September 13

Born in 1533 into a wealthy family in southwestern France. Steeped in classical learning, he served as mayor of Bordeaux before retiring to write. His seminal work, Essais (1580), introduced personal reflection and skepticism to literature. Explored themes of human nature, education, and morality with candid introspection. Championed tolerance and moderation during Europe's religious conflicts. His influence endures in philosophy, literature, and the modern essay form.

Born in London in 1704 and educated at Eton and King’s College, Cambridge. Gained a reputation for critical editions of ancient Greek texts. Authored essays and dissertations on rhetoric, poetry, and antiquity. Elected Fellow of the Royal Society for his contributions to classical studies. Explored theological and historical topics in his later writings. His scholarship influenced 18th-century classical learning in Britain and beyond.

Born in Verona in 1718 and educated by the Jesuits before studying in Vienna. Gained renown for his satirical dramas and poetic works in Italian. Engaged in intellectual debates with Voltaire and other European thinkers. Authored critical treatises on poetics and the art of drama. Served as historiographer at the Portuguese court, expanding his literary influence. His critiques and theoretical writings shaped Enlightenment literature in Italy.

Şinasi introduced Western literary forms by translating French works into Ottoman Turkish. He launched one of the first private newspapers in the Ottoman Empire, ushering in modern journalism. As the first Turkish playwright, he wrote dramas that blended European styles with local themes. His innovative approach influenced a generation of Ottoman writers and reformers. Şinasi’s contributions laid the groundwork for the modernization of Turkish literature.

Sen combined lyrical poetry with melodic composition, creating songs that resonated with the public. His works celebrated nature, spirituality, and the early Indian independence movement. Trained as a lawyer, he chose to dedicate his life to literature and music. Sen’s songs influenced the development of modern Bengali musical traditions. His legacy endures in both literary circles and cultural festivals in Bengal.

Writing under the pen name Tom Collins, Furphy captured the spirit of the Australian outback. His novel "Such Is Life" is praised for its humor, realism, and insight into rural life. Furphy’s use of vernacular speech and episodic structure was groundbreaking in Australian literature. He also published poetry and essays reflecting the challenges of frontier existence. Furphy’s work has influenced generations of Australian writers and remains in print today.

Frederic Crowninshield was born in 1845 in Boston, Massachusetts. He studied painting in Paris and Rome, absorbing European artistic traditions. Upon returning to the United States, he became a prominent muralist, decorating churches and public buildings with allegorical works. Crowninshield also authored books on art history and design, including studies of Renaissance masters. In 1893, he helped found the American Society of Mural Painters to promote decorative arts. He taught at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, influencing a generation of American artists. Throughout his career, his fusion of classical techniques and modern sensibilities earned him widespread recognition.

Born Aron Hector Schmitz in 1861 in Trieste, Italo Svevo adopted his pen name to reflect his Italian identity. Although he initially pursued a career in his family's paint business, Svevo cultivated a passion for literature. His early works went largely unnoticed until James Joyce championed him in the 1910s. Svevo's most famous novel, 'Zeno's Conscience,' published in 1923, offers a pioneering exploration of psychological introspection. He continued to write plays and essays while teaching English at a commercial school in Trieste. Svevo's blend of irony, self-analysis, and modernist techniques positioned him as a key figure in 20th-century European literature. He died in a car accident in 1928, leaving a legacy that influenced generations of writers.

Born in Delhi in 1905, Zaheer studied in London before returning to India to challenge colonial and feudal norms through literature. In 1932, he co-founded the Progressive Writers' Association, publishing the controversial anthology Angarey. His essays on class struggle and anti-imperialism made him a leading Marxist intellectual. Arrested in the 1929 Meerut Conspiracy Case, he continued to write upon release, shaping political discourse in pre- and post-independence India. His work remains influential in South Asian literary and philosophical circles.

Born in 1895 in Paris, Rudhyar moved to the United States in the 1920s and established himself as a composer influenced by jazz and Eastern philosophies. He authored over 50 books, including The Astrology of Personality, redefining astrology as a tool for psychological insight and self-realization. Rudhyar's holistic approach blended astrology, mysticism, and art, influencing both spiritual seekers and practitioners. His musical compositions, characterized by unconventional harmonies, reflected his synesthetic vision. Through lectures and workshops, he shaped the practice of contemporary astrology worldwide.

Betty Jeffrey was an Australian nurse who served in military hospitals during World War II. She was captured by Japanese forces and interned in Sumatra as a prisoner of war. After the war, she authored 'White Coolies', a powerful memoir recounting the struggles of Allied nurses in captivity. Her book brought attention to the resilience and courage of women in wartime, becoming a classic of war literature. Jeffrey later worked to support ex-POWs and their families, leaving a lasting impact on nursing history.

William Duckworth was born in 1943 and emerged as a pioneering composer in the postminimalist movement. His 1980 work 'The Time Curve Preludes' is celebrated for blending traditional counterpoint with repetitive structures. Duckworth served as a professor at Oberlin Conservatory, where he mentored a generation of composers. He also wrote extensively on popular music, publishing 'Talking Music' in 1999, which examined the cultural impact of rock and pop. Duckworth explored the integration of digital technology in composition, creating interactive media pieces. His contributions bridged the gap between classical and contemporary musical practices. Duckworth's influence continues to resonate in both concert halls and academic circles.