September 20

He flourished during the transition from Later Silla to Goryeo, serving as a court official and producing poetry that reflected the era's cultural shifts. His work exemplifies the refined literary style of the time, blending Chinese poetic forms with native themes. Though few of his poems survive, they reveal his skill in portraying nature and courtly life. He held various governmental posts, where he gained respect for both his writings and his service. Kyunyeo is remembered as one of the earliest Korean poets whose work influenced subsequent generations. His legacy endures in anthologies that celebrate the literary achievements of the Goryeo dynasty.

Kate Harrington was born in Massachusetts in 1831 and became a respected teacher and poet. She contributed poems and essays to publications such as The Atlantic Monthly and Harper's Weekly, gaining popularity for her sentimental and moral themes. As an educator, she taught in public schools and led initiatives to improve literacy and curriculum for girls. Harrington published several collections of verse that reflected domestic life, nature, and faith. Her work resonated with readers in post-Civil War America, offering comfort and reflection. She died in 1917, leaving a legacy as both a regional literary voice and a pioneer in women's education.

Henry Arthur Jones wrote popular stage plays that addressed moral and social issues of his time. His works such as 'The Silver King' and 'The Middleman' were performed across the British Isles and America. Jones combined sharp wit with moral inquiry, exploring themes of class conflict, integrity, and societal change. He served as a drama critic for London newspapers, influencing public opinion on theatrical productions. His plays bridged melodrama and realism, contributing to the evolution of modern drama. Jones continued to write and lecture on theatre until his death in 1929.

Born in 1878, Upton Sinclair emerged as a leading figure in American literature and social reform. His 1906 novel The Jungle exposed deplorable conditions in the meatpacking industry, spurring public outrage and legislative action. Sinclair's prolific output spanned novels, essays, and critiques, addressing issues from labor rights to political corruption. Awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 1943 for Dragon's Teeth, he also pursued a political career, including a run for California governor in 1934. Renowned for his commitment to social justice, Sinclair's works remain influential in literature and progressive thought.

Born in 1884, Maxwell Perkins became one of the most influential literary editors of the 20th century. As a senior editor at Charles Scribner’s Sons, he discovered and mentored authors including F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, and Thomas Wolfe. Perkins guided Fitzgerald through the creation of The Great Gatsby, shaping it into a timeless classic. Known for his keen editorial eye and supportive approach, he balanced commercial interests with artistic integrity. His legacy endures in the enduring works of the authors he championed.

Born in 1886, Charles Williams was a British writer and member of the Inklings alongside C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. His novels, such as The Place of the Lion and Descent into Hell, blend fantasy and theology in gripping narratives. Williams also wrote influential poetry and literary criticism, exploring themes of spiritual conflict and power. As an editor for the Oxford University Press, he championed modern poetry. His unique fusion of mysticism and suspense has earned him a lasting place in 20th-century English literature.

Stevie Smith was an English writer best known for her distinctive verse and novels. Her poem 'Not Waving but Drowning' became an enduring piece of 20th-century literature. Smith's writing combined childlike simplicity with sharp wit, exploring themes of identity and mortality. She published several novels, including 'Novel on Yellow Paper,' showcasing her playful yet poignant narrative style. Smith was a prominent figure in postwar British literary circles. Her work continues to be studied for its unique voice and emotional depth.

James Bernard was born in 1925 in London and studied at the Royal College of Music. He became the principal composer for Hammer Film Productions in the late 1950s. His dramatic and innovative scores for films such as "Dracula" and "The Curse of Frankenstein" defined the studio's sound. Bernard's use of powerful orchestration and haunting melodies influenced generations of film composers. In addition to film, he wrote concert works and chamber music. He passed away in 2001, leaving a legacy as one of Britain's foremost horror composers.

Red Mitchell was born in 1927 in New York City and began playing bass in his teens. He became known for his melodic approach to the double bass and harmonic innovation. Mitchell collaborated with jazz greats including Ornette Coleman, Billie Holiday, and the Modern Jazz Quartet. He composed original works and led his own ensembles, recording extensively as a bandleader. A talented poet, he published several volumes of verse reflecting on music and life. Mitchell spent his later years living in Sweden before his death in 1992, leaving a lasting legacy in jazz.

Alberto de Lacerda was born in Mozambique and became a prominent poet writing in Portuguese. His poetry collections explored themes of exile, identity, and the landscapes of his childhood. In the 1950s, he moved to London and joined the BBC Portuguese Service as a radio host. He collaborated with literary journals and influenced a generation of Lusophone poets. De Lacerda’s work is celebrated for its musicality, imagery, and reflective tone. He received literary awards in Portugal and Angola for his contributions to poetry. His legacy endures through his published collections and radio broadcasts that introduced Portuguese literature to a wider audience.

Donald Hall was an American poet who served as Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress from 2006 to 2007. He authored more than thirty volumes of poetry, fiction, and essays over his six-decade career. Hall’s work often drew on his experiences growing up on a New England farm. He edited numerous anthologies, including 'The Best American Poetry' series. As a critic, he wrote insightful commentary on contemporary literature. His writing is marked by its clarity, humor, and emotional depth. Hall’s contributions greatly shaped American poetry and literary criticism.

Anne Meara was an American actress, comedian, and writer who rose to fame in the 1960s. Together with her husband Jerry Stiller, she formed the comedy duo Stiller and Meara. The pair became television stars with appearances on variety shows and sitcoms. Meara also enjoyed a successful acting career in film and on Broadway. She wrote several plays and television scripts showcasing her sharp comedic voice. As a mother of actor Ben Stiller, she influenced a new generation of performers. Her legacy endures in her groundbreaking work as a female comedian in a male-dominated field.