November 07

Born in 1619 to a wealthy family in Touraine, Gédéon Tallemant des Réaux was educated in law before turning to literature. He authored 'Historiettes', a series of short biographical sketches that offer candid portraits of his contemporaries under Louis XIV. His writings combine sharp observation with satirical wit, shedding light on the manners and scandals of the French court. Tallemant des Réaux's work influenced the development of French prose and the biographical genre. He died in 1692, remembered for his unique contribution to 17th-century French literature.

Anton thor Helle was born in 1683 and served as a Lutheran pastor in present-day Tallinn. Fascinated by local culture, he authored grammar guides and catechisms to make religious instruction accessible in Estonian. Helle compiled one of the first German-Estonian dictionaries, laying groundwork for standardized Estonian orthography. His translations of liturgical texts enriched the nascent Estonian literary tradition and supported vernacular worship. Through his educational and clerical work, he played a key role in the early development of Estonian philology before his death in 1748.

Born into a noble family in Hamburg, he studied law at Göttingen University and became a practicing lawyer. Alongside his brother Christian, Stolberg-Stolberg emerged as a leading figure in the Sturm und Drang movement, publishing collections of poetry that explored themes of nature and individual feeling. His travel journals from Switzerland and Italy are praised for vivid descriptions and reflective commentary. He translated classical texts from Latin and Greek, demonstrating his scholarly breadth. After the French Revolution, he served as a judge in Hanover and contributed to legal reforms. His literary output bridged Enlightenment thought and early Romantic sensibilities. Stolberg-Stolberg’s works influenced German poetry and remain studied for their historical and artistic significance.

Auguste Villiers de l'Isle-Adam emerged as a leading figure in French Symbolism. His collection "Contes cruels" showcased his dark, fantastical narratives, blending philosophical ideas with evocative imagery. His play "Axël" became a touchstone of avant-garde theatre, exploring themes of idealism and despair. Despite a relatively small body of work, his lyrical prose and innovative style influenced writers such as Stéphane Mallarmé and Paul Valéry. His contributions helped shape the transition from Romanticism to modernist literature in France.

Born in 1872 to a diplomatic family, Leonora Speyer developed a passion for both music and literature. She studied violin in Europe and performed as a concert soloist in prominent venues. In addition to her musical career, Speyer wrote poetry that blended classical themes with modern sensibilities. Her collection Freshwater won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1927, cementing her literary reputation. She published several volumes of verse that explored nature, mythology, and personal reflection. Speyer’s unique perspective as a musician-poet enriched her poetic imagery and lyrical style. Her work contributed to the cultural dialogue of the early 20th century, bridging art forms. She remained active in artistic circles until her death in 1956.

Born in New York City, Margaret Leech became the first woman to receive the Pulitzer Prize for History in 1926 with 'Reveille in Washington.' She won her second Pulitzer in 1960 for 'In the Days of McKinley,' a comprehensive biography of President William McKinley. Leech’s meticulous research and engaging narrative style made her books both scholarly and accessible. She lectured at universities and contributed articles to prominent historical journals throughout her career. Her writings remain influential resources for understanding early 20th-century American politics and society.

Born in New York City, Herman J. Mankiewicz began his career as a journalist and quickly transitioned to Hollywood screenwriting. He collaborated with Orson Welles to craft the groundbreaking screenplay for 'Citizen Kane,' a film often cited as the greatest ever made. Mankiewicz also directed and wrote several other films, showcasing his wit and narrative skill. His sharp dialogue and keen sense of satire left a lasting mark on American cinema. Despite personal struggles, his contribution to film history is celebrated by critics and filmmakers alike.

Born in New York City, Armstrong Sperry studied at the Art Students League and traveled extensively in the South Pacific. His firsthand experiences inspired rich, authentic settings in his adventure novels for young readers. In 1941, his book 'Call It Courage' won the Newbery Medal and remains a classic of children’s literature. Sperry both wrote and illustrated over two dozen books, blending captivating narratives with evocative artwork. His stories often explored themes of courage, self-discovery, and respect for diverse cultures.

Born in the Podolia region of the Russian Empire, Lamdan immigrated to British Mandatory Palestine in 1920. He emerged as a leading voice in modern Hebrew literature, blending biblical themes with contemporary Zionist ideals. In 1927, his poem "Masada" captured the collective spirit of Jewish perseverance and became a cultural hallmark. Lamdan worked as a journalist and cultural editor, influencing the literary scene of the Yishuv. He authored essays, articles, and poetry that shaped the narrative of Zionist ideology and identity. His advocacy for Jewish return and nation-building left a lasting legacy in Israeli literature.

Born in Villa Ocampo, Chihuahua, Campobello witnessed the upheaval of revolution in her childhood. Her landmark work "Cartucho" (1931) offered poignant snapshots of soldiers and civilians during the conflict. She was among the first women to record the oral histories of the Revolution, blending personal memory with national narrative. Campobello later served in Mexico’s Ministry of Education, promoting the preservation of cultural heritage. Her narratives remain a key text in the study of Mexican revolutionary history and literature.

Born Jacques Dumas in Paris, he adopted the pen name Marijac and gained fame in the comics world. He created popular characters like 'Jo, Zette et Jocko' that entertained readers before and after WWII. During the occupation, his illustrations provided hope to French children living under hardship. After the war, he contributed to leading magazines such as Tintin and Spirou. His blend of adventure, humor, and artistry has secured his place in European graphic literature.

Norman Krasna was born in Queens, New York in 1909 and began his Hollywood career in the 1930s writing for RKO and Paramount. He won the 1944 Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for "Princess O'Rourke" and crafted scripts for stars like Cary Grant and Ginger Rogers. In addition to film, Krasna wrote successful Broadway plays including "Dear Ruth". He produced and directed several of his own films, showcasing sharp dialogue and romantic flair. Krasna served in the US Army Air Forces during World War II and returned to Hollywood to continue his prolific output. His work is celebrated for its wit, charm, and influence on mid-century American comedy. He passed away on November 7, 1984 at the age of 75.