September 23

Al-Mutanabbi (915-965) is widely regarded as one of the greatest classical Arabic poets. Born in Kufa, he served various patrons across the Middle East, including the Hamdanid emir Sayf al-Dawla. His poetry is admired for its rich language, bold imagery, and philosophical insight. Al-Mutanabbi's panegyrics and satirical verses capture the political and cultural currents of his era. He was killed in 965 during a tribal raid near Baghdad, leaving a legacy that influenced generations of Arabic literature.

Snorri Sturluson (1178-1241) was a prominent Icelandic chieftain, historian, and skald. He authored the Prose Edda, a foundational work for Norse mythology, and the Heimskringla, a history of Norwegian kings. His detailed sagas preserved key narratives of Viking Age Scandinavia and influenced later literature. As a political leader, he served as lawspeaker of the Icelandic Althing and was involved in power struggles. Snorri's scholarly and literary contributions cemented his legacy as one of medieval Europe's most important writers. He was assassinated in 1241 amid regional conflicts over Norwegian influence in Iceland.

Pontus de Tyard was born in 1521 in Bissy-sur-Fley, France. He became a priest and notable poet associated with the Pléiade, a group of Renaissance humanists. His poetry blended classical forms with French vernacular and advocated for poetic innovation. Tyard also wrote on philosophy and medicine, reflecting the era's interdisciplinary spirit. He taught rhetoric and remained influential in French literary circles until his death in 1605.

Valentin Conrart was born in 1603 in Privas, France. He gained prominence as a literary salon host and author of memoirs reflecting on court life. He helped organize gatherings in 1634 that led to the founding of the Académie française by Cardinal Richelieu in 1635. Conrart served as its first perpetual secretary and shaped its early statutes. He remained active in the academy until his death in 1675, leaving a legacy in French literary culture.

Robert Dodsley was born in 1703 in Mansfield, England. He began his career as a footman before becoming a successful bookseller and publisher in London. Dodsley published works by leading writers such as Samuel Johnson and Alexander Pope, and ran a literary club that influenced the period. He authored poems and plays, including 'The Toy Shop' and 'Cleone', earning respect as a writer. Dodsley's contributions to the London book trade and literary culture continued until his death in 1764.

Born in London in 1824, Wilkie Collins began his literary career collaborating with Charles Dickens before emerging as a leading novelist in his own right. His works 'The Woman in White' and 'The Moonstone' are considered among the first modern detective novels, blending suspense with psychological insight. Collins also wrote numerous plays, essays, and short stories, often addressing social issues such as women's rights and legal reform. His innovative narrative techniques influenced the development of the mystery genre. Collins died in 1889, leaving a lasting legacy in English literature.

Elinor Glyn (1864–1943) was a British novelist, screenwriter, and film producer best known for her scandalous romantic novels and the term "it" to describe charismatic allure. Born into an aristocratic family, she wrote bestselling works like Three Weeks, pushing early 20th-century morality boundaries. Glyn moved to Hollywood in the 1920s, writing and producing films that captured her sensuous style. Her work influenced modern romantic storytelling and helped shape the romantic film genre. Glyn's flamboyant personality and marketing savvy made her a celebrity in both London and Hollywood. Her legacy endures in both literature and cinema.

Jakob Schaffner (1875–1944) was a Swiss writer and literary critic known for his novels depicting rural life and exploring Swiss identity. Writing in both Swiss German dialect and standard German, he brought authenticity to his characters. His notable works include Regimentsjunge and Ulrich Zwingli, which combine historical narrative with social commentary. Schaffner also penned essays on literature and culture, influencing contemporary literary discourse. His nuanced portrayal of local customs and national consciousness remains significant in European literature studies.

Born Ricardo Eliécer Neftalí Reyes Basoalto in 1904, Neruda published his first book of poems at age 19 and adopted his pen name shortly after. His early works embraced modernist and surrealist styles, while later collections like "Twenty Love Poems and a Song of Despair" achieved global acclaim. Neruda served as a Chilean diplomat in Europe and Asia, experiences that enriched his poetic imagery and worldview. He entered politics, aligning with the Communist Party, and held positions as a senator and representative, championing social justice. His epic work "Canto General" reflected his deep connection to Latin American history and identity. In 1971, Neruda was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for his lyrical poetry that celebrates the human condition. He died in 1973, days after the military coup in Chile, leaving a legacy as one of the 20th century's greatest poets.

Born in 1899 on Coast Salish territory, Chief Dan George became a respected leader of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation. He began acting later in life and earned an Academy Award nomination for his performance in the 1970 film Little Big Man. As a writer and poet, he published several works that explored Indigenous identity and advocated for Native rights. George used his public profile to speak out on issues facing First Nations communities across Canada. His eloquent speeches and literary contributions helped raise awareness of Indigenous cultural heritage. Today, he is remembered as a trailblazing figure in both cinema and advocacy.

Born in 1912 in Hungary, Tibor Sekelj dedicated much of his life to exploring remote regions, including Patagonia and the Amazon. He documented indigenous cultures and collected folk tales, sharing them with a global audience through his books. As an advocate for Esperanto, Sekelj served as vice-president of the Universal Esperanto Association and promoted international communication. His travel writings combined ethnographic insight with engaging storytelling, making distant lands accessible to readers. Sekelj’s work inspired future explorers and language enthusiasts alike. He left behind a rich legacy of adventure literature and cultural understanding.

Ivar Ivask was born in 1927 in Estonia and later moved to the United States, where he became a respected literary scholar. He taught at several universities and edited journals dedicated to world literature and poetry. As a poet, Ivask published collections that reflected themes of exile and identity. His academic essays and editorial work helped introduce Estonian literature to an international audience. Ivask’s dual role as creator and critic cemented his reputation in both scholarly and poetic circles.