November 18

Born in London, he trained as an artist before turning to writing, where he crafted sharp wit and social satire. He collaborated with composer Arthur Sullivan to create fourteen comic operas, including H.M.S. Pinafore, The Pirates of Penzance, and The Mikado. His librettos are celebrated for their clever wordplay, topsy-turvy plots, and critique of social norms. As an illustrator, he contributed cartoons and drawings to publications, showcasing his talent in visual humor. He also wrote plays, poems, and essays that cemented his reputation as a leading Victorian dramatist. His works have enjoyed enduring popularity and continue to be performed worldwide.

Robert Hugh Benson was born into an Anglican family as the son of the Archbishop of Canterbury but converted to Catholicism at age 21. He was ordained as a Catholic priest and served in various parishes and as a seminary lecturer. Benson gained literary acclaim for works such as 'Lord of the World', considered an early dystopian novel. His writings often explored religious themes and social critique. Despite his short life, he published novels, biographies, and polemical essays, leaving a lasting mark on Catholic literature.

Clarence Day began his career as a stockbroker but turned to writing in his mid-life. He contributed humorous essays to Harper's and The New Yorker, capturing early 20th-century American family life. His 1935 book 'Life with Father' humorously depicted his father's quirky patriarchal style. The work was later adapted into a successful Broadway play and film. Day's witty observations and gentle satire endeared him to readers nationwide.

Wyndham Lewis (1882–1957) was an English painter, writer, and critic who co-founded the avant-garde Vorticist movement. He blended Cubist and Futurist influences to produce bold abstract artworks that challenged traditional aesthetics. As a prolific writer, he published novels, essays, and art criticism that addressed the cultural and political issues of his era. His satirical style and sharp wit made him a controversial figure in literary and art circles. Lewis's multidisciplinary contributions left a lasting impact on modernist art and literature.

Frances Marion (1888–1973) wrote over 300 screenplays and was one of the first women to win Academy Awards for screenwriting. She collaborated extensively with Mary Pickford, penning scripts for blockbusters like 'The Big House' and 'The Champ'. Marion also authored novels, articles, and biographies, showcasing her versatility across media. During World War I, she served as a war correspondent, documenting frontline experiences for American audiences. Her pioneering career broke barriers for women in Hollywood and set new standards for screenwriting excellence.

Howard Washington Thurman (1899-1981) was an influential African-American author, theologian and civil rights leader. He co-founded one of the first interracial churches in the United States and served as dean of Marsh Chapel at Boston University. His seminal work Jesus and the Disinherited bridged Christian theology and social justice, offering a blueprint for nonviolent resistance. Thurman's teachings on inner spiritual life and social ethics deeply influenced Martin Luther King Jr. and the broader civil rights movement.

Sait Faik Abasıyanık (1906-1954) was one of Turkey's most beloved literary figures, known for his poignant short stories set in Istanbul and the surrounding islands. His work, including collections like Semaver and Lüzumsuz Adam, broke from traditional Ottoman narrative forms, emphasizing natural dialogue and deep empathy. Sait Faik also wrote poetry and essays, enriching Turkish literature with realism and emotional depth. His legacy endures through the Sait Faik literary awards, established to support emerging writers.

Klaus Mann (1906-1949) was a prominent writer and son of Nobel laureate Thomas Mann who produced novels, essays and plays in German and English. His notable works include Mephisto and The Turning Point, which examined the moral and political crises of his era. Emigrating from Nazi Germany, Mann was active in anti-fascist movements and literary circles in exile. His writing captures the disillusionment and search for identity of European intellectuals before and during World War II.

Born in Parma, Bertolucci emerged on the literary scene after World War II with poetry that blended personal reflection and vivid imagery. His collections and novels are marked by a deep sensitivity to the Italian landscape and cultural heritage. He contributed essays and reviews to leading Italian literary journals, influencing the direction of postwar literature. As the father of filmmaker Bernardo Bertolucci, he also left an indelible mark on Italian cinema through his family's artistic legacy. His work remains a touchstone for readers and scholars of 20th-century Italian letters, noted for its emotional depth and stylistic grace.

Nickson published dozens of novels between the 1950s and 1970s, many in partnership with Mills & Boon. Her work is known for its emotional depth, strong heroines, and themes of love, family, and resilience. She built a loyal readership with tales that balanced drama and uplifting resolutions. Her characters often faced moral dilemmas and life-changing choices, creating engaging and relatable narratives. Nickson's novels continue to be cherished by fans of classic romantic fiction for their warmth and enduring appeal.

İlhan Berk (1918–2008) was a prominent Turkish poet and author, a leading voice of the İkinci Yeni (Second New) movement. His innovative poetry broke from traditional forms, blending surreal imagery with introspective themes. Berk published over forty collections of poetry during his lifetime, including influential works like "A Leafless God". He translated key modernist writers into Turkish, enriching Turkey's literary scene. Renowned for his experimental style, he left a lasting impact on 20th-century Turkish literature.

Robert Fryer (1920–2000) was an influential American theatrical producer and playwright. He began his career writing for television before moving to the New York stage. Over four decades, he produced a range of Broadway shows, from dramas to musicals. Fryer earned multiple Tony Award nominations for his work behind the scenes. His innovative approach helped shape mid-20th-century American theater. He mentored young talent and left a lasting imprint on Broadway production standards.