September 27

Flaminio Scala was a leading figure in the world of Italian theatre during the late Renaissance. He performed with the Gelosi troupe and authored one of the earliest collections of Commedia dell'Arte scenarios, 'Il Teatro delle Favole Rappresentative'. His writings preserved the structure and themes of improvisational theatre for future generations. Scala's work influenced playwrights and actors across Europe. He blended literary skill with practical stagecraft, leaving a lasting mark on theatrical history.

Abraham Gotthelf Kästner was a German mathematician and epigrammatist known for his engaging teaching style. He served as a professor at the University of Göttingen, where he influenced future luminaries like Carl Friedrich Gauss. Kästner authored foundational textbooks on algebra and geometry that became standard references in the 18th century. His epigrams skillfully blended humor with scientific insight, making complex ideas accessible to a broader audience. He contributed essays and lectures that popularized mathematical concepts beyond the academic community. Kästner’s legacy endures in the field of mathematics education and the artful communication of scientific ideas.

Michael Denis was an Austrian lepidopterist and literary figure who bridged the worlds of science and poetry. He conducted extensive studies of butterflies and moths, contributing significant observations to the field of entomology. Denis published descriptive works on Lepidoptera that advanced the classification and understanding of these insects. Beyond science, he was a prolific poet and author, composing epigrams, essays, and literary critiques in German. He co-founded the Viennese literary society ‘Meistersingers’ and influenced the cultural life of 18th-century Austria. Denis’s diverse talents exemplify the Enlightenment ideal of a polymath engaged in both scientific inquiry and the arts.

Henri-Frédéric Amiel (1821–1881) was a Swiss philosopher, poet, and critic. He taught philosophy at the University of Geneva, influencing European thought in the 19th century. His most famous work, Journal Intime, offers profound insight into introspection and daily life. Amiel's poetry was praised for its lyrical depth and emotional honesty. As a critic, he contributed essays on literature and society. His writings explored the human condition, blending Romantic and realist perspectives. He remains celebrated for his impact on existential and introspective philosophy.

Corinne Roosevelt Robinson (1861–1933) was an American poet, author, and public speaker, best known as the younger sister of President Theodore Roosevelt. She published several volumes of poetry, including One Thousand Verses, which explored themes of nature, family, and patriotism. Robinson was an active political campaigner, delivering speeches in support of her brother and other Republican candidates. She wrote essays and short stories for leading magazines of her time. Robinson’s literary salon in Washington, D.C., attracted prominent figures in politics and the arts. She advocated for women’s education and civic engagement. Her writings reflect the intellectual spirit of the Progressive Era.

Born on the island of Sardinia in 1871, Grazia Deledda's writings drew deeply from rural traditions. Her novels and poems explored themes of human passion, social injustice, and family honor. In 1926, she became the first Italian woman awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. Her most celebrated work, Canne al vento, vividly portrays the struggles of Sardinian villagers. Her lyrical narrative style and keen psychological insight have left a lasting mark on world literature.

A leading figure of the English modernist movement, Cyril Scott composed over 200 musical works. His innovative piano and orchestral pieces challenged late-Romantic conventions. Also an accomplished poet, he published collections exploring mysticism, health, and creativity. He authored influential writings on music theory and the spiritual significance of sound. Although controversial in his time, his works have seen renewed appreciation in the 20th century.

Edvard Kocbek emerged as one of Slovenia's most influential literary voices in the 20th century. His early poems combined modernist imagery with existential themes. During World War II, he joined the Partisan resistance and served in its political leadership. After the war, he held government posts but later broke with communist authorities over human rights issues. His essays championed Christian socialism and moral responsibility, leading to political persecution and censorship. Kocbek's work has been celebrated for its lyrical intensity and unwavering ethical stance. He continued writing and advocating for political reform until his death in 1981.

William Empson was a leading figure in New Criticism and one of the most important literary theorists of the 20th century. His seminal work Seven Types of Ambiguity introduced key concepts in close reading and the analysis of literary ambiguity. A poet himself, Empson's verse is marked by intellectual depth and linguistic precision. After serving in World War II, he taught at universities, including Keio University in Japan, influencing generations of students. His later works encompassed essays, translations, and prose, demonstrating his wide-ranging intellect. Empson's critiques reshaped literary studies and continue to be studied worldwide.

Jim Thompson revolutionized the hard-boiled crime genre with his psychologically intense novels. Working as both an author and Hollywood screenwriter, he brought a raw, noir sensibility to stories like Pop. 1280 and The Killer Inside Me. His characters often inhabit grim moral landscapes, reflecting his own struggles with sanity and despair. After a period of obscurity, his work was rediscovered and praised by the French New Wave and later by American critics. Several of his novels have been adapted into major films. He disappeared mysteriously in Malaysia in 1977, adding to his legend as a cult literary figure.

Louis Auchincloss was born in 1917 in Lawrence, Massachusetts and became one of America's most respected authors of society novels. He wrote more than 60 books, including novels, biographies, and short story collections that explored themes of family, morality, and social status. Auchincloss graduated from Yale University and Harvard Law School before practicing law for several years, experiences that informed his insider perspective on elite circles. His works, such as 'The Embezzler' and 'Portrait in Brownstone,' received critical acclaim for their precise prose and keen social observation. Auchincloss also served as a trustee of the Pierpont Morgan Library and influenced cultural institutions through his philanthropy. He continued writing well into his nineties and mentored young writers. Auchincloss passed away in 2010 at age 93, leaving a lasting legacy in American literature.