November 07

Born in 1484, Jón Arason became Bishop of Hólar in 1524. He was a staunch defender of Catholicism against the spread of Lutheran ideas. Arason also composed poetry that blended religious themes with Icelandic cultural motifs. In 1550, after leading a failed revolt against Protestant authorities, he was captured and executed. His martyrdom made him an enduring symbol of faith and Icelandic identity.

Born in 1503, Jeanne de Jussie joined the Order of Saint Clare in Geneva at a young age. She witnessed the turmoil of the Protestant Reformation as it spread through her city. In her chronicle, she defended Catholic doctrine and provided a vivid account of the convent’s hardships. Her letters and writings remain valuable sources for understanding 16th-century religious conflict in Switzerland. She died in exile in 1561, remembered for her unwavering faith and literary testimony.

Born in 1842 in Berlin, he trained as a civil engineer and worked on key railway projects. Alongside his technical career, he nurtured a passion for literature, publishing essays and poems. His writings, including short stories and ballads, often combined humor and reflections on nature. He was active in Berlin's literary societies, contributing to Germany's cultural life. Seidel authored works such as 'Wohnungseigentum' and the famous ballad 'Die Einsiedler.' He bridged engineering and the arts, influencing both disciplines in the late 19th century. He died on November 7, 1906, leaving a dual legacy as innovator and poet.

Born in 1921 in Budapest, Hannah Szenes emigrated to Mandatory Palestine in 1939 and later joined the British Special Operations Executive. In 1944, she parachuted into Yugoslavia and Hungary with the mission of rescuing Jewish communities from deportation. Captured by Hungarian forces, Szenes endured torture without betraying her comrades and was executed at the age of 23. Her poignant poems, especially “Blessed is the Match,” reflect a profound sense of hope and defiance. Posthumously celebrated as a national heroine in Israel, her life and writings continue to inspire generations with courage and compassion.

Eric Linklater (1899–1974) was a versatile writer and academic whose works spanned historical fiction, satire, and travel literature. Born in Wales to Scottish parents, he served in World War I before studying at Oxford University. Linklater's novels, such as 'Juan in America' and 'The Wind on the Moon', combined imaginative storytelling with sharp social commentary. In addition to fiction, he authored biographies and historical works, showcasing his deep engagement with Scottish and military history. As a professor at the University of Edinburgh, he influenced a generation of writers while promoting the value of literature in public life. Known for his humor and adventurous spirit, Linklater also traveled extensively, drawing inspiration from his global experiences. His contributions have left a lasting mark on 20th-century British literature.

Lawrence Durrell was born in India in 1912 and spent much of his early life traveling. His major work, 'The Alexandria Quartet', published between 1957 and 1960, explores love, politics, and identity in 1930s Egypt through multiple, shifting perspectives. Durrell's experimental narrative techniques and vivid descriptions garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated readership. In addition to novels, he wrote poetry, travelogues, and plays that reflect his cosmopolitan experiences. He spent time living in California, Greece, and Cyprus, absorbing diverse cultures. Durrell's rich prose and philosophical depth have influenced generations of writers. He passed away in 1990, remembered as one of the 20th century's most imaginative literary figures.

Anthony Shaffer (1926–2001) was an English playwright and screenwriter whose sharp wit and mastery of suspense captivated audiences worldwide. He first achieved fame with his play 'Sleuth', which won the Tony Award and became a theatrical sensation. Shaffer also penned screenplays for films, notably the cult classic 'The Wicker Man', showcasing his versatility. His ingenious plotting and memorable characters influenced a new generation of storytellers. To this day, his work is celebrated for its clever twists and dramatic flair.

Harry Thompson (1960–2005) was a multifaceted English author and comedy producer celebrated for his wit and creativity. He wrote bestselling books including 'Penguins Stopped Play' and crafted acclaimed radio and television series like 'Old Harry's Game'. As a producer at Hat Trick Productions, Thompson revolutionized British comedy with shows such as 'Have I Got News for You'. His fearless satire tackled social and political topics with humor and intelligence. Despite a career cut short by illness, his influence on British comedy and media endures through his groundbreaking work.

Kevin O'Donnell Jr. was an American author born in 1950, best known for his science fiction works. He contributed short stories and novels to magazines such as Analog and Amazing Stories. His debut novel, Caverns, showcased his talent for blending speculative ideas with human themes. O'Donnell's body of work includes the Rorihen series, exploring ethics in a future society. He also edited anthologies, championing emerging voices in science fiction. Over his career, he was praised for imaginative storytelling and thoughtful world-building. O'Donnell passed away in 2012, leaving behind a legacy of influential speculative fiction.

Jack Mitchell (1925-2013) was an American photographer and author. He was renowned for his elegant black-and-white portraits of dancers, actors, and artists. Mitchell’s work captured the grace and personality of cultural icons on stage and screen. He published books on photography techniques, sharing his artistic vision with students and peers. His images appeared in major magazines and exhibitions worldwide. Mitchell’s legacy endures through his photographs and mentorship of emerging photographers.

Kajetan Kovič (1931-2014) was a prominent Slovenian journalist and poet. He published numerous poetry collections noted for their emotional depth and lyrical simplicity. Kovič also translated works of international writers into Slovene, enriching local literature. As a journalist, he contributed essays and features to major newspapers and magazines. He received several awards for his poetry and translation work. His writing continues to influence contemporary Slovenian literature.