October 26

Born in 1860 near Columbus, Kansas, Eaton honed his shooting skills while tracking outlaws during his youth. As a U.S. Deputy Marshal in the Oklahoma Territory, he captured criminals with unmatched marksmanship. His exploits earned him the nickname "Pistol Pete" and legendary status across the American West. Eaton served as a scout for the U.S. Army and collaborated with frontier figures like General Custer's veterans. In later years, he authored memoirs and articles preserving vivid accounts of pioneer life. His life story inspired the Pistol Pete mascot of Oklahoma State University. Eaton died in 1958 at the age of 97, leaving behind a rich legacy of Old West history.

Born Boris Nikolaevich Bugayev, he adopted the pen name Andrei Bely and became a leading figure of the Symbolist movement. His novel Petersburg is celebrated for its innovative narrative techniques and psychological depth. A talented poet and literary critic, he explored themes of mysticism, urban life, and the human subconscious. Bely’s work had a profound impact on Russian literature, influencing later modernist writers. Beyond writing, he was also a scholar and theorist of literature, lecturing at universities and journals.

Often called the grandfather of personal success literature, Hill pioneered the self-help genre in the early 20th century. He studied the habits of the most successful individuals, including Andrew Carnegie, to formulate principles of achievement. Originally published in 1937, Think and Grow Rich remains one of the bestselling books of all time with over 100 million copies sold. Hill’s philosophy emphasizes the power of desire, belief, and perseverance in attaining personal and financial goals. His influential work continues to inspire entrepreneurs, leaders, and readers worldwide.

Born in Helsinki, Schildt wrote in Swedish and became a central figure in Finnish literary circles. His stories often explore human psychology, nature, and the complexities of modern life. He published several acclaimed collections, including his debut Sista Kronan in 1911. Schildt’s work helped bridge Scandinavian literary traditions with emerging European modernism. Despite his early death, his writings influenced later Finnish authors writing in Swedish.

Vidyarthi founded the Hindi daily Pratap, using journalism to campaign against social injustices and British colonial rule. He was elected to the United Provinces Legislative Council, advocating for civil rights and communal harmony. During the 1931 Kanpur riots, he intervened to protect victims of communal violence and was tragically killed in the effort. His martyrdom made him a symbol of secularism and sacrifice in India’s struggle for independence. Vidyarthi’s legacy lives on in the fields of journalism and political activism.

Crnjanski emerged as a leading voice of Serbian modernism in the early 20th century. His novel Migrations depicts the tumult of World War I and the Serbian diaspora with poetic intensity. He also wrote acclaimed poetry collections such as Lament over Belgrade and essays on literary theory. After years in exile, he returned to Yugoslavia and continued to shape its postwar literary scene. His works remain classics of Southeast European literature, admired for their psychological depth and stylistic innovation.

Karin Boye emerged as a leading literary figure in 1920s Sweden. Her poetry explored themes of freedom, identity, and existential angst. In 1940, she published 'Kallocain', a seminal work of dystopian fiction. Boye's writing has influenced generations of Scandinavian authors. Her life and work continue to be celebrated for their emotional depth.

Beryl Markham was a pioneering aviator and the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic from east to west. She trained racehorses in Kenya, achieving success with several notable thoroughbreds. Her memoir, 'West with the Night', received critical acclaim for its lyrical prose. Markham's adventurous spirit made her a legendary figure of the African frontier. She remains an icon of early aviation and equestrian history.

Ignace Lepp was a French psychologist and author of Estonian origin. A former Catholic priest turned humanist thinker, he authored more than 30 books on spirituality and psychology. His works examined the interplay between faith, reason, and the human psyche. Lepp’s accessible style brought complex ideas to a broad audience. He contributed to 20th-century discussions on religion and human behavior.

Dante Quinterno was an Argentine cartoonist and publisher whose career spanned over seven decades. In 1928 he created the character Patoruzú, which became one of Latin America’s most beloved comics. He founded Editorial Dante Quinterno, innovating comic strip formats and storytelling techniques. Quinterno introduced urban satire and social commentary into his works, influencing generations of cartoonists. His bold visual style and entrepreneurial spirit established a multimedia franchise that endured long after his passing.

Sorley MacLean was one of the foremost Scottish Gaelic poets of the 20th century, celebrated for his vivid imagery and engagement with social and political themes. A native speaker from the Isle of Raasay, he studied at the University of Glasgow and taught languages at several universities. His landmark collection "Dàin do Eimhir" blended classical Gaelic forms with modernist techniques, addressing love, exile, and war. MacLean’s translations brought Gaelic poetry to worldwide audiences. He received numerous honors for his literary contributions and played a central role in the Gaelic renaissance.

Jan Wolkers (1925–2007) was a prolific Dutch artist and writer whose work spanned sculpture, painting, and literature. His visual art is characterized by bold interpretations of nature and human form, while his novels and essays are noted for their raw honesty and emotional depth. Wolkers’s 1969 novel “Turks Fruit” became an international sensation and was adapted into a successful film. He was a leading figure in postwar Dutch culture, influencing generations of artists and readers. His multidisciplinary approach broke boundaries between visual and literary expression.