November 02

Alfred Domett (1811-1887) was an English-born poet, novelist, and politician. He emigrated to New Zealand in 1842 and became a leading figure in colonial administration. Domett served as colonial secretary and was appointed the 4th Prime Minister (Premier) of New Zealand from 1862 to 1863. A prolific writer, he published poetry collections and the historical novel Ranolf and Amohia, drawing on Māori themes. His contributions to Wellington's early civic life and cultural development were significant. After his short term in office, he returned to England in 1866 and continued writing. Domett's literary and political legacies remain influential in New Zealand's cultural history.

George Bernard Shaw was an Irish playwright and critic known for his sharp wit and social commentary. Born in Dublin in 1856, he became a leading voice in the Fabian Society, advocating for social reform. He wrote more than 60 plays, including Pygmalion, Major Barbara, and Saint Joan, blending satire with moral philosophy. Shaw's works challenged Victorian norms and addressed issues such as class inequality and women's rights. In 1925, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for his contributions to drama and literature. He continued writing and lecturing until his death in 1950, leaving a lasting impact on modern theater.

James Grover Thurber (1894–1961) was an American cartoonist, author, and satirist celebrated for his sharp humor and distinctive drawings. Born in Columbus, Ohio, he overcame partial blindness to study at Ohio State University, editing the campus humor magazine. Thurber became a leading contributor to The New Yorker, crafting humorous essays, short stories, and cartoons that captured the absurdities of modern life. His classics include the short story 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty' and the popular cartoon series 'The Unicorn in the Garden'. Thurber's playful line work and gentle satire influenced generations of writers and artists. He also penned plays and collaborated on theatrical productions. Even after retiring from regular contributions, his work continued to be published and admired worldwide. Thurber died in 1961, leaving a legacy as one of America's foremost humorists of the 20th century.

Born in Bologna, Pasolini gained fame as a poet and novelist before moving into filmmaking in the early 1960s. His debut feature 'Accattone' (1961) depicted the lives of Rome’s marginalized youth and showcased his neorealist style. He directed over 30 films, including 'Mamma Roma' and the acclaimed 'The Gospel According to St. Matthew'. Pasolini’s work often addressed issues of poverty, sexuality, and the clash between tradition and modernity. He remained a prolific writer, publishing essays, poems, and the novel 'Ragazzi di vita'. On November 2, 1975, he was tragically murdered in Ostia under mysterious circumstances, sparking debates that endure to this day.

Born in New York City in 1916, Irwin Allen began his career as a publicist before moving into television production. He created hit series such as The Time Tunnel, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, and Lost in Space. In the 1970s, Allen earned the nickname 'Master of Disaster' with films like The Poseidon Adventure and The Towering Inferno. His productions were known for their grand scale, special effects, and ensemble casts. Allen received multiple Emmy nominations and awards for his television work. Despite mixed critical reviews for his later films, his work remains influential in the science fiction and disaster genres. Allen passed away in 1991, leaving behind a legacy of imaginative storytelling and pioneering effects-driven cinema.

Born in Elmira, New York in 1892, Hal Roach founded the Hal Roach Studios, which became famous for its comedy shorts. He produced and directed hundreds of films featuring stars like Laurel and Hardy, Harold Lloyd, and the Our Gang (Little Rascals) kids. Roach's studio was a pioneer in early Hollywood comedy, blending slapstick with heartfelt storytelling. In addition to producing, he occasionally acted and wrote scripts. His films won multiple Academy Awards and set standards for series comedy. Roach successfully transitioned into television in the 1950s with shows based on his classic characters. He was honored with an Academy Honorary Award in 1984 for his contributions to the film industry. Roach passed away in 1992 at the age of 100, leaving a comedic legacy.

Born in Raleigh, North Carolina in 1917, Peter Matthew Hillsman Taylor began his writing career with short stories revealing complex character studies. He won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1987 for his novel A Summons to Memphis. Taylor's work often explored family dynamics, memory, and the passage of time in the American South. He also wrote plays and essays that landed on Broadway and in prominent magazines. His precise language and deep psychological insight earned him critical acclaim and a devoted readership. Taylor taught creative writing at several universities and mentored aspiring authors. He continued writing until his death in 1994, leaving a substantial body of work that remains influential in American literature.

Born in Leominster, Massachusetts in 1925, Robert Cormier began his career as a newspaper editor and investigative reporter. His experiences covering crime and social issues informed the gritty realism of his fiction. Cormier wrote numerous novels, short stories, and articles, but gained fame for his young adult novels that tackled dark themes and moral ambiguity. His landmark works include The Chocolate War, I Am the Cheese, and After the First Death. Cormier won multiple literary awards and was a finalist for the National Book Award. He continued writing and lecturing on creative writing until his death in 2000. His influence endures in the genre, inspiring authors to address challenging subjects in youth literature.

Charles Sheffield earned a doctorate in mathematics and physics and conducted research in astrophysics and space science. He transitioned to writing full time and published numerous science fiction novels and short stories known for their meticulous scientific detail and imaginative scope. His works explored themes of space exploration, artificial intelligence, and humanity's future in the cosmos. Sheffield served as president of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America and received nominations for Hugo and Nebula awards. His legacy endures as a pioneer of hard science fiction, inspiring both readers and fellow scientists.

Nien Cheng (1915-2009) was a Chinese-American writer best known for her memoir 'Life and Death in Shanghai', which offers a firsthand account of her imprisonment and resilience during the Cultural Revolution. Born in Shanghai, Cheng trained as an engineer before emigrating to the United States. After the 1949 revolution, she returned to China to work for Shell but was arrested in 1966 and spent years in solitary confinement. Her vivid storytelling brought global attention to the human cost of political upheaval and inspired readers with her unwavering determination. Cheng's legacy endures through her contributions to literature and the documentation of one of the 20th century's most turbulent periods in Chinese history.

Han Suyin (1916-2012) was a Chinese-Swiss physician, novelist, and biographer acclaimed for her evocative writing and medical career. Born in China to a Eurasian family, she studied medicine in London and practiced as a physician before turning to literature. Her semi-autobiographical novel 'A Many-Splendoured Thing' became an international bestseller and was adapted into an Academy Award-winning film. Han wrote extensively about Chinese history, culture, and politics, with works such as 'The Mountain Is Young' and 'Windflower'. Her unique perspective bridged Eastern and Western worlds, earning her a lasting place in both the literary and medical communities.

Clifford Nass (1958-2013) was a prominent American author, academic, and professor at Stanford University. He specialized in human-computer interaction, studying how people interact with technology and media. Nass authored multiple influential books and papers on social aspects of computing, communication, and media multitasking. His research shed light on the cognitive and social effects of technology use, influencing design and policy. He received numerous awards for his work, including induction into the CHI Academy and leadership roles in ACM SIGCHI. Nass's insights continue to shape the fields of communication, psychology, and computing, leaving a lasting academic legacy.