September 28

Born in 1563, Sylvester studied at Christ's College, Cambridge. He is best known for his English translation of Guillaume de Salluste Du Bartas’s epic poems, which became widely read. His translation, first published in 1593, influenced later Elizabethan poets with its vivid religious imagery. Sylvester served as a private secretary to Sir Robert Coke before retiring to private life. His work contributed significantly to cross-channel literary exchanges during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. He died in 1618, leaving a lasting legacy in English devotional literature.

Born in 1832 in Saujon, France, he began his career as a journalist for local newspapers. In 1868, he published "L'Affaire Lerouge", widely regarded as one of the earliest detective novels. His meticulous attention to procedural detail influenced generations of crime writers. Gaboriau's stories introduced elements like the locked-room mystery and the inverted detective story. Despite his early death at 41, his innovative narratives shaped the genre and inspired authors like Arthur Conan Doyle.

Born in 1819 in New York, Melville's adventures at sea inspired many of his works. In 1851, he published "Moby-Dick", initially receiving mixed reviews but later hailed as a literary classic. His writing blended adventure, philosophy, and symbolism, exploring themes of obsession and humanity. He also authored popular travel narratives like "Typee" and several poetry collections. Though he died in relative obscurity in 1891, his reputation grew posthumously, cementing his place as one of America's greatest writers.

Born in 1850 on the island of Lefkada, Hearn traveled extensively before settling in Japan. He wrote under the Japanese name Yakumo Koizumi and became a naturalized citizen, immersing himself in the culture. His books, including 'Kwaidan: Stories and Studies of Strange Things', captured the beauty and mystery of Japanese legends. Hearn's sensitive prose and deep respect for Japanese traditions helped foster cross-cultural appreciation. After teaching and writing in Tokyo, he died in 1904, leaving a lasting legacy as a bridge between East and West.

Roger Nimier served in the French army during and after World War II, experiences that shaped his incisive literary voice. His debut novel, “Le Hussard bleu,” captured the disillusionment of his generation with wit and irony. As a founder of the Hussards, he championed a return to classical storytelling against existentialist trends. Nimier wrote essays, short stories, and critical pieces, influencing French letters in the 1950s. His career was cut short by a fatal car accident, but his works continue to inspire readers and scholars of modern French literature.

André Breton was a central figure in 20th-century avant-garde art and literature, authoring the first Surrealist Manifesto in 1924. He championed the use of automatic writing, dream imagery, and the unconscious as sources of creative freedom. Breton organized exhibitions and publications that brought together artists, poets, and thinkers, forging the identity of Surrealism. During World War II he fled to the United States, collaborating with American artists, before returning to France. His innovative ideas profoundly influenced modern art, literature, and film.

John Dos Passos combined narrative fiction, biography, and journalism in his groundbreaking U.S.A. trilogy, capturing the social and political currents of early 20th-century America. After serving in World War I, he worked as a journalist in Europe and America, experiences that informed his critical view of modern society. His innovative structure, including “Newsreel” and “Camera Eye” sections, expanded the possibilities of the novel form. Dos Passos also wrote poetry, plays, and travel books, engaging deeply with the cultural debates of his time. His literary legacy endures in studies of modernist writing and social critique.

Born in 1911, Cihad Baban studied law before embarking on a career in journalism. He wrote for leading Turkish newspapers and published several books on social and political issues. Baban entered politics in the mid-20th century, serving in parliament and holding ministerial posts. As an advocate for press freedom, he helped shape modern Turkish media legislation. He died in 1984, remembered for bridging journalism and governance in Turkey.

Born in 1910, Peter De Vries began his career as an editor at the New Yorker magazine. He published his first novel, 'The Tunnel of Love', in 1954, gaining acclaim for its humor. De Vries wrote over twenty novels and several short story collections, blending satire with absurdism. His works often explored the complexities of relationships and human folly. He remained an influential figure in American literature until his death in 1993.

Born in 1921 in New York City, James Emanuel pursued academic studies in literature and became known for his passionate poetry that addressed social and racial issues. He taught at several universities in the United States and Europe, fostering cross-cultural literary exchange. Emanuel’s collections, including his early volume Dark Symphony, received critical acclaim for their powerful voice and innovative style. After relocating to France, he continued to publish poetry and literary criticism, bridging American and European traditions. His scholarship focused on African American literature and comparative studies, contributing valuable perspectives to the field. Emanuel’s work inspired generations of poets and scholars until his passing in 2013.

Born in 1923 in Wales, Dannie Abse trained and practiced as a medical doctor while nurturing his passion for literature. He published many collections of poetry that earned critical praise for their exploration of memory, love, and identity. Abse also authored plays and memoirs, demonstrating his talent across multiple genres. His writing often reflected his medical experiences, infusing his poetry with compassion and depth. He received several literary honors for his contributions to British poetry. Abse’s enduring legacy lies in the rich body of work he created alongside his dedication to medicine until his passing in 2014.

Born Agnes Eckhardt in Chicago in 1922, Nixon revolutionized daytime television by introducing social issues into soap operas. She began her career writing for radio and early television anthologies before creating 'Another World' in 1964. Nixon went on to develop 'One Life to Live' in 1968 and 'All My Children' in 1970, incorporating topics such as civil rights, abortion, and AIDS into the storylines. Her innovative approach earned her multiple Daytime Emmy Awards and a reputation as the 'Queen of the Modern American Soap Opera.' Beyond writing and directing, she advocated for the genre's artistic legitimacy and served as a mentor to future television writers. Nixon passed away on September 28, 2016, leaving an indelible mark on television storytelling.