September 14

Francisco de Quevedo (1580–1645) was a master of Baroque poetry, known for his elaborate metaphors and linguistic virtuosity. He wrote powerful satires critiquing corruption, social abuses, and moral hypocrisy in 17th-century Spain. Quevedo served in various political roles and often found himself embroiled in court intrigues and rivalries. His most famous works include Los Sueños and numerous sonnets that display both humor and profundity. Despite periods of imprisonment and exile, his literary output remained prolific and influential. Today, Quevedo is celebrated as one of Spain's greatest writers and a pioneer of literary satire.

Thomas Baker (1656–1746) devoted his life to documenting the history of the University of Oxford. His extensive manuscripts cover the origins, statutes, and benefactors of various colleges. Baker's meticulous research preserved records that might have otherwise been lost during periods of upheaval. He was also an avid collector of books and antiquities, contributing to several libraries. Although many of his works remained unpublished in his lifetime, they have since been edited and released by scholars. His histories remain an important source for understanding the evolution of English higher education.

Mary Hall Barrett Adams served as an editor for several Boston publishing houses, overseeing the preparation of novels, essays, and educational texts. Her extensive correspondence reveals insights into the intellectual and social dynamics of antebellum America. Adams maintained letters with prominent authors and thinkers of her day, discussing literary trends and social issues. She advocated for higher standards in publishing and contributed prefaces and editorial notes that shaped public reception of new works. Though lesser known today, her role in the literary community influenced both authors and publishers. Adams passed away in 1860, leaving behind a valuable archive of correspondence.

Lola Rodríguez de Tió began publishing poetry in the 1860s, using her verse to demand the end of slavery in Puerto Rico. She penned stirring lyrics for early versions of La Borinqueña, the Puerto Rican anthem. Exiled multiple times for her outspoken views, she continued her activism in Cuba and New York, inspiring fellow colonial reformers. Rodríguez de Tió championed women's education and legal equality, addressing both issues in her essays and public speeches. Her literary salons nurtured a generation of Puerto Rican writers and political thinkers. She returned to Puerto Rico late in life, leaving a rich legacy as a poet and advocate for social justice before her death in 1924.

Hamlin Garland was born in 1860 in Wisconsin and grew up on the American frontier, experiences that inspired much of his writing. He first gained acclaim with the short story collection Main-Travelled Roads (1891), which depicted the struggles of pioneer farmers. Over his career, he published novels, poetry, essays, and short stories that challenged romanticized visions of rural life. His memoirs, including A Daughter of the Middle Border, earned him the 1922 Pulitzer Prize for Biography or Autobiography. An advocate for social reform, he wrote essays on labor rights and agrarian issues. Garland remained active in literary circles until his death in 1940, influencing generations of writers with his commitment to realism.

Théodore Botrel was born in 1868 in Dinan, France, and began his career as a poet and playwright before turning to songwriting. He found fame with songs like 'La Paimpolaise' and 'Le Petit Matelot,' which romanticized Breton culture and rural life. During World War I, he composed patriotic anthems that boosted French morale on the front lines. Botrel toured extensively as a performer, earning the title 'Chanteur de la Bretagne' for his homage to his native region. He also wrote plays and published poetry collections, contributing to the revival of regional languages and traditions. Botrel's work remained popular until his death in 1925 and continues to be celebrated in Brittany today.

Born in 1903 in the rural village of Kivilõppe, Raud emerged as a leading voice among Estonia’s interwar literary circles. His poetry collections explored the interplay between Estonia’s pastoral landscapes and the inner lives of its people. Raud published novels and essays that reflected on social change and the preservation of national identity. During Soviet occupation, he continued to write, navigating censorship while maintaining poetic integrity. His influence endures through his lyrical contributions to Estonian literature and his role in fostering later generations of writers.

Born in St. Petersburg in 1907, Ivask emigrated to the United States in the wake of the Russian Revolution. He earned a doctorate in Slavic studies and joined the faculty of the University of California, Santa Barbara. Ivask authored influential analyses of Russian poetry and edited the bilingual literary journal Novy Zhurnal. As a poet himself, he penned lyrical works that bridged Russian and American cultural themes. His dual career as critic and creative writer made him a vital figure in emigre literature until his death in 1986.

Armstrong began his career as a teacher before turning to writing. His 1969 novel 'Sounder' won the Newbery Medal for its moving portrayal of an African American sharecropper family. He published numerous books focusing on moral themes and educational insights. A dedicated educator, he also worked on school administration and curriculum development. His writings continue to be used in classrooms for their literary and ethical depth. He passed away in 1999, leaving a legacy as both an influential teacher and writer.

Bentley moved to the United States in the 1930s and became a leading voice in dramatic criticism. He founded the influential magazine 'Theatre Today', promoting avant-garde and political theater. He wrote original plays and translated Bertolt Brecht's works, shaping their reception in English-speaking countries. As a singer of art songs, he performed recitals that blended performance and analysis. His academic career included tenures at Columbia University and Yale School of Drama. He received numerous honors for his scholarship and passed away in 2020, leaving a profound impact on theatrical arts.

Mario Benedetti (1920–2009) was one of Uruguay's most prolific authors and a key voice in Latin American literature. He wrote novels, short stories, poems, and essays, with his novel The Truce (1960) achieving international acclaim. Benedetti's writings often explored themes of exile and political oppression following his forced departure from Uruguay. He contributed to newspapers and magazines, blending journalism with literary artistry. His work has been translated into multiple languages and continues to resonate worldwide.

Alfred Käärmann served with distinction in the Estonian military before turning to writing as a way to preserve wartime memories. His books and memoirs offer candid accounts of military life, combat, and the personal impact of conflict. Käärmann’s dual roles as soldier and author gave him unique insight into both strategy and human experience. His writings continue to be valued by historians and readers interested in 20th-century European history. He is remembered for his honest storytelling and dedication to recording the past.