October 06

Born in 1610 in Paris, Paul Scarron became a leading figure of the French burlesque genre. His satirical poem "Virgile travesti" playfully parodied the works of Virgil and set the tone for his later prose. Scarron's novel "Le Roman comique" was widely celebrated for its witty depiction of traveling actors. Afflicted by polio, he wrote much of his work while confined to a wheelchair, demonstrating remarkable resilience. He was also the first husband of Françoise d'Aubigné, future Madame de Maintenon. Scarron's innovative comedic style influenced generations of French literature before his death on October 6, 1660.

Alfred, Lord Tennyson served as Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom from 1850 until his death. Born in 1809, his early works captured the romantic spirit of the Victorian era. He authored enduring classics such as 'In Memoriam A.H.H.', 'The Charge of the Light Brigade', and 'Ulysses.' Tennyson's poetry is celebrated for its melodic language, rich imagery, and deep emotional resonance. He attended Trinity College, Cambridge, where he forged friendships that influenced his literary career. His later years were marked by public honors and widespread admiration, solidifying his legacy as one of England's greatest poets.

Dick Laan was a multifaceted Dutch artist known for his work as an actor, screenwriter, and author. Born in 1894, he was active in theater productions and early Dutch cinema during the interwar period. Laan penned several screenplays that contributed to the development of the Netherlands' film industry. He also wrote novels and short stories that reflected the social and cultural life of his era. Laan's versatility in performance and writing made him a respected figure in Dutch artistic circles. Although lesser-known internationally, his works remain part of the Netherlands' cultural heritage.

Margaret Wilson was an American missionary and writer known for her work in China and Japan in the early 20th century. Born in 1882, she dedicated her life to education and humanitarian efforts abroad. Wilson authored memoirs that provided Western readers with vivid insights into daily life and social challenges in East Asian communities. Her writings fostered cultural empathy and understanding between Western and Asian societies. She collaborated with local leaders to establish schools and community programs during her missions. Wilson's legacy endures through her literary accounts and her contributions to missionary education.

Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, Bishop faced early hardships after her mother's death. She spent much of her life abroad, living in Brazil and Europe. Bishop's poetry is known for its careful observations and vivid descriptions of landscapes. She won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1956 for her collection 'Poems: North & South—A Cold Spring'. Bishop also published acclaimed short stories featuring subtle wit and insight. She taught creative writing at Harvard and other institutions. Her friendship with Robert Lowell influenced both writers. Bishop's work continues to inspire poets worldwide.

Wilson Tucker began writing science fiction in the 1940s, contributing short stories and novels to pulp magazines. As a prominent fan and fanzine editor, he coined the terms "space opera" to describe epic adventures and "Tuckerization" for inserting real individuals' names into fiction. His best-known novel, 'The Year of the Quiet Sun', received critical acclaim and became a genre classic. Tucker was also a respected critic and historian of science fiction, mentoring aspiring writers and chronicling fandom. His contributions bridged creative storytelling and scholarly analysis, leaving an enduring legacy in the genre.

Diane Cilento was born in 1932 in Queensland and trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. She earned an Academy Award nomination for her role in "Tom Jones" (1963) and starred on West End and Broadway stages. Cilento wrote acclaimed travel memoirs and plays, sharing her adventures around the world. She founded an acting academy in Italy, nurturing new talent with her boundless creativity. Honored with an OBE for her services to the arts, her career spanned film, theater, and literature. She passed away in 2011, remembered as a versatile artist who bridged performance and writing.

Rift Fournier was born in 1936 and began his writing career in American television during its golden age. He wrote scripts for a variety of popular series, demonstrating versatility across genres. Fournier later moved into production, overseeing episodes and guiding creative teams. His work contributed to the development of episodic storytelling and helped launch new talents. Fournier's legacy endures through the many series he shaped and the writers he inspired.

Árpád Göncz was a Hungarian writer, translator, and politician who served as the first democratically elected President of Hungary from 1990 to 2000. Born in 1922, he survived imprisonment after the 1956 Hungarian Revolution before emerging as a leading literary voice. Göncz translated classic English-language works into Hungarian and published novels and plays that explored themes of freedom and human dignity. As President, he guided Hungary through its transition to democracy and helped pave the way for its integration into European institutions. His tenure was marked by moral authority, promotion of civil rights, and support for cultural development. Honored both nationally and internationally for his literary and political achievements, Göncz remains a symbol of Hungary's modern rebirth.