November 10

Jacob Cats was born in 1577 and emerged as a leading literary figure of the Dutch Golden Age. He authored emblem books and moral poetry, earning widespread popularity and the moniker 'Father Cats'. Trained in law, he held positions as a jurist and pensionary of Middelburg, later serving as treasurer of Zeeland. Cats skillfully blended legal expertise with moral instruction in his works, reflecting contemporary societal values. His writings influenced Dutch literature and civic life, and he is remembered for shaping ethical discourse in the 17th century.

Ninon de l'Enclos was born in 1620 and became one of Paris's most celebrated salonnières. As a courtier and courtesan, she defied social norms, hosting gatherings that drew leading writers, philosophers, and artists. She penned memoirs, letters, and moral essays championing romantic freedom and female autonomy. Her sharp intellect and defense of personal independence influenced contemporary thinkers like Molière. De l'Enclos remained an emblem of intellectual elegance until her death in 1705, leaving a lasting imprint on French salon culture.

Born in 1728 in County Longford, Ireland, Oliver Goldsmith became a central figure of the 18th-century English literary scene. His novel The Vicar of Wakefield (1766) remains a classic of English fiction. He wrote the successful play She Stoops to Conquer (1773), celebrated for its sharp wit and enduring characters. Goldsmith also penned poems and essays that showcased his versatility and insight into human nature. Living for a time among London’s literary circles, he contributed to journals such as The Bee and The Public Ledger. Despite personal struggles, his work influenced later Romantic writers and continues to be read worldwide.

Johann Christoph Friedrich von Schiller was born in Marbach in 1759 and became a towering figure of German literature. His plays, including The Robbers (1781) and William Tell (1804), combined dramatic intensity with profound philosophical themes. Schiller’s poems, such as Ode to Joy which Beethoven later set to music, reflect his humanist ideals. Alongside Goethe, he pioneered the Weimar Classicism movement, emphasizing beauty, freedom, and moral integrity. Schiller also wrote historical essays and literary criticism, shaping the intellectual debates of his time. His works continue to inspire theatre productions and adaptations worldwide.

Vladimir Ivanovich Dal was born in 1801 in Lugansky Bagach, Ukraine, then part of the Russian Empire. As a physician and ethnographer, he traveled extensively across Russia, collecting folklore, proverbs, and regional dialects. His magnum opus, the Explanatory Dictionary of the Living Great Russian Language (1863–1866), remains a cornerstone of Russian philology. Dal’s work preserved thousands of words and expressions that might otherwise have been lost. He also wrote tales and stories based on his observations of rural life. Dal’s contributions continue to influence Russian linguistics and cultural studies.

José Hernández was one of the leading voices of Argentine literature in the 19th century. He wrote the epic poem Martín Fierro, which became a symbol of gaucho identity and resistance. As a journalist, he used his newspaper to advocate for rural workers and social justice. In politics, he served as a deputy and promoted federalism against centralist policies. His work fused literary talent with political activism. Hernández's legacy endures in Argentina's national literature and cultural heritage.

Amy Levy was an English writer and poet of the late Victorian era, known for her introspective verse and social commentary. She was the first Jewish woman to attend Cambridge University, where she studied Classics at Newnham College. Levy published poetry volumes such as 'Xantippe' and the novel 'Reuben Sachs', which explored themes of gender, identity, and Jewish life. She contributed essays and articles to literary magazines, earning recognition for her sharp wit and stylistic elegance. Her candid exploration of personal and social issues influenced future generations of women writers.

Winston Churchill was an American author and artist celebrated for his bestselling adventure novels and distinctive impressionist landscapes. Unlike his British namesake, he rose to fame in the early 20th century with works such as 'The Crisis' and 'Richard Carvel'. Churchill's novels combined meticulous historical research with compelling storytelling, earning him a dedicated readership. He was also an accomplished painter whose landscapes captured rural American scenes with vibrant color and light. His dual talents in literature and art made him a prominent cultural figure of his time.

Vachel Lindsay (1879–1931) was an American poet renowned for his rhythmic free verse and theatrical performances. He studied art and theology before discovering a passion for poetry that broke from traditional forms. Lindsay authored works such as 'The Congo' and 'General William Booth Enters into Heaven' which gained national attention. He traveled widely, delivering animated public readings to promote poetry as a living art. Lindsay also taught English and art at various colleges, inspiring students with his creative vision. His writing often incorporated social commentary and a deep appreciation for music and history. He experimented with sound and cadence, influencing later modernist poets. Despite struggles with financial hardship and mental health, he remained committed to his art. Lindsay's legacy endures in his innovative poetic techniques and dynamic approach to performance.

Zofia Nałkowska (1884–1954) was a prominent Polish writer and playwright exploring moral and social themes. She authored novels such as 'Boundary' and 'Medallions', the latter documenting Holocaust testimonies. Nałkowska's plays addressed issues of justice, gender, and national identity in interwar Poland. An outspoken advocate for human rights, she served on Poland's Commission for the Investigation of Nazi Crimes. Her writing combined psychological depth with clear, evocative prose. Nałkowska was a member of the Polish Academy of Literature and received state honors for her work. She mentored young writers and contributed essays on literary criticism. Her commitment to truth and memory shaped postwar Polish literature and collective reflection. Nałkowska is remembered for her eloquent voice and unwavering moral insight.

Arnold Zweig (1887–1968) was a German novelist, essayist, and activist exploring the human cost of war. He served as a soldier in World War I, an experience that shaped his literary career. Zweig wrote acclaimed works like 'The Case of Sergeant Grischa' highlighting wartime ethics and conscience. After the rise of Nazism, he fled Germany and continued writing about exile and Jewish cultural survival. Back in East Germany post-World War II, he became a prominent cultural figure and editor. His novels combine psychological insight with critical social commentary on militarism and intolerance. Zweig received national awards and influenced postwar German literature. He advocated for peace, human rights, and reconciliation through his writing and public roles. Zweig's work remains significant for its moral depth and literary craftsmanship.

John Phillips Marquand was born on November 10, 1893 in Wilmington, Delaware. His early fiction appeared in prestigious magazines like The Saturday Evening Post. He gained fame for his Mr. Moto series, featuring a Japanese detective in thrilling espionage adventures. In 1938, Marquand won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction with The Late George Apley, a sharp satire on Boston aristocracy. He continued writing novels exploring social themes and class dynamics in mid-20th-century America. His work earned him multiple award nominations and a place among the leading American authors of his era. Marquand passed away in 1960, leaving a legacy of wit and engaging storytelling.