September 16

Born Anne Dudley in Northampton, England, in 1612, Anne Bradstreet emigrated to the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1630 with her Puritan family. She married Simon Bradstreet and balanced her roles as wife and mother with writing poetry that explored faith, domestic life, and personal reflection. In 1650, her work The Tenth Muse Lately Sprung Up in America became the first book of poetry published by a woman in the English colonies. Her verse offered rare insight into colonial society from a woman's perspective and influenced future American literature. Bradstreet died in Andover, Massachusetts, on 16 September 1672, leaving a pioneering literary legacy.

Born in 1814 in Mallow, Davis studied law but turned to writing to advance Irish self-determination. In 1842, he co-founded The Nation newspaper, using it as a platform to promote Irish culture, language, and political autonomy. His poetry, including iconic works like 'A Nation Once Again,' captured the aspirations of the Irish people for freedom. Davis organized the Young Ireland movement, advocating peaceful reform and cultural revival amid British rule. Although he died young in 1845, his writings endured, fueling later generations of Irish nationalists.

Born in London in 1840, Whymper became one of the most celebrated alpinists of the 19th century. In 1865 he led the first successful ascent of the Matterhorn, though the descent tragically claimed four lives. He explored peaks across the Alps and Patagonia, mapping routes and advancing mountaineering techniques. Whymper authored influential accounts such as "Scrambles Amongst the Alps," inspiring generations of climbers. He spent his later years lecturing and guiding expeditions until his death in 1911.

Richard Brautigan (1935–1984) was an American writer whose whimsical and surreal style captured the spirit of the Beat and countercultural movements. His debut novel, 'Trout Fishing in America' (1967), became a cult classic that blended prose, poetry, and social commentary. Brautigan lived much of his life in San Francisco, contributing to underground magazines and influencing writers like Tom Robbins. His other works include 'In Watermelon Sugar' and 'The Hawkline Monster,' showcasing his imaginative narratives. Despite early success, his later years were marked by struggle with alcoholism and depression. He died by suicide in 1984, leaving behind a unique body of work that continues to resonate with readers.

Born Kath Walker in 1920, she published the groundbreaking poetry collection We Are Going in 1964. As a member of the Queensland Aborigines Advancement League, she campaigned tirelessly for Indigenous rights. In 1970 she was appointed an OBE, later returning the honor in protest against government policies. She adopted the name Oodgeroo Noonuccal in 1988 to honor her cultural heritage. Her work inspired generations and remains a touchstone in Australian literature until her death in 1993.

Born in 1954 in the Bronx, Donaghy moved to London to pursue music and poetry. He published acclaimed collections such as Errata and Conjure, earning the T.S. Eliot Prize. His poems are noted for their musicality, wit, and philosophical depth. A respected workshop leader, he influenced a generation of British poets. Donaghy died suddenly of a heart attack in 2004, leaving a lasting impact on contemporary poetry.

Born James Oliver Rigney Jr., Robert Jordan began his career as an aerospace engineer before turning to writing full time. He published his first novel, The Fallon Blood, in 1986 but achieved worldwide fame with the launch of The Eye of the World in 1990. Over the next two decades, he expanded the Wheel of Time saga to fourteen main books, blending intricate world-building with epic storytelling. Jordan’s meticulous plotting and richly detailed cultures garnered a devoted fanbase and solidified his place in fantasy literature. He served two tours of duty during the Vietnam War, experiences that influenced his portrayal of conflict and camaraderie. Jordan passed away in 2007, leaving behind one of the most celebrated series in modern fantasy.

Born in 1928, Edward Albee became a leading figure in American theater with his bold narratives. His breakthrough play, 'The Zoo Story,' premiered in 1959 and showcased his talent for sharp dialogue. Albee's most famous work, 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?', earned him a Pulitzer Prize in 1963. Over his career, he received multiple Pulitzer Prizes, a Tony Award, and a National Medal of Arts. Known for his explorations of existential angst, mortality, and social facades. He influenced generations of playwrights before his death in 2016.

Born in 1935 in Edmonton, Canada, W. P. Kinsella traveled extensively before settling in the United States. His debut novel, 'Shoeless Joe,' combined baseball folklore with magical realism and became a bestseller. The novel was adapted into the acclaimed film 'Field of Dreams' in 1989, bringing Kinsella widespread fame. He wrote several other novels and short story collections exploring First Nations life and baseball themes. Known for his lyrical prose and imaginative storytelling, Kinsella earned a dedicated readership. He died in 2016, leaving a legacy as one of the most beloved sports novelists.