September 25

Jakushitsu Genkō (1290–1367) was a Rinzai Zen Buddhist monk celebrated for his poetry and mastery of the shakuhachi bamboo flute. He studied under prominent Zen masters in China before returning to Japan to teach and spread Rinzai teachings. As the first abbot of Eigen-ji temple, he established a major center for Zen practice and learning. His poetic works, composed in both Japanese and Chinese, explore themes of impermanence and enlightenment. Genkō's dual legacy as a spiritual leader and cultural artist left a lasting imprint on Japanese religious and artistic traditions.

Born Jan Everaerts in 1511 in The Hague, he adopted the name Secundus during his studies. He studied at the universities of Leuven and Paris, embracing Renaissance humanism. His most famous work, 'Basia' (Kisses), is a collection of elegantly crafted Latin love poems. He influenced later poets with his vivid imagery and classical allusions. His promising literary career was cut short by his untimely death at age 25 in 1536.

Born in 1575, she was the granddaughter of Margaret Tudor and a potential successor to Elizabeth I. She received a humanist education and became known for her wit and poetry. Her marriage negotiations were central to political intrigue during the Elizabethan court. She wrote letters and poems that reflect her literary talent and courtly insight. Her secret marriage to William Seymour led to her imprisonment in the Tower of London. Her life and writings illustrate the complexities of succession and gender in early modern England.

Born in 1561 as Mary Herbert, she became Countess of Pembroke and patron of the arts. She hosted a renowned literary salon at Wilton House, attracting poets and scholars. She translated the Psalms into English verse, producing a celebrated metrical version. She supported and collaborated with prominent writers like Edmund Spenser. Her own poetry, plays, and letters demonstrate her elegance and intellectual range. Her contributions helped establish a place for women in the English Renaissance literary canon.

Born into a noble family in Bayreuth in 1817, Louise von François began writing at a young age. Her works are celebrated for their deep character studies and realistic portrayal of rural and aristocratic society. She published several novels and stories that explored themes of duty, passion, and social change. François's narrative skill earned her praise among contemporaries for her vivid sense of place and morality. She remained an influential figure in German literature until her death in 1893.

Ring Lardner was born in 1885 and began his career as a sports columnist for The Chicago Tribune. He became famous for his satirical short stories and novellas, especially the fictional letters of baseball pitcher Jack Keefe in You Know Me Al. Lardner’s work captured the vernacular speech and attitudes of early 20th-century America with sharp humor. He also wrote plays, essays, and screenplays, influencing a generation of writers including Ernest Hemingway. Despite struggles with personal tragedy and health, he maintained a prolific output. Lardner’s biting wit and innovation in storytelling have secured his reputation as one of America’s foremost literary humorists.

Born in 1873, Emily Post became the leading voice on social etiquette in the United States after publishing her landmark work 'Etiquette' in 1922. Over her career, she wrote numerous books and columns on manners and social conduct, addressing evolving norms in society. In 1946, she established the Emily Post Institute to continue her legacy and teach etiquette principles to future generations. Her guidance on dining, communication, and civility has endured for over a century. Today, the Emily Post Institute remains a respected authority on proper manners. Post's influence is seen in how modern Americans approach social etiquette.

Born in 1903, Cornell Woolrich wrote under his own name and the pseudonym William Irish, producing hundreds of pulp fiction stories. His gripping tales of mystery and suspense became the basis for numerous Hollywood films, most famously Alfred Hitchcock's 'Rear Window.' Woolrich's protagonists often grapple with fate, obsession, and unexpected twists, making his style a cornerstone of noir fiction. Despite critical acclaim, he led a reclusive life and struggled with depression. His influence on crime literature and film noir endures, with his stories still anthologized today.

Born in 1898, Erich Maria Remarque served briefly in World War I, an experience that profoundly shaped his writing. His first novel, 'All Quiet on the Western Front,' depicted the brutal reality of trench warfare and became a global bestseller upon its 1929 publication. The book won the National Book Award and was adapted into an Academy Award-winning film. Forced into exile by the Nazis, Remarque eventually settled in the United States and continued writing novels and translating works. His later books, such as 'The Road Back' and 'Arch of Triumph,' explored themes of war, loss, and displacement. Remarque's unflinching portrayal of conflict left a lasting legacy on anti-war literature.

Born in Buenos Aires in 1936, Alejandra Pizarnik published her first poems at age 19 and quickly became a leading voice in Latin American literature. Her work, marked by existential themes and vivid imagery, reflected a deep exploration of loneliness and the unconscious mind. Collections such as 'Árbol de Diana' and 'Iluminaciones' solidified her reputation for intense, dreamlike poetry. Pizarnik's life was marked by creative brilliance and personal tragedy, leading to her untimely death at 36. Posthumously, her diaries and letters revealed a turbulent inner world that continues to fascinate readers. Today, she is honored as one of Argentina's most influential modernist poets.

Born in 1883 in Tallinn, Marie Under wrote poetry that blended tradition with modernist experimentation. Her debut collection 'Südame laulud' showcased emotive themes of love, nature, and yearning, establishing her as a leading figure in Estonian literature. Under was part of the Noor-Eesti (Young Estonia) movement, which sought to enrich the cultural landscape of her country. Following the Soviet occupation, she lived in exile in Sweden but continued publishing poetry and essays. Her later work reflected reflections on exile, memory, and cultural identity. Under received numerous honors posthumously, and her poetry remains central to Estonia's literary heritage.

Emlyn Williams was a Welsh dramatist and actor born in 1905, celebrated for his compelling plays and stage performances. His debut play, Night Must Fall (1935), was a theatrical sensation and has been adapted into multiple films. Williams also wrote and starred in The Corn Is Green (1938), drawing on his own experiences growing up in Wales. In addition to his work as a playwright, he enjoyed a successful acting career on stage and screen, known for his intense character portrayals. Williams authored memoirs recounting his theatrical journeys and survived a near-fatal accident in 1937 that fueled his creative spirit. He continued to influence British theatre until his death in 1987.