October 10

Isaac de Benserade was a favored poet at the court of Louis XIV. He wrote verses for court ballets and the famous allegorical poem “Olympic Games”. His work influenced the development of French classical literature and court culture. Benserade’s elegant style and wit made him a popular figure among nobles. He participated in the creation of the elaborate entertainments that defined Versailles. He is remembered for blending poetic artistry with the pomp of the Sun King’s court.

Born in 1778 on the Ionian island of Zakynthos, Ugo Foscolo emerged as a leading literary voice in post-Napoleonic Europe. His novel "Ultime lettere di Jacopo Ortis" is regarded as Italy’s first epistolary novel and a cornerstone of Italian Romantic literature. Foscolo’s poetry, including the famous ode "Dei Sepolcri," blended classical style with modern sentiment and nationalistic fervor. Exiled for his political views, he died in 1827 in London, leaving a lasting impact on Italian letters.

Born in 1781 in Mount Vernon, he was raised by his adoptive grandfather, President George Washington. He penned the influential Recollections and Private Memoirs of Washington, offering personal insights into the first president. As a playwright, he produced works that captured the spirit of the young nation on stage. Custis was also instrumental in building and preserving Arlington House, a landmark overlooking the Potomac River. His writings remain a valuable resource for historians studying the early United States.

Born into Russian nobility in 1817, Tolstoy became celebrated for blending romanticism with sharp social commentary. His historical dramas, including The Death of Ivan the Terrible, brought 16th-century Russian history to the stage. He authored the epic poem Prince Serebryany, praised for its vivid characters and rich narrative. Tolstoy’s satirical works often critiqued contemporary society and bureaucracy. He was also a respected literary critic and correspondent of fellow writers like Ivan Turgenev. His diverse body of work influenced later generations of Russian literature.

Born in 1866, Andreas Karkavitsas earned a medical degree and practiced as a physician. He later devoted himself to writing, capturing the customs and struggles of Greek peasantry. His notable work, 'The Serfs,' stands out for its realistic portrayal of 19th-century rural communities. Combining scientific observation with vivid narrative, he enriched modern Greek literature. Karkavitsas remains celebrated for his contribution to both medicine and letters.

Born in 1855, August Kitzberg became a foundational figure in Estonian literature and theater. His plays and stories reflect village life, folklore, and the tensions of modernization. Kitzberg’s use of local dialects and vivid characterization resonated with audiences. He played a key role during the Estonian national awakening, promoting cultural identity. His legacy endures in Estonia’s literary canon and on stages nationwide.

Born in 1931 in London, Christopher Evans studied psychology at University College London and became a pioneer in cybernetics and computer science during the 1960s. He researched human-machine interactions and published influential books that explained emerging computing technologies to a broader audience. Evans was also an accomplished author of popular science and science fiction, blending technical insight with imaginative storytelling. His work helped shape early debates on artificial intelligence and cognitive science. He lectured at universities and consulted for leading technology companies. Evans passed away in 1979, leaving a legacy at the intersection of psychology and computing.

Behice Boran was born in 1910 in Istanbul and earned her doctorate in sociology in the United States. Returning to Turkey, she became a leading academic and published influential works on social theory. In the 1960s, Boran rose to prominence as a Marxist politician, advocating for workers' rights and egalitarian policies. She made history as the first woman to lead a legal political party in Turkey, guiding the Workers' Party of Turkey. Her writings and activism have had a lasting impact on Turkish politics and social scholarship.

Maurice Shadbolt was a prominent New Zealand writer whose novels, short stories, and plays explored the country's history and identity. His acclaimed works include 'Season of the Jew' and 'The Lovelock Version,' blending rich characterizations with historical events. Shadbolt won multiple New Zealand Book Awards and was appointed a Companion of the Order of New Zealand. His storytelling illuminated the complexities of colonialism and Māori-Pākehā relations. He continued writing until his death in 2004, leaving a profound influence on New Zealand literature.

Wayne C. Booth was a pioneering professor of English literature best known for his book 'The Rhetoric of Fiction,' which explored narrative techniques and authorial voice. As a scholar at the University of Chicago, he shaped modern literary criticism by emphasizing the ethics of communication between author and reader. Booth authored several influential works on rhetoric, literature, and teaching, and received the National Book Award for 'The Company We Keep.' He also mentored generations of writers and critics. Booth's insights into storytelling continue to inform literary studies and creative writing programs worldwide.

Jay Conrad Levinson was an influential American author and educator in the field of marketing. He pioneered the concept of guerrilla marketing, emphasizing low-cost, creative strategies for small businesses. His book 'Guerrilla Marketing' became a global bestseller and shaped marketing practices worldwide. Over his career, he authored more than 20 books and conducted workshops in over 30 countries. His ideas continue to inspire entrepreneurs and marketers looking for innovative advertising methods.

Damiana L. Eugenio was a renowned Filipino author and academic specializing in folklore. She compiled and edited over 50 volumes of Philippine folk literature, preserving oral traditions. Eugenio founded the Folklore Studies program at the University of the Philippines. Her work earned her the title 'Mother of Philippine Folklore' and multiple national awards. Through her books and lectures, she brought Filipino stories and legends to a global audience.