October 29

James Shirley was a prolific English dramatist born in London in 1596. He became the foremost playwright of the Caroline court after Shakespeare. Shirley authored over thirty plays, ranging from witty comedies to poignant tragedies. His notable works include "The Lady of Pleasure" and "The Cardinal". During the English Civil War, he briefly moved to Ireland and continued his literary pursuits. After the Restoration, many of his plays were performed at the new theatres in London. Shirley’s influence helped shape 17th-century drama and paved the way for Restoration playwrights.

Henry George was born in Philadelphia in 1839 and became one of the most prominent American political economists of the 19th century. His best-selling work, "Progress and Poverty," argued that land value taxation could eliminate poverty and economic inequality. George’s ideas inspired the Georgist movement and influenced public policy debates around the world. He ran unsuccessfully for mayor of New York City in 1886 on a reform platform. George lectured widely on economic justice, land reform, and the rights of labor. His theories on free trade and taxation continue to shape discussions in economics and public policy. Despite his early death in 1897, Henry George’s legacy endures in the field of social economics.

Albert Benjamin Simpson was born in Bayview, Canada West, in 1843. He was ordained as a Presbyterian minister in 1869 and served churches in Canada and the United States. Deeply committed to global evangelism, he founded the Christian and Missionary Alliance in 1887. Simpson authored numerous books and hymns, emphasizing personal holiness and missionary work. Under his leadership, the Alliance established schools, hospitals, and outreach programs worldwide. He died on October 29, 1919, leaving a legacy of cross-cultural missionary service.

Frances Hodgson Burnett was born in Manchester, England, in 1849. Her family emigrated to the United States when she was 16, settling in Tennessee. She achieved fame with the novel 'Little Lord Fauntleroy' in 1886, followed by 'A Little Princess' and 'The Secret Garden.' Burnett's works combined vivid storytelling with themes of innocence, resilience, and imagination. She also wrote successful plays and short stories for popular magazines of her time. She died in Devon, England, on October 29, 1924, cherished as a pioneer of children's literature.

Zoë Akins (1886–1958) was a prolific American playwright, poet, and author who gained acclaim for her sharp wit and literary adaptations. After studying at the University of California, she wrote numerous Broadway plays and collaborated on film screenplays. Her most celebrated work, The Old Maid, earned her the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1935. Akins also adapted classics by Edith Wharton and contributed poetry and essays to major publications. Her blend of humor, social insight, and strong characterizations made her a leading figure in early 20th-century American literature.

Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay (1903–1988) was a pioneering Indian author and activist deeply involved in the freedom struggle against British colonial rule. She played a key role in the All India Women's Conference, advocating for women's education and legal reforms. After independence, she spearheaded the revival of traditional Indian handicrafts and textiles, establishing cooperative societies to empower rural artisans. Chattopadhyay served as a member of parliament and represented India at UNESCO, promoting cultural diplomacy worldwide. An accomplished writer, she documented folklore, arts, and social issues in her influential books and essays. She was honored with the Padma Bhushan in 1955 and the Padma Vibhushan in 1987 for her contributions. Her legacy endures in India’s craft cooperatives and ongoing efforts toward gender equality.

Terry Southern (1924–1995) was an American author, essayist, and screenwriter celebrated for his irreverent wit and satirical style. He broke into publishing in the 1950s with short stories and essays in major magazines, capturing the emerging counterculture. Southern co-wrote the screenplay for Stanley Kubrick’s Dr. Strangelove, earning acclaim for its dark comedy. He also contributed to the scripts of Easy Rider and The Cincinnati Kid, influencing the New Hollywood movement. As a novelist, he penned works such as Candy and The Magic Christian, blending surreal humor with social commentary. Southern’s edgy voice and boundary-pushing narratives made him a defining figure of 20th-century American literature. His legacy endures through his groundbreaking contributions to film and prose.

Anton LaVey (1930–1997), born Howard Stanton Levey, was an American occultist who founded the Church of Satan in 1966. He authored The Satanic Bible, which outlined his philosophy of individualism, rational self-interest, and symbolic ritual. LaVey built the First Satanic Church in San Francisco and became a prominent figure in the 1960s counterculture. A charismatic showman, he conducted public ceremonies and lectures that drew widespread attention and controversy. In addition to his religious work, LaVey was a musician, photographer, and writer of essays and plays. His avant-garde persona and doctrines challenged societal norms and left an enduring mark on modern occult movements. LaVey’s legacy continues to influence contemporary alternative spirituality.

Greg, born Michel Regnier in 1931, was a pioneering Belgian comic author and illustrator best known for creating the satirical hero Achille Talon. His work appeared in leading Franco-Belgian magazines such as Tintin, where his clear ligne style and witty storytelling earned him a devoted following. Over a career spanning five decades, he published numerous albums and influenced generations of cartoonists. Regnier’s legacy endures in the vibrant tradition of European comics. He remained an iconic figure until his death in 1999.

Harry Clement Stubbs, known by his pen name Hal Clement, was born in 1922 and became a leading figure in the Golden Age of science fiction. He earned a master’s degree in astronomy and served as a pilot in World War II before embarking on a teaching career. Clement’s work is celebrated for its rigorous scientific accuracy and imaginative world-building, most notably in his novel "Mission of Gravity." He published numerous short stories in magazines like Astounding Science Fiction and influenced later generations of sci-fi writers. As an educator, he taught physics and astronomy, sharing his passion for science until his death in 2003.

Letitia Baldrige was born in 1926 and became a leading authority on etiquette and social protocol. She served as White House Social Secretary for First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy from 1961 to 1963, orchestrating state dinners and official events. After her White House service, she embarked on a prolific career as an etiquette consultant, advising Fortune 500 companies and diplomats. Baldrige authored over a dozen books on modern manners and corporate etiquette, including 'The New Manners for the '90s.' Her media appearances and lectures earned her the nickname 'Queen of Etiquette' and influenced generations of professionals. She remained active in publishing and speaking engagements well into her later years, shaping contemporary standards of politeness.

J. Bernlef was born Hendrik Jan Marsman in 1937 and adopted his pseudonym for a celebrated literary career. He debuted as a poet in the early 1960s before gaining international acclaim with his novel 'Hersenschimmen' ('Out of Mind'), exploring dementia from a first-person perspective. His work spanned poetry, novels, essays, translations, and songwriting, reflecting a versatile creative voice. He received the prestigious P. C. Hooft Award in 1992 for his contributions to Dutch literature. Bernlef's clear prose and experimental techniques influenced a generation of writers in the Netherlands and beyond. He continued to write and publish until his death in 2012, leaving a rich and varied literary legacy.