November 18

Born in 1509, Yun Won-hyung was a prominent Confucian scholar who rose to high office in the Joseon court. He served as Left State Councillor and influenced major policy decisions during King Myeongjong’s reign. As a writer, he composed works on governance and Confucian ethics, contributing to Korean literary tradition. Known for his political acumen, he navigated intense factional struggles alongside his brother Yun Im. His leadership helped shape administrative reforms in mid-16th-century Joseon. After a turbulent career, his impact endured through both his political and literary legacies.

Born in Ballyshannon in 1824, William Allingham studied mathematics before turning to literature. He moved to London and became a respected editor for William Tait’s Magazine and Fraser’s Magazine. Allingham published the poetry collection Music and Moonlight in 1868, which featured his famed poem The Fairies. His work blended Irish folklore with Romantic sensibilities, influencing later poets like W.B. Yeats. He maintained friendships with Thomas Carlyle and William Makepeace Thackeray. Allingham also translated German poetry and wrote essays on literary criticism. He died in 1889, leaving a cherished body of work in 19th-century poetry.

Born Pauline Mary Tarn in London in 1877, Renée Vivien adopted her pen name as she rose to fame in Paris. She became part of the Symbolist movement and was noted for her lush, melancholic poems exploring love and loss. Vivien published her first collection, Études et Préludes, in 1898 and later Ariane in 1904. She was openly lesbian in the avant-garde circles of Natalie Clifford Barney’s salon. Her writing blended classical allusions with personal passion and emotional intensity. Despite a prolific early career, she struggled with illness and addiction. Vivien died by suicide in 1909, but her work influenced later feminist and LGBT literature.

Born in Paris in 1871, Marcel Proust began his literary career with essays and reviews in French periodicals. He gained acclaim with the publication of Swann’s Way in 1913, the first volume of his monumental novel In Search of Lost Time. Over the next decade, Proust published six more volumes exploring memory, society, and identity. His innovative use of involuntary memory, epitomized by the famous madeleine scene, revolutionized narrative form. Despite suffering from poor health, he completed his work shortly before his death. Proust died in 1922, and his masterpiece is now hailed as one of the greatest achievements in modernist literature.

Émile Nelligan was born in 1879 in Montreal and became a leading figure in Quebec poetry. His works, such as Soir d'hiver and Le Vaisseau d'or, introduced Symbolism to Canadian literature. Nelligan's delicate verses and evocative themes inspired a generation of writers. After experiencing mental health challenges at a young age, he spent much of his life in institutional care. Despite his brief career, his poetry has achieved iconic status in French-Canadian culture. Festivals, literary prizes, and schools in Quebec celebrate his enduring influence.

Born Eugène Émile Paul Grindel in 1895, Paul Éluard emerged as one of the founders of the Surrealist movement. His collections, including Capitale de la douleur and L'Amour la poésie, explored themes of love and imagination. Éluard collaborated with artists like Salvador Dalí and Max Ernst. During World War II, he joined the French Resistance and used his poetry to inspire hope. His poem 'Liberté' became a symbol of resilience across occupied Europe. Awarded the Grand Prix of the city of Paris, he influenced generations of poets and writers. He passed away in 1952, leaving a legacy as a voice of creative freedom and solidarity.

Born in 1907, Mary Hamman began her career as a writer for various newspapers and magazines. She gained recognition for her sharp wit and engaging essays on society, culture, and household tips. Her work appeared in leading publications such as the Ladies' Home Journal and McCall's. Hamman also authored books that reflected her humorous take on everyday life and domestic matters. She was admired for her ability to connect with readers through relatable storytelling and practical advice. Mary Hamman passed away in 1984, leaving behind a legacy of influential magazine writing.

Paul Bowles began his career as a classical composer in New York, writing music for films and concert halls. He moved to Tangier, Morocco, in 1947, where he lived for over fifty years, becoming a central figure in the expatriate literary community. Bowles authored the acclaimed novel "The Sheltering Sky," which explores existential themes against a North African backdrop. He also published short stories, travel writings, and translations of Spanish and French literature. His atmospheric prose and cross-cultural experiences influenced writers of the Beat Generation and beyond. Bowles's multidisciplinary talents bridged music, fiction, and translation, leaving a unique artistic legacy.

Pepe Eliaschev hosted popular radio and television talk shows for over three decades, engaging audiences with his sharp questions and insightful commentary. He interviewed world leaders, writers, and cultural icons, bringing depth and humanity to complex topics. As an author, he published books on politics, society, and journalistic practice, influencing public discourse in Argentina. He served as president of the International Federation of Journalists in Argentina, advocating for press freedom. His investigative reporting earned multiple awards and widespread respect. Eliaschev's career remains a benchmark for excellence in Latin American journalism.

Arthur Frommer was an American travel writer and publisher who transformed postwar tourism with his budget travel guides. He published “Europe on $5 a Day” in 1957, making travel accessible to young Americans. Frommer founded Frommer’s travel guide series, which became a staple for independent travelers worldwide. He wrote numerous books, articles, and columns, offering practical tips and cultural insights. His work spawned a media empire including websites, apps, and television segments. He passed away in 2024, remembered for his lasting impact on travel journalism.