September 20

Born in 1558 into the gentry of Hampshire, Tichborne became involved in Catholic plots against Elizabeth I’s Protestant government. Arrested alongside Anthony Babington in 1586, he faced execution for his role in the conspiracy. During his imprisonment, he penned the haunting 'Elegy', reflecting on youth, destiny, and mortality. Though his literary output was limited, this single poem has endured as a masterpiece of Elizabethan verse. Tichborne was executed at Tyburn at just 28 years old. His life and final testament capture the era’s fraught blend of faith, politics, and artistry.

Born in Lübeck in 1555, Meibom studied at the universities of Helmstedt and Jena, where he distinguished himself in classical learning. He served as a professor of history at Helmstedt, producing influential works on medieval German emperors. Alongside his academic pursuits, he composed Latin verse praised for its lyrical quality and erudition. Meibom’s blend of rigorous historiography with poetic expression made him a notable figure of the German Renaissance. His writings remained reference points for historians and humanists well into the 17th century. He died in 1625, leaving a legacy of scholarship and literary finesse.

Theodor Fontane was a German author and poet born in 1819 who became a leading figure of literary realism. His most famous novel, Effi Briest, explores the constraints of social conventions in Prussian society through a tragic heroine. Fontane also worked as a journalist and travel writer, producing vivid accounts of European landscapes and cultures. His clear prose style and insightful character studies earned him enduring acclaim. Fontane’s body of work includes poetry that captures the emotional subtleties of human experience. He died in 1898, and his novels and poems remain central to German literature and are regularly studied and adapted.

William Seabrook (1884–1945) was an American journalist, travel writer, and occult researcher noted for his adventurous spirit. Educated at Harvard, he traveled widely throughout West Africa, the Caribbean, and Europe to investigate spiritual practices and taboo customs. His 1929 book, The Magic Island, introduced the concept of zombies to Western audiences and remains a cult classic. Seabrook's vivid prose blended journalistic observation with personal confessions of his struggles with alcoholism and experimentation with occult rituals. He also covered European fascism and jihad among Algerians as a reporter, providing insightful first-hand accounts. His willingness to immerse himself in the unknown cemented his reputation as one of the era's most daring writers.

Born in 1900 in Smyrna, Seferis studied law and literature in Athens and Paris. As a diplomat, he served in various European capitals, reflecting on exile and homeland in his poetry. His lyrical style blended classical Greek themes with modernist sensibilities. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1963, becoming the first Greek writer to receive the honor. His work has had a lasting impact on 20th-century poetry until his death in 1971.

Born in 1903, Simon studied literature and history at the Sorbonne. He became a prolific author, publishing essays, novels, and critical studies that examined French intellectual life. His works explored themes of humanism, morality, and the intersection of history and literature. He held academic positions and contributed to leading literary journals. Simon remained an influential voice in French letters until his death in 1972.

Born Alexis Leger in 1887, he pursued a diplomatic career that took him across Europe and the Americas. Writing under the pseudonym Saint-John Perse, he produced richly textured poetry addressing exile, nature, and cosmopolitanism. His major works include 'Anabase' and 'Exil,' blending classical references with modern themes. He received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1960, recognized for his poetic imagination and mastery of language. He lived in exile during World War II and continued writing until his passing in 1975.

Born in 1924, Stewart began his career writing comedy for radio and television. He wrote the book for 'Bye Bye Birdie,' earning a Tony Award and launching a string of Broadway hits. His credits include 'Hello, Dolly!,' 'Carnival!,' and other enduring musicals. He collaborated with leading composers and lyricists to shape the Golden Age of Broadway. Stewart's clever dialogue and strong characters left a lasting mark on American musical theatre until his death in 1987.

Richard H. Cracroft was born in 1936 and served as a professor of English at Brigham Young University for over four decades. He specialized in Mormon and Western American literature, publishing numerous books and essays that shaped the study of religious fiction. Cracroft was the founding editor of BYU Studies and served as president of the Association for Mormon Letters. His works include critical studies and anthologies that remain influential in academic circles. An engaging lecturer and mentor, he guided generations of students until his passing in 2012.

Tereska Torrès was born in Warsaw in 1920 and joined the Free French Forces as an auxiliary nurse during World War II. Her memoir 'Women's Barracks', published in 1950, offered a candid portrayal of women's experiences in military service and became an international bestseller. Torrès continued her literary career with novels and essays exploring themes of identity and resilience. She was celebrated for giving voice to women's wartime stories and influencing post-war French literature. Torrès passed away in 2012, leaving behind a legacy of pioneering wartime writing.

Curtis Hanson began his career writing and directing low-budget thrillers before breaking through with the 1997 neo-noir classic 'L.A. Confidential', which earned him an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. Born in Reno in 1945, he displayed a passion for tightly woven narratives and complex characters. Hanson’s versatility shone in films like 'The Hand That Rocks the Cradle', 'Wonder Boys', and '8 Mile', blending suspense with deep human drama. His direction combined meticulous attention to period detail with a modern sensibility, garnering critical and commercial acclaim. Over a career spanning four decades, he solidified his reputation as a master storyteller in Hollywood. He passed away on September 20, 2016, leaving a lasting impact on American cinema.