October 18

Uhwudong (c.1440–1480) was one of the most famous female performers of the Joseon court. Born into an aristocratic family, she broke social norms through her mastery of dance and poetry. Her exquisite performances earned her acclaim among both nobility and commoners. She composed elegant poems that showcased her wit, emotional depth, and literary skill. Uhwudong's life was marked by scandal and exile, reflecting the tensions of her time. Despite adversity, her artistic legacy endured in Korean folklore and literary tradition. She died in 1480, leaving a lasting legend as a creative and independent spirit.

Born in 1447 in Flanders, Philippe de Commines began his career serving Duke Charles the Bold of Burgundy. After the duke’s death, he joined King Louis XI of France, offering political advice and diplomatic service. His Memoirs, published posthumously, provide vivid accounts of 15th-century European politics and court intrigue. De Commines’s work is hailed as an early masterpiece of historical narrative and political analysis. His candid observations and literary style set a new standard for memoir writing. Through his writings, he offers deep insight into the personalities and power struggles of his era. He died in 1511, leaving a lasting legacy as both a statesman and foundational historian.

Born in Rio de Janeiro in 1705 to a New Christian family, António José da Silva moved to Portugal as a child and studied law at the University of Coimbra. He became a popular dramatist, writing witty intermezzos and operas for Lisbon's theaters, including satirical takes on contemporary society. His most famous work, 'Vida do Grande D. Quixote de la Mancha e do Gordo Sancho Pança,' showcased his talent for humor and storytelling. In 1738 he was arrested by the Portuguese Inquisition on charges of Judaizing and heresy. Da Silva was executed in the 1739 auto-da-fé, becoming a tragic symbol of religious intolerance. He is remembered as a pioneering figure in Portuguese theater and a martyr of conscience.

Born in 1869 in Karuizawa, Japan, Yoshio Markino moved to London in the late 19th century and captured city life with delicate watercolors. His illustrations appeared in publications like Studio and The Illustrated London News, earning him acclaim for blending Eastern and Western art styles. Markino also wrote memoirs and travel essays that offered unique insights into Victorian and Edwardian society. He published books such as 'A Japanese Artist in London' and influenced later generations of artists fascinated by cross-cultural themes. Markino remained in London until the outbreak of World War II, briefly returned to Japan, and passed away in 1956.

Born in 1886 in Hudson, Wisconsin, Margaret Caroline Anderson was a leading figure in the literary avant-garde of the early 20th century. In 1914, she co-founded The Little Review, which published works by James Joyce, Ezra Pound, and other modernist writers. Anderson fought an obscenity trial over serialized excerpts of Joyce's 'Ulysses', defending artistic freedom in literature. Her magazine championed experimental poetry and prose, shaping the course of modern American writing. She continued publishing essays and memoirs until her death in 1973, leaving a lasting legacy on literary culture.

Viswanatha Satyanarayana was a towering figure in Telugu literature, composing epic poems and novels that reflected rural life and social change. His magnum opus, “Veyipadagalu,” earned him the Jnanpith Award in 1970, India's highest literary honor. He served as a professor at Osmania University, nurturing a generation of writers and poets. Viswanatha's works blended traditional Sanskrit influences with modern themes, earning critical and popular acclaim. His legacy continues to inspire writers across India and beyond.

Edwin Way Teale dedicated his life to observing and documenting the natural world across North America. He won the Pulitzer Prize for Photography in 1948 for a series on the changing seasons. Teale authored a series of best-selling books chronicling his journeys through each of the continent's regions, blending lyrical prose with striking imagery. His work helped popularize environmental awareness and inspired a deeper appreciation for conservation. Teale's legacy endures through his richly detailed writings and evocative photographs that continue to influence nature writers and photographers.

Diego Abad de Santillán was born in 1897 and became a significant voice in economic and social theory. His works explored alternative models of cooperative production and decentralized governance. As an influential author, he published several books and articles that examined the role of workers’ self-management in society. During the Spanish Civil War, Santillán applied his economic ideas in revolutionary contexts and participated in organizing labor. After the conflict, he lived in exile but continued to write and lecture on political economy. He died in 1983, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire libertarian and anarchist scholars.

Henri Michaux was born in 1899 and became known for his innovative work in both visual art and literature. His ink paintings and drawings often featured spontaneous, abstract forms that evoked inner psychological landscapes. As a poet, he published collections that blended surreal narratives with introspective verse. Michaux’s explorations of consciousness and perception drew from his travels and studies of altered states. Over his career, he held exhibitions across Europe and influenced avant-garde movements in art and poetry. He died in 1984, leaving a diverse body of work that continues to inspire artists and writers.

Born in 1940, Adriaan Ditvoorst emerged as a distinctive voice in Dutch art-house film during the 1960s and 1970s. His works blended poetic imagery, mythological themes, and psychological depth in unconventional narratives. Ditvoorst wrote and directed films that challenged mainstream cinematic forms and explored existential questions. Though his output was relatively small, it earned critical acclaim at European film festivals. His stylistic innovations have influenced subsequent generations of independent filmmakers. Ditvoorst died in 1987, and his films have since been rediscovered for their bold creativity.

Manuel Vázquez Montalbán was born in Barcelona in 1939 and studied philosophy and literature. He gained fame as a journalist and literary critic, writing for El País and other publications. He created the beloved fictional detective Pepe Carvalho, featuring in numerous novels blending crime, politics, and gastronomy. His work earned him international acclaim and many literary awards. He was also a committed political activist and cultural commentator. Montalbán died on October 18, 2003.

Alan Coren was an English humorist, journalist, and author best known for his witty columns in Punch magazine and his regular appearances on BBC Radio 4's The News Quiz. Born in London in 1938, he also wrote several books and won awards for his satirical writing. Coren served as editor of Punch and contributed to The Times and other publications. His sharp wit and warm personality made him a beloved figure in British media. He died on October 18, 2007.