October 12

Zhu Quan (1378-1448) was the 17th son of the Hongwu Emperor and held the title Prince of Ning. A dedicated scholar, he compiled extensive works on military strategy and history. As a playwright, he crafted dramas that blended Confucian ideals with courtly intrigue. His court in Nanjing became a cultural center fostering literature and the arts. Zhu Quan's contributions bridged imperial politics and literary creativity.

Born François-Anatole Thibault in Paris in 1844, Anatole France began his career as a librarian and critic. He published his first major novel The Crime of Sylvestre Bonnard in 1881 to critical acclaim. France's witty and ironic style shone in works such as Thaïs and Penguin Island, blending satire with social commentary. An active public intellectual, he supported Alfred Dreyfus during the Dreyfus Affair and championed justice. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1921, he was recognized for his refined literary expression and humanistic ideals. His writing influenced generations of writers and remains a touchstone of French literature. France died in 1924, leaving a rich legacy of novels, essays, and poems.

Born in London in 1838, Edwin Abbott Abbott excelled academically and pursued a career in both teaching and the clergy. He held leadership roles in education and within the Church of England, shaping curricula and theological discourse. Abbott's most enduring work, Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions (1884), explored geometry and social hierarchy through satire. In addition to fiction, he authored theological treatises and essays that contributed to religious scholarship. His interdisciplinary approach bridged literature, mathematics, and theology, attracting a diverse readership. Flatland has endured as a classic of mathematical fiction and remains widely studied in literary and scientific communities. Abbott died in 1926, leaving a multifaceted legacy in education and literature.

Mustafa Zaidi was a leading Urdu poet whose work combined classical themes with modern sensibilities. He published several volumes of poetry praised for their emotional depth and linguistic flair. Zaidi served as a civil servant and later taught literature at the University of Karachi. His essays and critiques contributed to Pakistan's literary discourse in the 1960s. Despite his professional success, Zaidi's life ended tragically in 1970 under mysterious circumstances. He left a lasting impact on Urdu poetry with his introspective and lyrical style.

Born in 1886 in Wales, Manning-Sanders began writing poetry and stories at an early age. She published her first poetry collection in 1909 and later turned to retelling folk tales. Over her career, she released more than 90 books, including beloved anthologies like A Book of Dragons. Her work introduced readers to myths, legends, and fairy tales from diverse cultures. Manning-Sanders's lyrical prose and imaginative narratives continue to enchant audiences long after her death in 1988.

Born in Leningrad in 1925, Arkady Strugatsky teamed up with his brother Boris to become one of the most influential science fiction duos of the Soviet era. Their novels blended philosophical speculation with social commentary, challenging readers to explore ethical and humanistic themes under a totalitarian regime. Roadside Picnic (1971) became a cult classic and inspired Andrei Tarkovsky's acclaimed film Stalker (1979). Beyond his fiction, Strugatsky translated English-language works into Russian, introducing Soviet readers to Western authors. His visionary storytelling and nuanced characters continue to inspire writers and filmmakers worldwide.

Richard Buckle was an influential British ballet critic, historian, and author. Born in 1916, he founded and edited Ballet magazine in 1946, providing a vital platform for dance commentary. His books, including authoritative biographies of Sergei Diaghilev and Vaslav Nijinsky, remain key texts in ballet scholarship. Buckle championed the art form during a period of rapid development in post-war Europe, supporting new choreographers and ballet companies. Known for his eloquent writing and deep knowledge of dance technique, he helped elevate ballet's cultural status. He also advised museums and theatrical institutions on dance archives. Buckle was awarded the French Legion of Honour for his contributions to the arts. He passed away in 2001, remembered as one of the foremost voices in ballet criticism.

Hilaire du Berrier was a colorful American-French aviator, adventurer, and writer whose life resembled an action novel. Born in 1906, he flew for Republican forces in the Spanish Civil War and later flew transport missions in Asia during World War II. Known for his daring exploits as a mercenary pilot, he worked in Indochina and China, engaging in clandestine operations. After the war, du Berrier chronicled his adventures in a series of memoirs and articles, offering vivid accounts of early aviation and espionage. His writing captured the thrill and danger of flying in remote regions under combat conditions. Du Berrier's unique perspective bridged the worlds of aviation, military history, and literature. He maintained friendships with prominent pilots and journalists of his era. He died in 2002, leaving behind a remarkable record of 20th-century adventure.

Belva Plain (1919–2010) was an American author whose storytelling resonated with millions of readers worldwide. She published her first novel, Evergreen, in 1978, which became a bestseller and was later adapted for television. Over the next two decades, she released numerous novels such as A Woman’s Place and Speak to Me of Love, each weaving intricate tales of multi-generational families. Plain’s works often centered on Jewish-American experiences, highlighting themes of identity and endurance. In addition to her writing, she advocated for literacy and supported organizations dedicated to reading programs. Her emotionally rich narratives continue to captivate audiences and have sold more than 30 million copies globally.

Oscar Hijuelos (1951–2013) was an American novelist and academic whose work celebrated the Cuban-American experience. He became the first Hispanic writer to receive the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for his 1989 novel "The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love". Hijuelos authored several other novels and short stories, teaching creative writing at various universities throughout his career. His vivid prose and rich characterizations captured the complexities of identity and culture. He remained a vocal advocate for diversity in literature until his passing.