October 22

Thomas Mayne Reid was born in 1818 in Ballyroney, Ireland. He served in the British Army and later fought in the Mexican-American War after emigrating to the United States. In 1845, Reid began publishing popular adventure novels such as 'The Scalp Hunters' and 'The Bush Rangers', capturing the imagination of Victorian readers. His work featured exotic settings, daring heroes, and rich descriptions of frontier life. Reid's storytelling influenced later adventure writers and helped shape the genre in Europe and America. He returned to England in his later years and continued writing until his death in 1883.

Born in 1899 in Barisal (now in Bangladesh), Das studied English literature at Calcutta University. His poetry collections, such as 'Banalata Sen', featured haunting imagery and introspective themes. Despite critical indifference during his lifetime, Das influenced later generations with his unique style. He also wrote essays and short stories that explored the human condition and natural landscapes. Das's work gained widespread acclaim posthumously and he is celebrated as one of Bengal's greatest literary figures.

Born in Dunedin, James K. Baxter published his first collection at age 21 and became a leading voice in New Zealand literature. His work reflects a blend of Māori cultural influence, Christian theology, and social commentary. Baxter established a communal lifestyle at Jerusalem, north of Wellington, exploring alternative living and spirituality. His powerful poetry and essays challenged social norms and inspired generations of writers.

Born in Kobe, Mieko Kamiya studied medicine at Kyoto University and became a pioneering figure in Japanese psychiatry. Influenced by existential philosophy, she wrote extensively on the concept of ikigai (life purpose), notably in her classic 'On the Meaning of Life'. Kamiya advocated for humane mental health care, contributed to child psychiatry, and authored essays and diaries that offer profound psychological and cultural insights.

Born in Seattle, Richard Hugo served as a B-17 pilot during World War II before studying under poet Stanley Kunitz. As a Stegner Fellow at Stanford and later an instructor at the University of Montana, he wrote acclaimed collections like 'Good Luck in Cracked Italian' and 'The Lady in Kicking Horse Reservoir'. Hugo’s accessible style and focus on place and memory influenced a generation of poets across America.

Born in 1915, Freeman began writing novels in the 1960s and published over forty books exploring the lives of women coping with love, loss, and societal change. Her works often spanned decades and continents, weaving complex narratives that resonated with a wide readership. Titles such as 'A Place in the Country', 'The Fire of Bella Hoffmann', and 'No End to the Journey' became staples on bestseller lists. Her novels have sold millions of copies worldwide and have been translated into multiple languages. Freeman continued to write popular fiction until her death in 1988, leaving a legacy as one of America's most prolific romance and historical novelists.

Born in 1915 as James Miller, MacColl began his career in theatre before turning to folk music in the 1950s. He became a leading figure in the folk revival, recording traditional ballads and writing original songs such as 'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face' and 'Dirty Old Town'. As a political activist and member of the Communist Party, he infused his work with social commentary. He co-founded the Ballad and Blues Club and later the Radio Ballads with Peggy Seeger, whom he married. MacColl's contributions extended to radio, television, and stage, where he worked as a producer and playwright. He passed away in 1989, leaving a lasting influence on folk music and cultural broadcasting.

Kingsley Amis was a leading figure in post-war British literature, celebrated for his sharp wit and satirical eye. His debut novel, Lucky Jim, published in 1954, became an instant classic and captured the mood of a generation. Beyond novels, Amis wrote acclaimed poetry, literary criticism, and non-fiction works exploring everything from science fiction to theology. He served as Professor of English at several universities and mentored younger writers, including his son Martin Amis. Known for his lively personality and outspoken views, Amis contributed to journals and newspapers, cementing his reputation as one of the most influential British writers of the 20th century.

Ève Curie (1904-2007) was a French pianist, journalist, and author who bridged the worlds of science and the arts. Born to pioneering physicists Marie and Pierre Curie, she pursued music at the Paris Conservatoire and performed across Europe. During World War II, she worked as a war correspondent for Time magazine, covering Allied operations and authoring frontline reports. Her biography "Madame Curie" (1937) became a bestseller and was adapted into a feature film. She later wrote "Journey Among Warriors," documenting her travels through wartime Asia. Curie received the U.S. Medal of Freedom for her journalistic contributions. She also served with UNESCO and UNICEF, continuing her family's legacy of public service.

Gabrielle Roth (1941-2012) was an American dancer, choreographer, musician, and author who developed the groundbreaking 5Rhythms movement practice. She founded the 5Rhythms community in the 1970s, integrating dance, spirituality, and healing into a transformational form of expression. Roth authored influential works, including "Maps to Ecstasy" and "Sweat Your Prayers," guiding readers through her five-wave dance methodology: Flowing, Staccato, Chaos, Lyrical, and Stillness. She toured internationally, leading workshops that emphasized dance as a path to self-discovery. Roth composed music for her classes and collaborated on performance art pieces. She trained thousands of teachers worldwide, ensuring her legacy within the global conscious dance movement. Roth's work continues to influence dance therapy and holistic wellness practices.

William Harrison was born in 1933 and became a prolific writer of short stories and novels. He published five short story collections during his career and contributed to magazines such as Harper's. In 1975 he adapted his story 'Rollerball Murder' into the screenplay for the film Rollerball. His work was praised for its concise storytelling and vivid characters. Harrison also taught creative writing at various universities. He inspired a generation of writers with his narrative style and attention to detail.

Sheri S. Tepper was a pioneering figure in feminist science fiction, challenging social norms through her novels. Her debut novel, The Gate to Women's Country, earned wide acclaim for its exploration of gender and power. Tepper's works often blended ecological concerns with deep philosophical questions, as seen in Grass and The True Game trilogy. Her storytelling combined rich world-building with sharp social critique, earning her numerous awards and a devoted readership. Throughout her career, she pushed literary boundaries and inspired future generations of speculative fiction writers. Tepper's novels remain celebrated for their imaginative scope and enduring relevance to contemporary issues.