November 15

Born in The Hague in 1511, Secundus studied law and humanities at the University of Poitiers. He wrote the celebrated Latin work 'Basia' (The Kisses), inspired by classical poets such as Ovid. His elegant style and emotional depth influenced Renaissance poetry across Europe. Although he died at the young age of 25, his verses were widely circulated and reprinted in the 16th century. Scholars credit him with blending classical forms and personal expression in early modern literature.

Born in 1607, Scudéry became a central figure in Parisian literary salons of the précieuses movement. Her multi-volume works, including 'Artamène' and 'Clélie', blended adventure, romance, and moral philosophy. Writing under the pseudonym 'Sapho', she crafted complex plots with emphasis on virtue and friendship. Her salons attracted intellectuals, artists, and nobility, shaping early modern French culture. Living to age 94, she witnessed and contributed to evolving tastes in literature and social etiquette.

Born in 1661, Graffenried came from a prominent family in Bern, Switzerland, with interests in colonial ventures. He organized and led an expedition of Swiss and Palatinate settlers to the Neuse River region in 1710. Despite challenges with local Indigenous groups and supply shortages, he established the town of New Bern. His published letters and travel journal provide a vivid account of early 18th-century colonial life. Returning to Europe in 1711, he continued to promote American colonization but faced personal and financial setbacks.

Born in 1692 in Bavaria, Amort studied theology, philosophy, and law at the University of Ingolstadt. He became a professor of theology and later served as court librarian to the Elector of Bavaria. An ardent scholar, he wrote extensively on mysticism, metaphysics, and church history, including 'Theologia eclectica'. He also composed Latin and German poems, demonstrating his literary as well as theological talents. His interdisciplinary approach influenced 18th-century Catholic thought and the study of mysticism.

Johann Kaspar Lavater (1741–1801) was a Swiss poet, theologian, and pioneer of physiognomy. Born in Zürich, he studied theology and served as a pastor before turning to writing and public lectures. His multi-volume "Essays on Physiognomy" linked facial features to personality traits, stirring both fascination and controversy. Lavater's ideas influenced art, literature, and early psychology, despite criticism from his contemporaries. He published religious poetry and sermons, reflecting his deep Calvinist beliefs. Lavater traveled across Europe, engaging with intellectuals and promoting the intersection of physique and character. His work left a lasting mark on the study of human expression and cultural understanding of identity.

Joseph Quesnel (1746–1809) was a pioneering French-Canadian poet, playwright, and composer. Born in France, he emigrated to Quebec where he became a leading figure in colonial arts. Quesnel's operatic and theatrical works, such as "Colas et Colinette," were among the first examples of North American opera. He composed music that blended European classical traditions with distinctly Canadian themes. His poetic verses and librettos enriched the cultural life of Lower Canada. Beyond his artistic endeavors, Quesnel served in the local militia and engaged in business ventures. He is remembered as a foundational figure in the development of Canada's artistic heritage.

José Joaquín Fernández de Lizardi (1776–1827), nicknamed 'El Pensador Mexicano,' was a pioneering Mexican journalist and novelist. He founded the newspaper "El Pensador Mexicano," using satire to critique colonial society and governmental abuses. His novel "El Periquillo Sarniento" (1816) is regarded as the first novel written and published in Latin America. Lizardi's work blended Enlightenment ideals with incisive social commentary, advocating for education and reform. Despite facing censorship and imprisonment, he continued to influence public opinion through his writings. His contributions laid the foundation for modern Mexican literature and journalistic practice. Lizardi's legacy endures in his promotion of national identity and freedom of expression.

Born in 1862 in Upper Silesia, Gerhart Hauptmann studied literature and philosophy in Berlin. He rose to fame with the play "The Weavers" in 1892, which depicted the struggles of Silesian workers. His works introduced naturalism to German theatre and explored social issues and human psychology. Hauptmann received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1912 for his powerful portrayals of life in all its aspects. Over his long career, he wrote over seventy dramas, novels, and poems. He died in 1946, leaving a profound influence on modern drama and literature.

Franklin Pierce Adams (1881–1960), known by his pen name F.P.A., was an American journalist and author whose sharp wit defined early 20th-century newspaper columns. Born in Chicago, he rose to prominence at the New York Evening Mail and later the New York Evening Post. His regular feature, The Conning Tower, showcased contributions from writers like Dorothy Parker and Edna Ferber. Adams is also remembered for his baseball poem 'Baseball's Sad Lexicon'. He co-founded the radio series Information, Please!, blending trivia with humor to great acclaim. Known for his affable personality and love of wordplay, Adams influenced generations of columnists. He continued writing until his death in New York City in 1960.

Marianne Moore (1887–1972) was born in Kirkwood, Missouri and became one of the foremost American modernist poets. Her innovative use of syllabic form and striking imagery garnered widespread acclaim. Moore won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1952 for Collected Poems and the National Book Award in 1951. As a critic, she contributed influential essays to The Dial and other literary magazines. She also translated works from French and Latin and championed fellow writers in her role at Poetry magazine. Moore was known for her eclectic interests, from zoology to architecture, which enriched her poetic themes. Her legacy remains significant in 20th-century literature for her precise language and intellectual rigor.

Richmal Crompton (1890–1969) was born in Bury, Lancashire, and became a beloved writer of children's and adult fiction. She introduced William Brown, the spirited boy at the heart of the Just William books, in 1922. Crompton's vivid portrayal of William's escapades captured the imaginations of readers with humor and warmth. The series spanned 38 books and was adapted for radio, television, and film. Aside from children's literature, she wrote over 40 novels for adults, often exploring social themes. Crompton balanced her writing career with a teaching post at a girls' school, inspiring countless students. Her stories continue to charm readers worldwide, maintaining their place in classic children's literature.

A leading member of the Skamander group, Słonimski published his first poetry collection at age 19. He was acclaimed for his satirical verse and social commentary. During World War II, he escaped occupied Poland and supported the resistance from abroad. He wrote essays and plays that reflected his liberal views and humanistic ideals. After the war, he resumed his literary career, becoming one of Poland’s most respected writers. He remained active in journalism until his death in 1976.