October 15

Born in London in 1591, Herrick studied at Cambridge and was ordained as a clergyman, balancing religious duties with poetic pursuits. His poetry collection Hesperides (1648) showcases a blend of classical allusions, nature imagery, and playful wit. His best-known poem, 'To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time,' exemplifies his carpe diem theme and remains widely anthologized. During the English Civil War, Herrick retreated to rural Devon, where his writing focused on community festivals and local customs. After the Restoration, he returned to London, though his work received little acclaim until rediscovered by Victorian literary scholars. Today, Herrick is valued for his lyrical mastery and influence on later English poetry.

Born in 1760 in Saint Petersburg, Ivan Dmitriev emerged as a leading figure in Russia’s Golden Age of poetry. His emotive works and elegant style earned him acclaim among literary circles. Dmitriev also pursued a career in public service, holding posts within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In 1829, he was appointed Minister of Justice, where he championed legal reforms and administrative improvements. He maintained a salon that attracted intellectuals and artists, fostering cultural exchange. Dmitriev’s dual legacy as a poet and statesman left a lasting mark on Russian letters and governance until his death in 1837.

Born in 1802 in London, Letitia Elizabeth Landon began publishing poetry in periodicals at a young age under the initials 'L.E.L.'. Her lyric verse, marked by emotional depth and melodic language, gained widespread popularity in the 1820s. Landon also authored novels and contributed to literary annuals, influencing the Romantic literary movement. After marrying the African diplomat George Maclean, she moved to Cape Coast Castle, where she continued to write. Her life ended tragically in 1838, under circumstances that sparked much speculation. Landon’s work remains studied for its innovative merging of romance and realism in early 19th-century literature.

Born in 1837 in London, Gilbert Arthur à Beckett was the son of Punch co-founder Gilbert Abbott à Beckett. He followed in his father’s footsteps, writing satirical articles and sketches for Punch magazine. À Beckett also penned lyrics and librettos for comic operas and musical burlesques that enjoyed popular success in Victorian theatre. His collaborations with composers and performers helped shape the era’s entertainment scene. A versatile writer, he edited journals and wrote travelogues, showcasing his wit and narrative flair. His sudden death in 1891 cut short a prolific career that spanned journalism, literature, and theatre.

Born in 1907 in Istanbul, Asaf Halet Çelebi studied philosophy and oriental languages. Deeply influenced by Sufism, he introduced mystical and surreal elements into Turkish poetry. His major works include the poetry collections 'He' and 'Lâmelif', known for their haunting imagery. Çelebi blended Eastern philosophical themes with Western literary techniques. His writing challenged literary norms and expanded the expressive capacity of Turkish verse. He remains a key figure for modernist poets in Turkey, despite his death at 51 in 1958.

Born as Suryakant Tripathi in 1896 in Bihar, he adopted the pen name 'Nirala' to reflect his unique style. He became a central figure in the Chhayavaad (romantic) school of Hindi poetry during the early 20th century. His works, including 'Saroj Smriti' and 'Nirala Rachnavali', showcased lyrical beauty and social consciousness. Nirala also wrote essays and short stories that challenged colonial and traditional norms. His blend of mysticism, nationalism, and humanism expanded the horizons of Hindi prose and verse. He passed away in 1961, leaving a lasting impact on Indian literary modernism.

Virginia Lee Burton was born in Massachusetts and trained at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. She wrote and illustrated acclaimed children's books like The Little House and Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel. Her distinctive style combined charming narratives with detailed woodcut illustrations. Burton founded the Folly Cove Designers artist community in Cape Ann. Her work earned the Caldecott Medal and continues to inspire readers worldwide. She balanced storytelling and artistry to create timeless classics. Burton's legacy endures in children's literature and illustration.

Donald Wandrei was born in 1908 and became a prominent author and poet in the pulp era, contributing to magazines like Weird Tales and Astounding Stories. In 1939, he co-founded Arkham House with August Derleth to preserve the works of H. P. Lovecraft and other weird fiction writers. His writing ranged from cosmic horror to detective stories, showcasing his versatility across genres. Wandrei published several poetry collections, reflecting his lyrical talents alongside his prose. Despite financial struggles, he remained dedicated to literature, editing anthologies and collaborating with fellow writers. His influence is felt in the dark fantasy and horror communities, where his works continue to be rediscovered by new generations of readers.

Danilo Kiš was born in 1935 in Novi Sad, Yugoslavia, to a family marked by the tragedies of World War II. He studied literature and philosophy at the Universities of Zagreb and Belgrade, developing a style that blended journalistic precision with poetic narrative. His novel 'A Tomb for Boris Davidovich' is acclaimed for its spare storytelling and moral depth, examining the human cost of political oppression. Kiš also wrote short stories and essays, often drawing upon personal and collective memory to confront historical injustices. An accomplished translator, he brought works by James Joyce and Raymond Chandler into Serbo-Croatian. Awarded multiple literary prizes, he is considered one of the most important Yugoslav writers of the 20th century. His untimely death in 1989 cut short a prolific and influential career.

Per Højholt was a Danish poet and leading figure in experimental and avant-garde literature during the 20th century. Born in 1928, he debuted in the 1950s and became known for his innovative use of language and structure. His landmark work, 'In Modvind,' challenged traditional poetic forms and infused everyday speech with poetic resonance. Højholt’s writings influenced generations of Scandinavian poets and expanded the possibilities of modern poetry. His contributions to literature earned him numerous awards, solidifying his place as a pioneer of Danish modernism.

Fazıl Hüsnü Dağlarca was one of Turkey’s most prolific poets, known for his modernist style and profound themes. Born in 1914, he served in the Turkish military before dedicating his life to writing poetry. Over seven decades, he published more than 60 poetry collections exploring history, mythology, and the human condition. Dağlarca’s innovative language and emotive imagery reshaped Turkish literature and inspired countless writers. He received numerous awards and honors, cementing his legacy as a towering figure in 20th-century poetry.

Born in Manchester in 1920, Betty Driver began her performing career as a child singer in the 1930s. She recorded numerous songs and appeared in films before transitioning to television. Driver gained household fame for portraying barmaid Betty Williams on Coronation Street from 1969 to 2011, making her one of the show's longest-serving cast members. Her warm presence and memorable catchphrases endeared her to audiences for over four decades. In addition to acting, she authored an autobiography and continued singing throughout her career. Driver's dedication to her craft earned her recognition as a beloved figure in British entertainment. She passed away in 2011, leaving behind a legacy of charm and talent.