November 03

Born in AD 39 in Corduba, Lucan was a nephew of the philosopher Seneca. He gained fame for his epic Pharsalia, which offers a dramatic account of Rome's internal conflict. His vivid and rhetorical style earned him both acclaim and suspicion at the court of Emperor Nero. Lucan became entangled in the Pisonian conspiracy and was forced to take his own life in 65. Despite his brief career, his work influenced later epic poetry and remains a crucial source for understanding Roman history.

William Cullen Bryant was a pioneering American poet and journalist whose works helped shape early American literature. Born in Massachusetts, he published his renowned poem 'Thanatopsis' at the age of 17, gaining international acclaim. Bryant co-founded and edited the influential New York Evening Post, using his platform to advocate for social reforms such as abolition and Native American rights. His poetry celebrated nature and reflected transcendentalist themes, influencing later writers like Emerson and Longfellow. In his long career, he championed freedom of the press and remained active in political debates. Bryant's legacy endures through his contributions to American letters and his role in advancing journalistic integrity.

Karl Baedeker was a visionary German publisher whose name became synonymous with high-quality travel guides. Born in Essenbeck, he took over his family's bookstore and established the Baedeker Publishing Company in 1827. Under his leadership, the firm produced detailed and reliable guides for travelers across Europe and beyond, revolutionizing tourism. Baedeker's meticulous editorial standards and innovative maps set a new industry benchmark. His guides combined practical information with cultural insights, appealing to an emerging middle-class audience. Today, Baedeker's legacy endures in the continued reputation of his eponymous guidebooks and their impact on modern travel culture.

Yakub Kolas (1882–1956), born Kanstantsin Mitskievich, was a seminal Belarusian writer, poet, and dramatist whose works helped shape the national literary canon. His early poems and short stories celebrated peasant life, exploring themes of resilience, community, and social justice. Kolas was also active as a translator and editor, promoting Belarusian language and culture during periods of political upheaval. His epic poem 'The New Land' is considered a masterpiece of Soviet-era literature, depicting the transformation of Belarus through agrarian reform. As a public intellectual, he served in various cultural institutions, advocating for the development of Belarusian schools and libraries. Kolas’s blend of lyrical imagery and social commentary influenced generations of writers and solidified his status as a national literary hero.

Samuil Marshak (1887–1964) was a pioneering figure in Russian literature, renowned for his poetry, plays, and children’s books that blended humor, imagination, and humanistic themes. He published his first collection of verses at age 17 and soon became associated with the Acmeist movement alongside poets like Anna Akhmatova. Marshak’s translations introduced Russian audiences to the works of Shakespeare, Stevenson, and other Western authors, enriching Soviet literary culture. He wrote beloved fairy tales and imaginative poems for children, such as 'Post' and 'Dragonfly,' which remain classics in Russian school curricula. During World War II, Marshak organized literary efforts to boost morale among soldiers and civilians. His contributions earned him the Stalin Prize and membership in the Soviet Academy of Sciences. Marshak’s legacy endures in his enduring verse and his role in shaping national literary education.

Born in 1890, Harry Stephen Keeler became known for his elaborate detective novels filled with bizarre coincidences and unlikely scenarios. Over his career, he wrote more than 60 novels and numerous short stories characterized by twisting narratives and quirky characters. Despite limited mainstream recognition, he gained a devoted cult following among fans of pulp and speculative fiction. Keeler's inventive plotting techniques anticipated modern puzzle-based thrillers. His manuscripts, often considered unfinished masterpieces, continue to intrigue literary scholars. Today, his works remain sought after by enthusiasts of unconventional mysteries.

André Malraux (1901–1976) was a French novelist known for blending history, politics, and existential themes in his work. He published 'Man’s Fate' which won the Prix Goncourt in 1933. During WWII he joined the Free French Forces and later served under Charles de Gaulle. In 1959 he was appointed the first Minister of Cultural Affairs in France, promoting museum expansion and heritage protection. He wrote influential essays on art theory and the role of culture in society. His lifelong commitment to literature and public service left a lasting impact on French intellectual life.

James 'Scotty' Reston (1909–1995) was a Scottish-American journalist who shaped mid-20th-century political reporting. He joined The New York Times in 1939 and covered World War II, the Cold War, and global diplomacy. As a Washington columnist and editorial writer, he earned two Pulitzer Prizes for his insightful analysis. Reston’s daily columns influenced public opinion during the administrations of several presidents. He authored books on American politics and foreign policy based on his extensive interviews. His clear prose and deep network of sources set standards for political journalism.

Jesús Blasco began his artistic career in Barcelona, publishing his first comics at the age of 17. He created the popular young adventurer series Cuto, which appeared in Spanish and European magazines for decades. Blasco's detailed and expressive illustrations helped raise the standards of graphic storytelling in postwar Europe. He worked on a variety of genres, from adventure and science fiction to historical themes. Blasco also collaborated with French publishers and influenced many younger comic artists. He continued drawing and illustrating until his death in 1995, leaving behind a rich legacy of graphic art.

Ludovic Kennedy served in the Royal Navy during World War II before joining the BBC as a foreign correspondent and Panorama presenter. He wrote bestselling books, including Ten Rillington Place, which challenged the safety of certain murder convictions. His investigative work helped secure pardons for Timothy Evans and Derek Bentley, two men wrongfully convicted of murder. Kennedy also authored biographies and historical works on figures like Custer and Mary Surratt. He was a vocal critic of the death penalty and advocate for criminal justice reform. He passed away in 2009, remembered for his perseverance in seeking truth and justice.

Květa Legátová published her first stories in the 1940s but gained international acclaim late in life with the novel Želary, which was adapted into an Academy Award-nominated film. Her writing explores themes of love, resilience, and the beauty of everyday rural life. Legátová's prose is known for its poetic quality and deep empathy for her characters. She was awarded the Magnesia Litera prize for Lifetime Achievement in Czech Literature. Her works have been translated into multiple languages, introducing readers worldwide to her evocative storytelling. Legátová passed away in 2012, leaving a lasting impact on Czech and world literature.

Born Kath Walker, she became the first Aboriginal Australian to publish a poetry collection with 'We Are Going', blending vivid imagery with political themes. She co-founded the Aboriginal-Australian Fellowship and campaigned for the 1967 referendum to improve Indigenous rights. Her subsequent works, including 'My People', deepened public awareness of Aboriginal culture and colonial injustices. She worked as an educator, lecturing on Aboriginal history at Australian universities. Her pioneering voice and activism established her as a foundational figure in both Australian literature and Indigenous rights movements.