October 13

John Henley (1692-1759), nicknamed 'Orator Henley', was an English Anglican clergyman renowned for his flamboyant preaching style. He founded and edited several weekly periodicals that combined religious discourse with satire, attracting wide audiences in London. Henley's public lectures, held at his 'Oratory', blended moral instruction, literary criticism, and theatrical performance. He published collections of sermons, essays, and speeches, influencing early 18th-century journalism and literature. Engaging in public debates with fellow clergy and writers, Henley challenged conventional norms of decorum and piety. His inventive approach to preaching and publishing left a lasting impact on English public culture.

Robert Nugent, 1st Earl Nugent (1702-1788), was an Irish peer who combined a successful political career with literary pursuits. As a Whig member of the British Parliament, he advocated fiscal reforms and represented constituencies including Bristol and Westminster. Nugent was a prolific poet, authoring satires, odes, and epistles noted for their elegance and wit. A patron of the arts, he supported emerging writers and artists during the Georgian era. Elevated to the peerage in 1767, he maintained influence in both cultural and political circles of London. His dual legacy as statesman and literary figure reflects the vibrant intersection of 18th-century British politics and letters.

Born in 1804 in Boulogne-sur-Mer, Sainte-Beuve began writing poetry before gaining fame as a critic with his influential 'Causeries du lundi'. He introduced the method of biographical criticism, arguing that an author's life enriches the understanding of their work. Sainte-Beuve's friendships with Victor Hugo and other Romantic writers positioned him at the heart of 19th-century literary circles. He held a professorship at the Collège de France, championing literary scholarship and the history of literature. His critical approach emphasized objectivity, personal empathy, and historical context. Sainte-Beuve's legacy endures in literary studies and criticism worldwide.

Karl Adolph Gjellerup was born in 1857 in Roholte, Denmark, and became one of the leading figures of Danish literature. His early works drew on Nordic mythology and transcendental ideas before he embraced a more symbolic style. In 1917, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature alongside Henrik Pontoppidan for his rich poetic expressions and deeply philosophical narratives. His notable works include The Pilgrim Kamanita and other novels exploring spiritual and existential themes. Gjellerup's writings explored themes of spirituality, identity, and the human condition, leaving an indelible mark on Scandinavian letters.

Ernst Didring was born in Stockholm in 1868 and initially worked as a civil servant before turning to literature. His most acclaimed work is the Malmo Trilogy, which examines the struggles and aspirations of urban and rural characters in early 20th-century Sweden. Didring's stories combined social realism with empathetic character studies, drawing attention to the plight of the poor and laborers. He also penned travelogues and essays reflecting his broad intellectual interests. Didring's insightful narratives influenced Scandinavian literature and highlighted social reform until his passing in 1931.

Ernest Haycox was born in 1899 in Portland, Oregon, and served as a soldier in World War I before pursuing writing. He became one of the leading Western fiction authors of his time, publishing over 100 short stories and novels that captured frontier life with authenticity. His story The Stage to Lordsburg inspired John Ford's classic film Stagecoach, solidifying his impact on Hollywood. Haycox's works were known for vivid characters, detailed historical research, and moral complexity. He continued to write prolifically until his death in 1950, leaving a lasting legacy in the American Western genre.

Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı was born in Diyarbakır and educated in Istanbul and Paris. He emerged as a leading figure in the Garip movement, blending classical Turkish forms with free verse. His 1946 collection 'Otuz Beş Yaş' remains a cornerstone of modern Turkish literature. Renowned for his lyrical style and emotional depth, Tarancı's poetry reflects on the human condition and the passage of time. He died in 1956 at age 46, leaving a lasting legacy in Turkish letters.

Cevat Şakir Kabaağaçlı, affectionately known as 'The Fisherman of Halicarnassus,' was exiled to Bodrum in 1925, where he immersed himself in local traditions and legends. His works, including 'Fisherman of Halicarnassus' and 'Welcome, Mediterranean,' combine ethnographic detail with lyrical prose. He helped introduce Bodrum to the literary world and inspired cultural tourism in the region. Kabaağaçlı's writings capture the spirit of coastal Anatolia and its ancient heritage. He died in 1973, leaving a profound impact on Turkish literature and cultural identity.

Otto Binder began his career drafting science fiction stories before joining DC Comics in the 1940s. He co-created Supergirl and was a principal writer for 'Captain Marvel Adventures,' shaping the superhero genre. Binder's prolific output included hundreds of comic book scripts and later novels on UFOs and psychic phenomena. His imaginative storytelling and character work left a lasting imprint on comic book history. He passed away in 1974, remembered as one of the medium's pioneering writers.

Tage Danielsson was a beloved Swedish writer and performer born in 1928. Alongside Hans Alfredson, he co-founded the comedy duo Hasse & Tage, creating iconic films and revues that combined sharp social commentary with playful humor. As a director, his works like 'The Apple War' critiqued industrialization while enchanting audiences. Danielsson also wrote essays and children's books, showcasing his versatile talent and whimsical imagination. His commitment to pacifism and social justice infused both his art and public life, making him a cultural hero in Sweden. He remains an enduring symbol of empathy and creative activism.

Nilgün Marmara was born in Istanbul in 1958 and emerged as a powerful voice in contemporary Turkish poetry. Her work delved into themes of alienation, mental health, and existential angst with raw emotional intensity. Marmara's collections, such as 'Daktiloya Çekilmiş Şiirler', broke new ground in expressing the inner turmoil of modern life. Though her career was tragically brief, her poetic voice continues to resonate, inspiring readers and writers with its honesty and lyrical beauty. She remains a symbol of artistic courage and the struggle for self-understanding.

James Marshall was born in 1942 and became a celebrated creator of children’s literature, known for his warm storytelling and distinctive illustrations. He authored and illustrated hits like the 'George and Martha' series, introducing two hippos whose friendship delighted readers of all ages. Marshall’s playful art style and gentle humor earned him awards and international acclaim. He collaborated with other authors as an illustrator, bringing stories to life with his bold lines and expressive characters. Throughout his career, he championed the imaginative spirit of childhood, leaving behind a body of work that continues to charm families worldwide. He passed away in 1992, but his books remain timeless classics.