October 23

Théophile Gautier was born in 1811 in Tarbes, France. A leading figure in the Romantic movement, he championed 'art for art's sake' and influenced generations of poets and writers. He wrote celebrated works such as 'Mademoiselle de Maupin' and 'Le Capitaine Fracasse'. As an art critic and journalist, he contributed to major periodicals and promoted emerging artists. Known for his lush, descriptive prose, his legacy endures in French literature.

Zane Grey was born in 1872 in Ohio and initially practiced as a dentist before pursuing writing full-time. He authored over 80 novels, with 'Riders of the Purple Sage' becoming one of the most popular Westerns ever written. Grey’s vivid depictions of the American frontier and its characters captivated readers worldwide. Many of his works were adapted into films and serials, expanding his influence beyond literature. His adventurous life and storytelling legacy established him as a foundational figure in American popular culture.

Frank Luther Mott (1886–1964) was a prominent historian and journalist who shaped the study of American media. He served as editor of several major magazines before transitioning to academia as a professor at the University of Iowa. Mott's multi-volume work A History of American Magazines earned him the Pulitzer Prize for History in 1939. His meticulous research chronicled the evolution of periodicals from colonial pamphlets to modern glossy publications. Beyond his scholarship, he championed the importance of journalism education and helped establish academic programs in the field. Mott also wrote on journalism ethics and the social role of the press. Until his death in 1964, he remained a leading authority on the history of American media, leaving an enduring impact on journalism studies.

Thomas Williams (1926–1990) was an American author and professor whose writing delved into the complexities of personal and familial dynamics. He taught creative writing at the State University of New York and influenced a generation of emerging writers. Williams published several novels and short story collections that received critical acclaim for their nuanced character development and insightful prose. His work often reflected keen observations of everyday life and moral dilemmas. Through both his literary output and his mentorship, Williams left an enduring impact on American letters.

Eric Ambler was born in 1909 in Kent, England. He is often regarded as the father of the modern spy thriller, introducing ordinary protagonists into international intrigue. Ambler's landmark novel The Mask of Dimitrios (1939) established the template for suspense fiction. He later wrote screenplays for films such as The Four Feathers and collaborated on productions in Hollywood. Ambler's work influenced authors like Graham Greene and John le Carré with his realistic, morally complex narratives. Throughout his career, he received accolades including the Grand Master Award from the Mystery Writers of America. He passed away in 1998, leaving a lasting impact on both literature and film.

Adolph Green was born in 1915 in New York City. He formed a legendary writing partnership with Betty Comden, creating musicals for Broadway and Hollywood. Their work includes scores for On the Town, Singin' in the Rain, and Hello, Dolly!. Green and Comden won multiple Tony and Academy Awards for their witty lyrics and scripts. Beyond musicals, Green wrote plays and revues, showcasing his versatile talent. He was honored with the Kennedy Center Honors for his contributions to the arts. He passed away in 2002, leaving behind a rich legacy of musical theatre.

Born in Faridpur in 1934 (now Bangladesh), Sunil Gangopadhyay began writing poetry as a teenager. He co-founded the literary magazine Krittibas and became a leading voice of the Hungry Generation movement. Gangopadhyay authored over 100 works, including novels like Sei Somoy and Shei Samudra, as well as poetry collections. He received the Sahitya Akademi Award and the Padma Bhushan for his contributions to literature. His writing explored themes of identity, history, and social change. Gangopadhyay’s legacy endures through adaptations of his works and continued academic study. He died in 2012, leaving an indelible mark on Bengali letters.

Joan Quigley rose to prominence in the 1980s as the unofficial White House astrologer to First Lady Nancy Reagan. Her guidance on auspicious timing for presidential events was revealed in memoirs and sparked public fascination with astrology's role in politics. Quigley authored several bestselling books, including 'What Does Joan Say?' and 'Scouting for the Sun,' blending horoscopic insight with personal anecdotes. A regular guest on radio and television, she became one of the most recognized voices in American astrology. Despite controversy over her influence behind the scenes, her work brought astrology into mainstream conversations. Quigley continued to lecture and consult for clients nationwide until her death in 2014.

Born in 1950, Indiana emerged as a distinctive literary figure in the 1980s, contributing essays to Artforum.\nHis novels and plays, including "Whores" and "Lady of the 1000 Cows," blend dark humor with raw urban narratives.\nAs a poet, he published numerous collections that challenged conventional forms and celebrated outsider voices.\nIndiana’s criticism spans pop culture, film, and art, marking him as a key commentator on contemporary society.\nHe taught creative writing workshops and mentored emerging writers across the United States.\nHis fearless exploration of marginalized communities and provocative style left a lasting mark until his death in 2024.