October 21

Born in Scotland in 1712, James Steuart became one of the earliest theorists of political economy. He published his seminal work, An Inquiry into the Principles of Political Economy, in 1767. In this treatise, he analyzed the role of state intervention and mercantilist policies in regulating commerce. His ideas combined classical and mercantilist thought, differing from the laissez-faire approach that followed. Although overshadowed by contemporaries like Adam Smith, his work laid foundational concepts for modern economics. Rediscovered by later scholars, Steuart is now recognized as a pioneering figure in the development of political economy.

Born in 1772 in Devon, Samuel Taylor Coleridge emerged as a leading figure in English Romanticism alongside William Wordsworth. His landmark poems, including 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner' and 'Kubla Khan', remain staples of English literature. Coleridge also wrote the influential 'Biographia Literaria', combining literary criticism and philosophical reflection. Struggling with health issues and opium addiction, he continued to lecture and produce essays on theology and metaphysics. His innovative use of imagination and symbolism profoundly influenced poetry and literary criticism. Coleridge's legacy endures in his exploration of the supernatural and his contributions to the theory of poetic creation.

Born in 1790, Alphonse de Lamartine gained fame with his 1820 poetry collection 'Méditations Poétiques', which helped launch French Romanticism. He was elected to the Chamber of Deputies in 1833, advocating for social reform, free press, and educational improvements. During the 1848 Revolution, Lamartine served as a key leader in the provisional government and became de facto head of the French Republic. His eloquent speeches and idealism emphasized liberty, fraternity, and the dignity of man. Although his political influence declined after the coup of Louis-Napoleon, his poetic and historical writings continued to resonate. He died in 1869, leaving a dual legacy as both a gifted writer and a passionate public servant.

Will Carleton gained fame with his poem 'Over the Hills to the Poor House,' resonating with readers nationwide. He penned numerous verse collections celebrating rural America, blending vivid imagery with heartfelt sentiment. His works were widely published in newspapers and magazines of the era, influencing popular taste. Carleton’s accessible style and focus on everyday characters helped shape American poetry in the late 19th century. He left a lasting legacy as one of the most beloved voices of his generation.

Giuseppe Giacosa began his career writing poetry and stage dramas in Turin before moving to Milan. He co-wrote the libretti for Puccini masterpieces such as 'La bohème,' 'Tosca,' and 'Madama Butterfly.' His elegant verse and dramatic sense brought world-renowned operas to life on stage. Giacosa’s contributions helped define the golden age of Italian opera at the turn of the 20th century. He remains celebrated for his lyrical writing and enduring artistic partnerships.

Born as Tarō Hirai in 1894, Edogawa Ranpo adopted a pen name inspired by Edgar Allan Poe and revolutionized the detective genre in Japan. His works, such as 'The Human Chair' and 'The Fiend with Twenty Faces,' captivated readers with psychological depth and inventive plots. He founded the Detective Author Club and mentored a generation of mystery writers. Ranpo also wrote critical essays on literature and art, shaping modern Japanese taste. His influence endures in contemporary Japanese popular culture and mystery writing circles.

Born in 1896 in Russia, Esther Shumiatcher-Hirschbein immigrated to Canada and published her first poetry collections in the 1920s. Her lyrical work often delved into themes of displacement, memory, and the immigrant experience. She transitioned to screenwriting in the 1940s, contributing scripts to early Canadian cinema and broadcasting. Shumiatcher-Hirschbein's writing combined poetic sensibility with sharp narrative skill, reflecting her diverse cultural heritage. Her influence can be seen in later generations of Canadian writers exploring multicultural identities.

Born in Athens in 1907, Nikos Engonopoulos studied law but devoted his life to art and literature. He became a pioneer of the Surrealist movement in Greece, co-founding the Surrealist group in Athens. Engonopoulos's paintings blend mythological imagery with dreamlike landscapes, showcasing vivid color and symbolism. His poetry, including works like 'Bolivar,' reflects similar surrealist influences with playful language and philosophical depth. Engonopoulos's dual talents established him as a central figure in 20th-century Greek culture.

Born in Tabriz in 1923 into an Armenian-Iranian family, Khachikian studied cinema and journalism in France before returning to Iran. He directed his first feature film in 1953 and became known for pioneering fast-paced editing and suspense in Iranian cinema. Khachikian wrote many of his own screenplays, blending elements of noir, thriller, and social commentary. He also authored crime novels, expanding his storytelling beyond the screen. His films, such as 'Midnight Scream', influenced a generation of filmmakers and reshaped Iran's popular cinema. He passed away in 2001, leaving a legacy as one of Iranian cinema's most innovative figures.

Ursula K. Le Guin (1929-2018) was a visionary writer whose work transcended genre boundaries. She created the beloved Earthsea series, blending mythology with deep philosophical themes. Her novel The Left Hand of Darkness challenged gender norms and won the Hugo and Nebula Awards. Le Guin's writing explored anthropology, politics, and human nature with lyrical prose. She received multiple literary honors, including the National Book Award and PEN/Malamud Award. Le Guin's influence continues to inspire writers and readers around the world.

Maureen Duffy is an acclaimed English author whose prolific career spans novels, poetry, plays, and essays. She gained early recognition with 'That's How I Loved Her' and continued to explore themes of love, identity, and mythology in works like 'The Microcosm'. A vocal LGBT rights advocate, Duffy served as vice-president of English PEN and has championed free expression. She has received numerous honors, including the Golden PEN Award, for her literary achievements and activism. Duffy's engaging storytelling and commitment to social justice have made her a stalwart voice in contemporary literature.

Frances FitzGerald is an American journalist and author recognized for her in-depth reporting on the Vietnam War. Her 1972 book "Fire in the Lake: The Vietnamese and the Americans in Vietnam" won the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award. FitzGerald’s work is acclaimed for its nuanced analysis of Vietnamese culture and American intervention. She has contributed to The New Yorker and other leading publications, shaping public understanding of international affairs. Her journalism has also examined civil rights, urban policy, and social issues in the United States. FitzGerald continues to influence generations of writers through her rigorous reporting and narrative skill.