October 01

Born in 1760 into a wealthy family, Beckford published his acclaimed novel 'Vathek' at age 19, influencing the Gothic literary movement. He built the vast Fonthill Abbey to house his art collection and entertain guests in extravagant style. Elected as Member of Parliament for Hindon, he participated briefly in political life before retreating into seclusion. Beckford amassed one of the finest collections of European art, prints, and manuscripts in Britain. His eccentric personality and literary achievements left a lasting mark on Romantic-era culture.

Born in 1791 in Ufa Governorate, Aksakov initially served as a soldier during the Napoleonic Wars before retiring to manage his family estates. He rose to literary fame with works such as 'The Family Chronicle' and 'Notes on Fishing and Hunting', celebrated for their realistic depictions of rural Russia. Aksakov's detailed narratives and deep appreciation of nature influenced the development of Russian realism. He corresponded with major writers of his time and edited literary journals. His writings offer valuable insights into 19th-century Russian society and folklore.

Charles Cros emerged in the late 19th century as a prominent member of the Parnassian movement, celebrated for his precise and evocative poetry. He pursued experimental research in acoustics and designed an early phonograph model called the Paleophone, outlining principles ahead of his time. Although his device did not achieve commercial success, his technical proposals foreshadowed modern sound recording technology. Cros was also an influential art critic and maintained close connections with leading artists and writers of his era. His dual passion for literature and science marked him as a unique interdisciplinary figure. Despite his death at a young age, his poetic works and pioneering ideas in audio engineering left a lasting impact on both fields.

Annie Besant began her career as a radical socialist and women's rights campaigner in England, where she advocated birth control and free speech. She became deeply involved in the Theosophical Society, eventually becoming its president and promoting esoteric philosophy worldwide. In 1907, Besant moved to India and emerged as a leading voice for Indian nationalism, serving as president of the Indian National Congress in 1917. She founded schools and supported home rule, combining spiritual teachings with social reform. Besant authored numerous books on politics, religion, and philosophy, blending activism with intellectual inquiry. Her legacy endures in both the Indian independence movement and theosophical thought.

Louis Untermeyer began publishing poetry in his teens and quickly earned recognition for his lyrical style and wit. He edited influential anthologies, bringing poetry to wider audiences and nurturing emerging poets. Untermeyer served as Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress, promoting literary education nationwide. He authored over 70 books, including children's verse and biographies of notable poets. As a critic, he championed modernist and traditional forms, advocating for accessibility in literature. His passion for teaching and editing left a lasting imprint on 20th-century American letters.

Ernest Haycox (1899–1950) was a prolific American writer celebrated for his novels and short stories set in the American West. His works appeared in prominent magazines such as Collier’s and The Saturday Evening Post. Haycox’s realistic portrayal of frontier life and complex characters influenced the Western genre in literature and film. Several of his novels, including 'The Carters of Elk Mountain' and 'Stage to Lordsburg', were adapted into Hollywood movies. He served as president of the Western Writers of America and helped elevate Western fiction to mainstream respectability. Haycox’s storytelling style combined historical detail with moral depth, earning him enduring recognition among readers of Western literature.

Maurice Bardèche was born in 1907 in Amiens, France, and pursued studies in literature and philosophy. He began his career as a journalist, contributing to several regional and national publications. Bardèche authored numerous books and essays on literary criticism, art, and cultural history. His analytical approach often challenged prevailing interpretations and sparked intellectual debates in post-war France. As a critic, he reviewed works by contemporary writers and playwrights, influencing shifts in literary trends. Though controversial for his political views, Bardèche's impact on French critical thought remains a subject of study.

Irwin Kostal began his career writing songs and scripts that enriched American musical theater and cinema. He collaborated with publishers to bring new works to audiences and navigated the evolving landscape of mid-20th-century entertainment. His versatility allowed him to bridge the worlds of songwriting, screenwriting, and publishing with creativity and insight. Throughout his career, he championed emerging talent and helped shape the musical scores of his era. His legacy endures through the songs, scripts, and publications that continue to inspire artists today.

Born Asrar ul Hassan Khan, Majrooh Sultanpuri emerged as one of Bollywood's most prolific lyricists. Over a career spanning five decades, he penned more than a thousand songs for films such as Mother India and Barsaat. A founding member of the Progressive Writers' Movement, his work blended social commentary with poetic beauty. He collaborated with composers like Naushad and Madan Mohan, crafting some of Hindi cinema's most memorable tunes. Recipient of multiple Filmfare awards, he remained active in the film industry until his death in 2000.

Born in 1927 in Penang, Malaysia, Sandy Gall began his journalism career as a news cameraman before joining ITN as a correspondent. He covered conflicts in Vietnam, Biafra, and Iraq, earning international praise for his frontline reports and documentary films. His 1990 documentary on the Mongolian Revolution brought him critical acclaim and numerous awards. Over the years, he has authored several books recounting his experiences and offering insights into global affairs. Gall’s fearless approach and storytelling have made him a respected voice in international journalism.

Günter Wallraff is celebrated for his daring undercover journalism, often immersing himself in marginalized communities. His seminal work 'Ganz unten' ('Lowest of the Low') revealed harsh conditions faced by foreign workers in Germany. Wallraff's transparent exposés have sparked public debate and led to social reforms. He has authored numerous books and articles, blending investigative rigor with literary skill. His impact on journalism underscores the power of immersive reporting to challenge societal norms.

Robert Slater was an American author and journalist renowned for his in-depth biographies and business literature. He worked as a reporter and editor for publications such as U.S. News & World Report. Over his career, he authored more than 40 books covering corporate leaders, Jewish heritage, and entrepreneurship. His works received acclaim for thorough research and engaging narrative style. He contributed significantly to popular understanding of modern business history.