November 06

Born in 1619, Gédéon Tallemant des Réaux authored the 'Historiettes,' a collection of short, anecdotal biographies of prominent figures of his era. His writings offer candid insights into the social and literary circles of 17th-century France. Tallemant's sharp observations and wit captured the personalities of nobles, writers, and artists. Though his work was not published until after his death, it became an invaluable source for historians of the period. He balanced factual reporting with engaging storytelling, making his narratives both informative and entertaining. His legacy lies in providing a colorful portrait of his contemporaries and the cultural milieu of his time.

Born in 1929 in Cochabamba, Suárez studied law before turning to literature. His novel 'Mallku' received critical acclaim for its vivid portrayal of indigenous life. He also wrote plays that fused traditional myths with contemporary themes. His stories highlighted social issues and cultural identity in Bolivia. He received national literary awards and influenced future generations until his death in 1984.

Born in 1907, Lyon Sprague de Camp embarked on a writing career that spanned over six decades. He is best known for novels such as Lest Darkness Fall (1939) and his collaborative Harold Shea series with Fletcher Pratt. His meticulous research and witty prose brought historical settings to life while exploring imaginative technologies. De Camp also wrote important non-fiction works on science and history, including biographies of H.P. Lovecraft and Robert E. Howard. A founding member of the Swordsmen and Sorcerers' Guild of America, he influenced generations of fantasy writers. He received multiple awards for his contributions to literature, including the World Fantasy Award. De Camp's work continues to inspire readers with its blend of scholarship and adventure.

Ron Sproat (1932–2009) was an American screenwriter and playwright. He began his career in television writing for the gothic soap opera Dark Shadows. Sproat created the iconic vampire character Barnabas Collins, which became central to the show’s success. His work in theatre included several off-Broadway plays and dramatic workshops. He also taught dramatic writing at universities, influencing a generation of writers. Sproat’s storytelling skills spanned both television and stage. He is remembered for his imaginative contributions to horror and drama.

Frank J. Prial (1930–2012) was an American journalist and wine expert. For more than two decades, he wrote the “Wine Talk” column for The New York Times, introducing readers to global wine regions and varietals. Prial authored the influential book “Decantations: A Wine Journal” and contributed to other publications. His elegant writing style and accessible approach helped demystify wine for a broad audience. Prial’s work earned him awards from the James Beard Foundation and the Culinary Institute of America. He is remembered as a pioneer in wine journalism and education.

Tarla Dalal (1936–2013) was an Indian chef and prolific cookbook author specializing in vegetarian cuisine. She published over 100 cookbooks, including bestsellers like “The Complete Gujarati Cook Book” and “Dalal’s Vegetarian Delights.” Dalal hosted popular television shows in India, making home cooking accessible to millions. She founded a cooking school and developed a line of packaged food products under her name. Her innovative recipes blended traditional Indian flavors with modern convenience. Dalal is credited with inspiring generations of home cooks to explore Indian vegetarian fare.

Born in Jerusalem in 1921, Yitzhak Navon was the first Israeli president to speak Arabic fluently, reflecting his Sephardic heritage. He served in the Palmach during Israel’s War of Independence and later became an educator. Navon entered politics as a member of the Alignment party, holding the posts of Minister of Education and Culture before his election as President in 1978 at age 56. During his five-year term, he promoted educational initiatives, cultural development, and interfaith dialogue. An accomplished author and playwright, he wrote novels and scripts that explored Israeli identity. Navon died in 2015, remembered for bridging politics and culture.

Born in Los Angeles in 1938, Ken Spears began his career writing for animated series at Hanna-Barbera. Alongside Joe Ruby, he co-created iconic franchises such as Scooby-Doo, Dynomutt, and Super Friends. Spears co-founded Ruby-Spears Productions in 1977, producing animated hits including Thundarr the Barbarian and Mister T. His work helped shape Saturday morning television during the 1970s and 1980s. Known for his clever storytelling and memorable characters, he earned several Emmy nominations. Spears passed away in 2020, leaving a legacy of beloved cartoons that continue to entertain new generations.

Madeleine Riffaud (8 August 1924 – 6 November 2024) was a courageous member of the French Resistance, adopting the code name "Rainer" at age 19. She is celebrated for her daring reports on Nazi atrocities, including eyewitness accounts of executions published in clandestine newspapers. After the war, Riffaud became a renowned poet and journalist, covering conflicts such as the First Indochina War and the Vietnam War. Honored with the Légion d'honneur and Croix de Guerre, her writings blend wartime experience with poetic reflection.