November 19

Thomas Shadwell (1642–1692) was a noted Restoration dramatist known for his satirical comedies. His plays, such as 'The Virtuoso' and 'Epsom Wells,' mocked contemporary follies and scientific pretensions. In 1689, he was appointed Poet Laureate and historiographer royal, succeeding John Dryden. Shadwell's sharp wit and engaging characters made him a popular figure in London theater. Though sometimes criticized for coarseness, his influence on English comedy endured beyond his death.

Emma Lazarus was born in New York City in 1849 and published her first poems as a teenager. She wrote passionately about Jewish identity and the immigrant experience in America. Her sonnet 'The New Colossus', penned in 1883, later became famous on the Statue of Liberty. Lazarus used her voice to champion the rights of newcomers and persecuted communities. She passed away in 1887 at the age of 38, leaving a timeless literary legacy.

Xu Zhimo was a leading figure in the modern Chinese literary movement, known for his lyrical and romantic poetry. Born in 1897, he studied at Cambridge University, where he embraced English literature and cultivated his poetic style. His most famous work, Second Farewell to Cambridge, remains a classic of Chinese poetry. Xu's translations of Western poets helped bridge Eastern and Western literary traditions. His life was cut short in a tragic plane crash near Berlin in 1931, but his influence endures among poets and readers worldwide.

Marquis James was born in 1891 in Texas and began his career as a newspaper reporter, covering events across the United States. He gained national attention for his vivid, storytelling style and meticulous research. His biographies of Andrew Jackson and Sam Houston earned him two Pulitzer Prizes in 1931 and 1933, respectively, establishing him as a leading voice in American historical writing. James's works combined scholarly rigor with accessible prose, bringing the complexities of history to a broad readership. Throughout his life, he wrote essays and articles that reflected his deep interest in American culture and politics. He died in 1955, leaving a legacy as one of the 20th century’s most respected biographers.

Grigol Robakidze was a prominent Georgian author and poet whose works blended folklore with modernist themes. Born in 1880, he played a pivotal role in shaping early 20th-century Georgian literature. His novel "The Snake’s Skin" is celebrated for its allegorical depth and exploration of national identity. As a playwright, his dramas addressed social and philosophical questions, earning acclaim at home and abroad. Facing political pressures, Robakidze spent his later years in exile, continuing to write in Europe until his death in 1962.

Louise Fitzhugh was an American author and illustrator whose work transformed children’s literature. Born in 1928, she studied art and began publishing in the 1950s. Her novel Harriet the Spy (1964) is celebrated for its realistic portrayal of a young girl’s adventures and inner thoughts. Fitzhugh complemented her storytelling with expressive illustrations that captured her characters’ personalities. Despite her untimely death in 1974, her groundbreaking work continues to inspire readers and writers.

Rudolf Kinau was born in 1887 in the North Sea region of Germany. He wrote extensively in the Low German dialect, producing poetry, short stories, and folk tales that celebrated regional culture. Kinau's works captured the coastal life and traditions of northern Germany, bringing them to a wider audience. He also collected and preserved oral histories, playing a key role in documenting local folklore. His literary contributions helped popularize Low German literature during the early 20th century. Kinau passed away on November 19, 1975.

Born in 1912 in Reading, Elizabeth Taylor emerged as a leading British novelist of the mid-20th century. Her works, including At Mrs Lippincote's and Angel, are praised for their subtle character studies and sharp observations of middle-class society. Taylor's writing combines wit and empathy, capturing the nuances of everyday relationships. Over her career, she published fourteen novels and several short stories, earning critical acclaim for her narrative style. She influenced generations of writers with her precise prose and psychological depth. She died on November 19, 1975.

Born in 1927 in Orlando, Florida, Peggy Parish began her writing career as an educator and librarian. In 1963, she introduced the character Amelia Bedelia, a literal-minded housekeeper whose misinterpretations delighted young readers. The 'Amelia Bedelia' series became a staple of children’s literature, praised for its humor and wordplay. Parish wrote over 20 books in the series, which have sold millions of copies worldwide and inspired adaptations in television and theatre. Her work encouraged children to explore language and enjoy reading. Peggy Parish passed away on November 19, 1988, leaving an enduring literary legacy.

Born in 1928 in New York City, Pakula began his career as a screenwriter in the 1950s. He directed acclaimed films such as Klute (1971), which won Jane Fonda an Oscar, and the Oscar-winning All the President's Men (1976). His 1982 thriller Sophie's Choice showcased his talent for character-driven storytelling. Pakula's meticulous direction and focus on political and psychological themes earned him a reputation as a master of suspense. He produced numerous films for Hollywood studios, often collaborating with writers and actors he helped discover. Pakula died in a car accident in 1998, leaving behind a legacy of influential cinema.

Born in 1939 in Massachusetts, Trina Schart Hyman graduated from the Boston Museum School before launching her career in illustration.\nShe illustrated over a hundred children’s books, earning acclaim for her intricate and expressive artwork.\nIn 1985, Hyman won the Caldecott Medal for her illustrations of "Saint George and the Dragon".\nHer work is celebrated for its medieval influences, rich details, and vibrant use of color.\nHyman also authored several books, inspiring young readers with her storytelling and art.\nHer legacy lives on through her influential illustrations and contributions to children’s literature.

Born in 1924 in Copenhagen, Erik Balling studied at the National Film School of Denmark before joining Nordisk Film.\nHe directed, wrote, and produced some of Denmark’s most beloved films, including the "Olsen-banden" series.\nBalling played a key role in establishing Danish television comedy, creating hit series like "Matador".\nHis work blended humor with social commentary, earning him both popular and critical acclaim.\nThroughout his career, he mentored young filmmakers and influenced the direction of Scandinavian media.\nBalling’s legacy endures in Denmark’s cultural landscape and continues to inspire filmmakers.