November 23

Born in 1496, Clément Marot became one of the foremost poets of the French Renaissance. Serving at the court of Francis I, he wrote elegant ballades, rondeaux, and epigrams that influenced French lyrical poetry. His work combined classical inspiration with personal expression, helping to shape early modern French literature. Marot also translated the Psalms into French, producing metrical versions that became widely sung. After accusations of Protestant sympathies, he spent years of exile, during which he continued his literary endeavours. He returned to France before his death in 1544, leaving a rich legacy of poetic innovation.

Thomas Birch was elected a fellow of the Royal Society in 1754 and served as librarian to the Duke of Chandos. He compiled and published collections of state papers, diplomatic correspondence, and the notable Life of Sir Isaac Newton. Birch became Historiographer Royal in 1751, producing works that preserved key documents from the Tudor and Stuart eras. His meticulous editing set new standards for historical scholarship in 18th-century Britain. Birch’s publications remain important resources for researchers studying British history and the development of science.

Theodore Dwight Weld was a leading American abolitionist whose lectures and writings energized the anti-slavery cause. He joined the American Anti-Slavery Society and trained a generation of reformers, including William Lloyd Garrison. In 1839, Weld co-authored the influential pamphlet American Slavery as It Is, which exposed the brutal realities of slavery and inspired Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin. He organized anti-slavery conventions, edited abolitionist publications, and worked tirelessly to influence public opinion. Weld’s clear moral arguments and strategic activism helped lay the groundwork for emancipation, making him one of the most effective voices for freedom in pre-Civil War America.

Nirad C. Chaudhuri (1897–1999) was a distinguished British-Indian scholar, historian, and critic celebrated for his prolific writing on culture and history. Born in Calcutta, he moved to England later in life, where he authored essays and books that bridged Eastern and Western perspectives. His 1951 autobiography, The Autobiography of an Unknown Indian, was lauded for its introspective style and insightful commentary on colonial India. Chaudhuri's works on European history, art, and music demonstrated his vast erudition and earned him fellowships at Oxford. He engaged in public debates on cultural identity and often challenged prevailing academic narratives. Over his century-long life, Chaudhuri produced more than 30 books and numerous articles, leaving a rich intellectual legacy.

Betti Alver was an Estonian poet and prose writer whose career spanned pre- and post-war eras. Born in 1906, she debuted with the poetry collection 'Luuleraamat' in 1927, showcasing her lyrical imagination. During the Soviet occupation, she avoided publishing for decades but continued writing in private journals. Her return to public literature in the 1960s revitalized Estonian poetry with a unique voice blending modernism and traditional folklore. Alver's works, including the novel 'The Cow' and numerous poems, are celebrated for their emotional depth and linguistic precision. She received the Juhan Liiv Poetry Prize and became a symbol of artistic resilience. Betti Alver's legacy endures as a cornerstone of Estonia's national literature.

Nelson S. Bond was a versatile writer who contributed over fifty stories to pulp magazines in the mid-20th century. His work appeared in publications such as "Astounding Science Fiction" and "Thrilling Wonder Stories." Bond was also a successful playwright and radio scriptwriter, creating engaging dramas for early broadcast media. He received critical acclaim for his imaginative storytelling and pioneering themes in speculative fiction. Beyond genre magazines, he wrote for major radio programs, including scripts for NBC and CBS shows. His legacy endures among collectors and scholars of early science fiction and fantasy.

Nigel Tranter began his career as a journalist before turning to historical research and writing novels. He authored over seventy books, including popular series like the "Bruce Trilogy" and the "Flodden" sequence. Tranter's works are praised for their vivid storytelling, rich detail, and adherence to historical accuracy. In addition to fiction, he published numerous non-fiction history volumes covering Scottish castles and clans. He was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to literature. Tranter's novels have inspired generations to explore Scotland's past and remain beloved by history enthusiasts worldwide.

George O'Hanlon was a character actor and writer whose career spanned radio, film, and television. He gained his widest recognition as the voice of the affable George Jetson in Hanna-Barbera's animated hit "The Jetsons." O'Hanlon appeared in numerous live-action roles, including comedies and B-movies throughout the 1940s and 1950s. As a screenwriter, he contributed scripts to radio dramas and industrial films, showcasing his versatile talents. He maintained a steady presence on television with guest appearances on series like "Perry Mason" and "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet." His warm voice and comedic timing left a lasting mark on American pop culture.

Born in 1914, Wilson Tucker started his career as a projectionist and became a luminary in science fiction fandom. He authored classics such as The Long Loud Silence and The Year of the Quiet Sun. He coined the term "space opera" to describe formulaic science fiction. His engaging fanzines and newsletters helped shape the early fan community. He mentored young writers and edited numerous anthologies. In recognition of his contributions, he received the first Skylark Award. He passed away in 2006, leaving a lasting imprint on speculative fiction.

Born in 1916 in England, P. K. Page moved to Canada as a child and became one of the country's leading poets. Her collections such as The Metal and I Am a Parrot display her lyrical style and metaphysical inquiries. Page also wrote novels, essays, and worked as a war correspondent during World War II. She was appointed Companion of the Order of Canada for her contributions to literature. In later years, she turned to painting, creating visual art to complement her poetry. Her multifaceted career influenced Canadian arts until her death in 2010.

Born in 1920 in Cernăuți, Paul Celan survived World War II and the Holocaust, which deeply influenced his work. His poem 'Death Fugue' stands as a powerful testament to the atrocities of the Nazi regime. Celan's dense, innovative style reshaped postwar poetry in German. He translated works from French, Russian, and English into German, bridging literary cultures. Throughout his life, he grappled with themes of memory, loss, and the limits of language. His tragic death by drowning in 1970 cut short a brilliant poetic career.

Born in Detroit in 1923, Gloria Whelan earned degrees from Michigan State University and the University of Michigan. She published her first children's book in 1977 and went on to write over fifty novels and poetry collections. Her novel "Homeless Bird" won the National Book Award for Young People's Literature in 2000. Whelan's works often explore cross-cultural experiences and feature strong young female protagonists. She received numerous awards and fellowships for her contributions to literature and education. Her lyrical prose and historical settings have inspired readers worldwide. As of today, she continues to write and advocate for literacy programs.