November 08

Born in Mantua, Folengo entered the Benedictine order under the name Merlin. He revolutionized Renaissance poetry with his 'Baldus,' a comic epic mixing Latin and vernacular speech. His use of macaronic verse inspired later writers to experiment with multilingual poetic forms. Folengo balanced religious duties with literary pursuits, producing both sacred texts and satirical works. His bold critique of church corruption and societal norms reflected humanist influences. Remembered as a forerunner of modern satire, his writings bridged medieval traditions and Renaissance innovation.

Sarah Fielding was an English writer and one of the early figures in the development of the English novel. She was the sister of Henry Fielding and gained recognition with her novel 'The Adventures of David Simple,' which explored themes of friendship and social virtue. Fielding also produced moral and religious works aimed at educating young readers. She founded a school for girls, emphasizing pedagogy and moral instruction. Her writings often featured strong female protagonists and compassionate narratives. Fielding's work contributed to the evolution of novelistic form in the 18th century. She balanced entertaining storytelling with ethical lessons. Today she is remembered for her role in shaping early English fiction and education.

Barbara Catharina Mjödh was a Finnish poet who captured the spirit of her time through graceful and emotive verse. Born in Oulu, she wrote poems that celebrated nature, faith, and Finnish folklore. Mjödh's work, though limited in surviving quantity, displayed refined language and melodic rhythm. She corresponded with literary circles in Sweden and Finland, exchanging ideas that enriched Scandinavian poetry. Mjödh's poetry often explored themes of piety and moral reflection, resonating with contemporary readers. Despite the challenges of being a woman writer in the 18th century, she gained recognition for her talent. Her contributions paved the way for later Finnish writers and helped shape early Finnish literary identity. Today she is remembered as a pioneering female voice in Nordic literature.

Otto Wilhelm Masing was a German-Estonian linguist, clergyman, and writer who made crucial contributions to the development of the Estonian language. Serving as a pastor in Järva County, he championed literacy among Estonian speakers. Masing introduced the letter 'õ' to represent a unique Estonian vowel, refining the alphabet for clearer phonetic accuracy. He published textbooks, newspapers, and religious materials in Estonian, making literature accessible to rural communities. Masing's efforts laid the foundation for a standardized Estonian orthography and enriched the language's literary tradition. He also wrote poems and moral tales, blending linguistic innovation with cultural preservation. His work inspired later Estonian national awakening and language reforms. Today, Masing is celebrated as a key figure in Estonia's linguistic history.

Mihály Bertalanits was a pioneering figure in 19th-century Slovene literature and education. He authored several poetry collections that celebrated Slovene language and culture. As an educator, he taught literature and language, inspiring students to embrace their national heritage. Bertalanits promoted literacy and cultural awareness through his writings and public lectures. His work played a key role in the Slovene national awakening within the Austrian Empire. He is remembered for his dedication to preserving and promoting Slovene identity through both poetry and teaching.

Robert Bulwer-Lytton, 1st Earl of Lytton, was a British statesman and poet of the Victorian era. He served as Governor-General and Viceroy of India from 1876 to 1880, overseeing major development and famine relief efforts. As a diplomat, he held important posts in Russia and Rome, earning a reputation for his negotiation skills. A published poet and translator, he contributed to English literature with verses reflecting his global experiences. His tenure in India combined administrative leadership with literary pursuits, leaving a lasting legacy in both governance and the arts. He balanced his roles at court with creative endeavors, shaping perceptions of the British Empire abroad.

Bram Stoker was an Irish writer and theatre manager whose 1897 novel Dracula became a cornerstone of gothic literature. He drew on Eastern European folklore to craft a haunting tale of immortality and terror. Stoker served as business manager of London's Lyceum Theatre, collaborating with actor Henry Irving. Beyond Dracula, he penned several novels and short stories that blend horror, romance, and adventure. His personal diaries and critical writings offer insights into Victorian theatre and literary culture. Stoker's enduring impact is seen in the countless adaptations of Dracula across film, stage, and popular culture.

Arnold Bax was born in 1883 in London, England. He studied at the Royal Academy of Music under Frederick Corder and later with Eugene Goossens. Bax composed seven symphonies and numerous tone poems, often drawing on Irish and Welsh legends for inspiration. His works, such as 'Tintagel' and 'The Garden of Fand,' showcase lush orchestration and evocative harmonies. He served as Master of Music for the BBC from 1942 to 1943. In addition to composing, Bax wrote poems and essays on music and art. Knighted in 1937, he left a significant mark on British classical music before his death in 1953.

Margaret Mitchell (1900-1949) was an American journalist and author whose only novel, Gone with the Wind, became a bestseller and cultural phenomenon upon its 1936 publication. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, she worked as a reporter for The Atlanta Journal before devoting herself to fiction in the 1930s. Gone with the Wind earned her the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1937 and inspired the iconic 1939 film adaptation. The novel's epic portrayal of the American South during the Civil War and Reconstruction has sparked both acclaim for its storytelling and debate over its depiction of slavery. Mitchell rarely published again, withdrawing from public life after her success. She died tragically in a traffic accident at age 48, leaving a lasting legacy in American literature.

A. J. M. Smith (1902-1980) was a pioneering Canadian poet and anthologist who played a key role in introducing modernist poetry to Canada. Born in London, Ontario, he studied at Oxford University, where he was influenced by the Imagist and Symbolist movements. In 1928, he co-founded The Oxford Group, a literary circle that fostered innovative writing, and edited the landmark anthology New Provinces. Smith's own poetry is noted for its vivid imagery and experimental forms. He later taught at McGill University, mentoring a generation of Canadian writers. His contributions helped shape the country's literary identity in the 20th century.

Martha Gellhorn was one of the 20th century's greatest war correspondents, covering conflicts from the Spanish Civil War to Vietnam. An accomplished novelist and travel writer, she brought human stories from the battlefield to readers worldwide. Gellhorn was known for her fearless reporting style and vivid prose, challenging social and political injustices. She was a founding member of American reportage and the only female war correspondent in Normandy on D-Day. Married briefly to Ernest Hemingway, she maintained a fiercely independent career until her death.

Morley Safer (1931–2016) was a Canadian-American journalist and author whose career in broadcast news spanned over five decades. He joined CBS News in 1964 and became a fixture on the newsmagazine '60 Minutes' in 1970, where his investigative reports and human-interest stories earned him widespread acclaim. Safer's groundbreaking coverage of the Vietnam War, civil rights movement, and international crises garnered numerous awards, including multiple Emmys. He also wrote essays and books reflecting on journalism and society. Celebrated for his integrity, wit, and compassionate storytelling, Safer inspired generations of reporters and left a lasting impact on television journalism.