November 21

Born in 1507 in Civitanova Marche, he became a secretary at the court of the Farnese family. Caro gained fame for his amorous and satirical verse, including the celebrated poem De la mamma. His Italian prose translation of Virgil's Aeneid (1561) was acclaimed for its clarity and fidelity. He served Cardinal Alessandro Farnese, producing diplomatic letters that showcase his literary style. Caro also wrote tragedies, epigrams, and philosophical dialogues reflecting Renaissance humanism. He died in 1566 in Rome, remembered as one of 16th-century Italy's most refined literary voices.

Heinrich von Kleist (1777–1811) was a German playwright, poet, and novelist whose works probe the human psyche. After a brief military career, he turned to literature and produced groundbreaking dramas. His plays, including The Prince of Homburg and Penthesilea, explore themes of honor and obsession. Kleist's short stories, such as Michael Kohlhaas, confront moral ambiguity and social justice. His intense style and complex characters influenced Romantic and modern literature. Kleist's life ended tragically in a joint suicide, but his legacy endures in German letters.

Ivan Krylov (1769–1844) was a Russian writer celebrated for his eloquent and satirical animal fables. Born in Moscow, he initially translated French fables before creating his own original works. His Fables, first published in 1809, used humor and allegory to critique social and political ills. Krylov also composed plays and satirical verses that resonated with readers across classes. Honored with state awards, he became a leading literary figure of his time. His fables remain a cornerstone of Russian literature and are widely taught to this day.

Born in Miletín, Bohemia in 1811, Erben dedicated his life to collecting and preserving Czech folklore. His most famous work, "Kytice," is a cycle of ballads that blend poetry with folk traditions. He also authored historical studies that contributed to the Czech National Revival. Erben's writings inspired generations of writers and artists to explore national identity. He is remembered as a key figure in Czech literature and cultural history.

Henrietta Vinton Davis (1860–1941) was a pioneering African-American actress and playwright. She co-founded the First Negro Uplift Company, bringing Shakespearean dramas to Black audiences across the United States. Davis was also a gifted orator, lecturing on literature, history, and civil rights in prominent venues. Her close association with Marcus Garvey led her to serve as International Organizer for the Universal Negro Improvement Association. She broke barriers for Black women in theater and activism, leaving a lasting impact on performing arts until her death on November 21, 1941.

Robert Benchley (1889–1945) was a founding member of the Algonquin Round Table in New York City. He gained popularity for his witty newspaper columns and humor in Vanity Fair and The New Yorker. Benchley's dry humor translated to the screen in short films and supporting roles in Hollywood comedies. His style influenced generations of humor writers and comedic actors. He passed away on November 21, 1945, leaving behind a legacy of sophisticated American wit.

Ellen Glasgow was born in Richmond, Virginia, in 1873. She became known for her realistic portrayals of the American South at the turn of the 20th century. Over her career, she published more than 20 novels and numerous short stories. Her themes often explored the tensions between tradition and progress in post-Civil War society. She was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in Fiction in 1942 for "In This Our Life". Through her writing, she contributed significantly to American literary realism.

Robert Stroud was an American inmate born in 1890 who became a renowned ornithologist during his long incarceration. Initially convicted of manslaughter, he began studying birds at Leavenworth Prison and published groundbreaking research on avian diseases. His book “Diseases of Canaries” cemented his reputation in ornithology despite never keeping birds at Alcatraz. Stroud authored multiple books and articles, blending scientific inquiry with personal narrative. His life story inspired the film “Birdman of Alcatraz.” Stroud died in 1963, leaving a unique legacy at the intersection of crime and science.

C. M. Eddy, Jr. was an American author born in 1896, best known for his short stories in early pulp magazines. He specialized in horror and supernatural fiction, crafting eerie narratives that reflected the era’s fascination with the macabre. Eddy’s tales appeared in prominent periodicals of the 1920s and 1930s, contributing to the evolution of American speculative fiction. His stories often blended gothic atmosphere with psychological suspense. Though less remembered today, collectors and scholars of pulp literature value his work. Eddy passed away in 1967, leaving behind a niche but devoted readership.

Born in rural Iceland in 1889, Gunnar Gunnarsson wrote in Danish and captured the essence of his homeland. His breakthrough novel The Good Shepherd (1931) brought him international acclaim. Gunnarsson’s works often explore themes of tradition, nature, and human struggle. He received the Danish Drachmannlegatet award and was knighted in the Order of the Dannebrog. Many of his novels were widely translated and adapted for stage and film. His legacy endures as a bridge between Icelandic folklore and modern literature.

Born in 1894, John Hargrave was a pioneering figure in youth and outdoor education. He founded the Kindred of the Kibbo Kift in 1920, promoting woodcraft skills, pacifism, and creativity. Hargrave authored novels, camp manuals, and pamphlets on social reform. His vision combined art, ritual, and nature to foster self-reliance among young people. Though the movement dissolved, it influenced later youth organizations and environmental education. His writings remain studied for their innovative blend of activism and literature.

Born in 1928, Harvey Hart directed episodes of acclaimed TV series such as Columbo and Family. He helmed feature films like Cold Comfort Farm (1968) and Bush Pilot (1949). Hart earned multiple Emmy nominations and won awards for his television movies. Known for blending character-driven storytelling with cinematic style. He collaborated with talents like Michael Gambon and John Neville. His career helped raise the profile of Canadian film and television on the global stage.