Little Grey Men, a classic tale of gnomes in the English countryside. His evocative watercolor illustrations and lyrical prose captured the beauty of nature. Watkins-Pitchford won the inaugural Carnegie Medal in 1936 for his contributions to children's literature. Beyond writing, he was an avid naturalist and angler, advocating for conservation of wildlife. He died in 1990, remembered as a cherished figure in British children's books.

Derek Taylor was an influential English journalist, writer, and publicist best known for his work with The Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and the Beach Boys. He served as the official press officer for The Beatles, shaping their public image during the height of Beatlemania. Taylor co-founded American magazine Rolling Stone and authored several books, including A Case History and Fifty-Sixty. His warm personality and insightful commentary made him a sought-after figure in the music industry. Taylor helped bridge British and American pop culture in the 1960s, leaving a lasting impact on music journalism. He continued to write and consult for artists until his death, celebrated for his wit and literary flair.

Born Louis Thomas Hardin, Moondog was a blind musician whose unconventional attire and unique compositions earned him the nickname 'The Viking of 6th Avenue' in New York City. He blended elements of jazz, classical, and Native American rhythms to create hypnotic minimalistic music. Moondog performed on street corners, captivating passersby with his homemade percussion instruments and chant-like vocals. He recorded over a dozen albums, influencing composers such as Philip Glass and Steve Reich. Moondog's poetry often explored themes of nature and spirituality, complementing his musical innovation. Later in life, he lived in Germany, where he continued to compose and publish his work until his death. Today, Moondog's legacy endures as a pioneer of minimalist and experimental music.

William Edwin Ricker was a prominent Canadian entomologist and ecologist whose research laid the foundation for modern fisheries science. He introduced the Ricker model in 1954, a mathematical model that describes how fish populations change over time. Ricker served as a professor at the University of British Columbia and later became Director of the Pacific Biological Station. His work combined rigorous field studies with quantitative analysis, influencing conservation and harvesting policies worldwide. As an author, he published numerous papers and books on applied ecology and population theory. Ricker's legacy continues through ongoing use of his models and methods in resource management. He was awarded the Order of Canada for his contributions to science and society.

Frank Thomas was a legendary American animator and one of Walt Disney Animation Studios' famed 'Nine Old Men.' He contributed to the creation of iconic characters such as Snow White, Cinderella, and The Jungle Book. Thomas was renowned for his skill in drawing expressive characters and timing comedic sequences, elevating animation to a sophisticated art form. Beyond animation, he lent his voice to various Disney projects and co-authored the influential book Disney Animation: The Illusion of Life. His work earned him multiple awards and inspired animators worldwide. Thomas later documented his experiences and insights, preserving the history of Disney's creative golden age. His teachings continue to guide new generations of animators in understanding the principles of movement and emotion.

Donald Horne was a prominent Australian journalist, academic, and social critic whose work shaped public discourse in the mid-20th century. He authored The Lucky Country (1964), a seminal critique of Australian society that sparked national debate. Horne served as a lecturer and later professor at the University of New England and held editorial roles at several newspapers and magazines. His writings explored politics, culture, and identity, blending scholarly analysis with accessible prose. Horne also contributed to television as a trusted political commentator and chaired cultural organizations. His legacy endures through his sharp insights into Australian life and his advocacy for national creativity and innovation. Horne's work continues to inspire writers and thinkers interested in societal change.

Born in London in 1915, Hilda Bernstein moved to South Africa where she became a leading anti-apartheid activist alongside her husband, Rusty Bernstein. She was arrested under the Suppression of Communism Act and spent time in prison before being forced into exile in 1960. In exile, she documented her experiences in her acclaimed memoir 'The World That Was Ours', which brought global attention to the injustices of apartheid. Bernstein continued her writing and activism for decades, speaking at conferences and supporting human rights causes. Her work inspired generations of activists and writers interested in social justice and political freedom. She passed away in 2006 at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy of courageous resistance and powerful storytelling.

Vincent Serventy dedicated his life to studying birds and promoting environmental awareness across Australia. Born in 1916, he authored over 30 books on wildlife and presented popular nature documentaries for television. He co-founded the Australian Conservation Foundation in 1965, advocating for the protection of native habitats and species. His research and public outreach helped raise awareness of ecological issues long before conservation became mainstream. Serventy remained active in environmental education until his death in 2007, inspiring future generations of naturalists.

Joost Zwagerman was a Dutch novelist, poet, and essayist born in 1963 in Alkmaar. He published his first novel at 21 and gained acclaim with works like Vals licht and Gimmick! His writing blended fiction with cultural critique and often examined Dutch society. He was a prominent columnist for Vrij Nederland and a sought-after public speaker. Zwagerman's insightful commentary and poetic style made him one of the Netherlands' most influential literary figures until his death by suicide in 2015.

Jerry Pournelle was an American science fiction writer and journalist born in 1933. He authored numerous novels, often collaborating with Larry Niven on works like The Mote in God's Eye and Lucifer's Hammer. Pournelle was also a respected columnist for BYTE magazine, where he wrote about technology, computing, and public policy. His clear writing style and insightful predictions earned him a dedicated readership in both literary and technical circles. Pournelle's career spanned over five decades before his death in 2017.