September 22

Born in 1480 in a Telugu-speaking region, Tenali Rama rose to prominence in the early 16th century as part of King Krishnadevaraya’s inner circle. Renowned for his sharp wit and clever solutions, he entertained the court with humorous anecdotes and composed devotional and political poetry. His tales, blending folklore and moral lessons, remain a popular feature of South Indian storytelling traditions. As an able diplomat, he reputedly resolved disputes using ingenuity rather than force. He died in 1528, leaving a legacy celebrated in literature and popular culture across India.

Born in 1680 near Hamburg, Brockes studied law but devoted much of his life to poetry and translation. His poetic collection Irdisches Vergnügen in Gott celebrated the beauty of nature through vivid imagery and reflective verse. He also translated English works, including plays by Shakespeare and poems by Phaedrus, introducing them to German audiences. Brockes was a key figure in the early Enlightenment, influencing later movements such as Sturm und Drang. He died in 1747, leaving behind a body of work that shaped German literary taste.

Quintin Craufurd (1743–1819) was a Scottish author, collector, and confidant of the French court during the reign of Louis XV. After moving to Paris, he amassed a celebrated library and corresponded with leading intellectuals of the Enlightenment. Craufurd served as secretary to the British ambassador in Versailles, granting him unique insights into courtly life. He published historical works, including studies on the Bastille and the House of Hanover. Known for his refined tastes and engaging salons, he hosted gatherings that attracted writers, diplomats, and nobles. Throughout political upheavals, Craufurd remained a cultured figure, blending Scottish heritage with French elegance.

Elizabeth Simcoe (1762–1850) was an English-Canadian painter and author celebrated for her watercolor landscapes of Upper Canada. As the wife of John Graves Simcoe, the first Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada, she traveled widely to document colonial life and Indigenous communities. Her journals and sketches provide valuable insights into the founding of Toronto and Kingston. Simcoe's artistic style combined topographical accuracy with artistic flourish, capturing the natural beauty of the Canadian wilderness. She authored "Reminiscences of Upper Canada," which remains a key source for historians. Simcoe's contributions helped shape the cultural and historical record of early Canada.

Born in 1841 in Vitebsk Governorate, Pumpurs joined the Russian imperial army. He served in the Caucasus and Crimea, gaining military experience. Inspired by Latvian folklore, he began writing poetry in the 1870s. His epic "Lāčplēsis" (The Bear Slayer) became a cornerstone of Latvian national identity. The work combined myth, history, and patriotism, inspiring the Latvian awakening. Pumpurs also collected folk songs and promoted Latvian culture under Tsarist rule. He died in 1902, revered as a literary figure and national symbol.

Ferenc Oslay was born in 1883 in the multiethnic region between Hungary and Slovenia. He devoted his career to researching and writing about the cultural and political history of Central Europe. Oslay published several monographs and articles that shed light on the diverse heritage of Slovene communities within the Austro-Hungarian Empire. His literary works combined historical scholarship with a compelling narrative style, making complex topics accessible to a wide audience. He also translated key historical texts into local languages to promote cross-cultural understanding. Oslay died in 1932, leaving behind a body of work that continues to influence regional historiography.

Born Urie Zvi Grunberg in Brody, Galicia, Greenberg began publishing poetry as a teenager and quickly gained recognition for his passionate modernist style. After serving in the Polish army, he immigrated to British Mandate Palestine in the 1920s and became a prominent figure in the Revisionist Zionist movement. Greenberg edited influential newspapers, using journalism to advocate for Jewish national aspirations. His poetry collections, including Anthology of Hate and At the Top of the Mount, explore themes of exile, identity, and collective memory. He blended biblical allusions with avant-garde techniques, impacting Hebrew literature deeply. Greenberg received the Israel Prize for literature in 1957 and continued writing until his death. He remains celebrated for his unflinching voice and literary innovation.

Born in 1908 in Russia, Slobodkina emigrated to the United States in 1923. She co-founded the American Abstract Artists group, promoting modern art in New York City. Her 1940 book Caps for Sale became a classic of children’s literature, beloved for its repetitive prose and whimsical illustrations. She illustrated numerous books for children and adults, showcasing a distinctive, playful style. Throughout her career, she exhibited paintings and sculptures in galleries across the U.S. She died in 2002, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire artists and readers.

György Faludy was born in 1910 in Budapest and became one of Hungary's most influential literary figures. He survived World War II and Communist persecution, experiences he recounted in the acclaimed memoir "My Happy Days in Hell." Faludy's poetry combined classical form with modern sensibilities, often addressing themes of freedom and human dignity. After years in exile, he returned to Hungary in 1988 and continued to publish until his death. His work has been translated into multiple languages, earning him international recognition as both a poet and essayist.

Dannie Abse was born in 1923 in Cardiff and trained as a physician while nurturing his passion for writing. His poetry, noted for its emotional depth and vivid imagery, often reflected his experiences in medicine and personal life. Over his career, he published more than 20 poetry collections and several novels, receiving accolades such as the Cholmondeley Award. Abse also wrote memoirs and radio dramas for the BBC, exploring themes of identity, history, and society. He balanced his medical practice with literary pursuits, creating a unique fusion of art and science. Abse remained a prominent voice in British literature until his death in 2014.

Charles Keeping was born in 1924 in London and studied at Goldsmiths College before launching his illustration career. He won the prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal twice for his innovative and bold designs in children's books. Keeping's distinctive pen-and-ink drawings and vibrant color palettes redefined visual storytelling in works such as 'The Snow Bear' and his own retelling of Dickens' 'Oliver Twist'. He wrote and illustrated original stories that combined social realism with imaginative flair. Keeping also created dust jackets and artwork for a wide range of publications, influencing generations of artists. His legacy endures in the enduring popularity of his illustrated editions and graphic novels.

Rosamunde Pilcher was born in 1924 in Cornwall and became a bestselling author renowned for her sweeping romantic sagas. Her novels, often set against the rugged landscapes of the Cornish coast, explored themes of love, family ties, and personal growth. 'The Shell Seekers', published in 1987, earned international acclaim and was adapted into television films. Pilcher's warm storytelling and richly drawn characters garnered a devoted global readership and multiple literary awards. Several of her works were adapted for the small screen, further amplifying her popularity. She continued to write well into her eighties, leaving a lasting legacy in contemporary women's fiction.