November 09

A graduate of the University of Leiden, he practiced medicine in the Dutch Republic. Narssius published collections of Latin poetry that contributed to the Neo-Latin literary movement. He balanced his medical career with scholarly pursuits, corresponding with European intellectuals. His verse often explored themes of nature, philosophy, and human experience. He died in 1637, remembered for merging scientific insight with poetic expression.

Born in 1664, Wharton held the post of librarian at Lambeth Palace, where he curated and edited critical church manuscripts. He compiled 'Anglia Sacra', a detailed account of the history of English bishops and ecclesiastical figures. His rigorous scholarship and editorial skill set new standards for historical research in the late 17th century. Wharton also authored biographical works and theological treatises that influenced contemporary writers. Despite his early death at age 31 in 1695, his contributions endured in the study of English church history.

Born in 1721, Akenside studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh and later practiced in London. In 1744 he published 'The Pleasures of the Imagination', a didactic poem exploring aesthetics and human thought. His work attracted praise from leading literary figures and cemented his reputation as a poetic philosopher. Akenside’s poetic style reflects the influence of the Enlightenment and classical ideals of beauty. Alongside his literary career, he held posts as a physician to aristocratic patrons and the Royal College of Physicians. He died in 1770, remembered for merging medical insight with poetic expression.

Jeanne Julie Éléonore de Lespinasse was born in 1732 in Paris and became a prominent figure of the French Enlightenment. As a businesswoman she managed various literary ventures and fostered a vibrant salon culture. Her salon brought together key philosophers, writers, and mathematicians such as Diderot and d'Alembert for discussions on literature and science. Through her extensive letters she engaged deeply with contemporary intellectual debates and displayed a refined literary style. Posthumously her correspondence was published, offering insight into her personal life and the broader cultural currents of eighteenth-century France.

Born in 1773, Thomasine Christine Gyllembourg-Ehrensvärd published her first work under the pseudonym Theophilia. Her novels and short stories explored the inner lives of her characters and the social dynamics of nineteenth-century Denmark. She achieved acclaim with works such as 'Bag facaden' that combined realism with subtle humor. As one of the first prominent Danish women writers, she influenced later generations of authors, including her daughter. Gyllembourg-Ehrensvärd's writings remain valued for their emotional depth and social observation, securing her place in Danish literary history.

Nicolai Wergeland was born in 1780 and ordained as a Lutheran priest before entering public life. He represented Kristiansand at the Norwegian Constituent Assembly of 1814 and contributed to the foundation of Norway's independence from Denmark. As a writer he published poetry and religious works that reflected his patriotic beliefs and deep faith. His literary and political activities laid the groundwork for his children, including playwright Henrik Wergeland and novelist Camilla Collett. Wergeland's combined service in church and state helped shape the early nineteenth-century Norwegian society and national identity.

Ivan Turgenev was born in 1818 and became one of the foremost figures of Russian literary realism. His novella 'A Sportsman's Sketches' garnered attention for its sympathetic portrayal of serfs and critique of serfdom. He followed with major novels such as 'Rudin', 'Fathers and Sons', and 'On the Eve', which explored generational conflicts and social change. Turgenev also wrote plays and lyric poetry and spent much of his life in Western Europe, influencing writers like Gustave Flaubert and George Sand. His elegant prose style and nuanced characterizations helped bridge Russian literature with the broader European literary scene.

Émile Gaboriau was a French novelist and journalist recognized as a pioneer of the detective fiction genre. He began his career as a reporter for various newspapers in Paris. In 1868, he published his breakthrough novel L'Affaire Lerouge, introducing the detective Monsieur Lecoq. His methodical crime-solving narratives laid the groundwork for future detective literature. Gaboriau's novels gained popularity both in France and abroad. He influenced later authors, including Arthur Conan Doyle and Edgar Allan Poe. Born in Saujon in 1832, he remained active in journalism throughout his life. He passed away in 1873, leaving a legacy that shaped modern mystery storytelling.

Maud Howe Elliott was an American author and social activist, born to abolitionist Julia Ward Howe in 1854. She co-edited her mother's biography, Winning His Spurs, which won a Pulitzer Prize in 1917. Elliott was a vocal advocate for women's suffrage and helped found the Authors' Club in New York. She published novels, poetry, and travel essays, often exploring themes of culture and society. Her literary salons attracted prominent writers and intellectuals of her time. Born in Boston, she balanced her writing career with activism throughout the Progressive Era. Elliott died in 1948, remembered for her contributions to American letters and social reform.

Bohdan Lepky was a Ukrainian writer, poet, and literary historian influential in the early 20th century. Born near Lviv in 1872, he studied literature at the University of Lviv and later in Vienna. Lepky's poetry emphasized Ukrainian national identity, drawing on folklore and historical themes. He edited literary journals and promoted Ukrainian literature across Europe. After World War I, he taught at the Ukrainian Free University in Prague, nurturing young scholars. His major works include poetry collections and essays on Ukrainian literary heritage. Lepky died in 1941, remembered as a key figure in the Ukrainian cultural revival.

Muhammad Iqbal was an influential thinker who wrote powerful poetry in Urdu and Persian. His philosophical works, such as 'The Reconstruction of Religious Thought in Islam,' explored spirituality and modernism. Iqbal's vision of a separate Muslim homeland galvanized the political movement leading to Pakistan's founding. He blended poetic artistry with deep political and religious thought, earning him the title of 'Spiritual Father of Pakistan.' Iqbal's legacy endures through his writings and the annual observance of Iqbal Day.

Velimir Khlebnikov was a leading figure in the Russian Futurist movement. He pioneered the concept of 'zaum', an experimental transrational language. His poetic works explored themes of cosmic unity, futurism, and national identity. He published influential collections such as 'The Radio of the Future' and 'Cloud in Trousers'. Khlebnikov's avant-garde style influenced later generations of poets and artists. He envisioned a utopian future through bold linguistic innovation. His legacy endures in modernist and experimental literature.