November 24

Born in Paris in 1685, Hénault became a prominent literary figure at the royal court. He authored the multi-volume 'Abrégé chronologique de l’histoire de France', blending factual record with engaging narrative. Hénault hosted salons that united writers, philosophers, and nobles in intellectual exchange. His works influenced Enlightenment thinkers and contributed to early modern historiography. He was elected to the Académie Française in recognition of his scholarly achievements. Hénault’s blend of erudition and elegance made him a celebrated author in 18th-century France.

Comte de Lautréamont was the pseudonym of Isidore Lucien Ducasse, born in Montevideo in 1846. He wrote the poetic novel ‘Les Chants de Maldoror’, a dark and hallucinatory work published anonymously in the 1860s. His imagery of violence and dreamlike scenes challenged literary conventions of the time. Though largely unrecognized during his lifetime, his writings were rediscovered by Surrealist artists in the early 20th century. Lautréamont’s fusion of poetry and prose anticipated modern experimental literature. He died in poverty in Paris in 1870, leaving a brief but enduring legacy.

Nicolás Avellaneda was born in Tucumán in 1837 and educated at the University of Buenos Aires. He built a reputation as a skilled journalist and advocate for educational reform. Elected President in 1874, he championed fiscal discipline and expansion of the national education system. Avellaneda navigated the economic crisis of the 1870s and advanced Argentina’s railway network. He also oversaw campaigns to extend federal control over frontier regions. After leaving office in 1880, he continued to influence national policy until his death in 1885.

Alexandru Macedonski was born in 1854 in Bucharest and became a central figure in Romania’s Symbolist movement. His poetry collections and prose works challenged literary conventions and introduced innovative imagery. He founded and edited several literary magazines, fostering new talent and modernist ideas. Macedonski’s notable works include "Poems in Prose" and the novel "Thalassa, Le Calvaire de feu". His legacy endures as a catalyst for Romania’s transition to modern literary expression.

Born in 1870 in London, Erskine Childers served in the British Army before turning to journalism and writing. His spy novel "The Riddle of the Sands" is considered a classic in the genre and showcased his literary talent. Childers became deeply involved in the Irish independence movement, supporting the establishment of the Irish Republic. He was captured and executed by the Irish Free State in 1922 during the Irish Civil War. His life bridged literature and politics, leaving a complex legacy in both fields.

D. A. Levy (1942–1968) was a pioneering poet, publisher, and countercultural figure in Cleveland's underground scene. He self-published numerous poetry chapbooks, becoming a key voice in the 1960s Beat and free press movements. Levy's raw and experimental writing explored themes of identity, freedom, and social critique. Despite legal challenges over obscenity, his work inspired local poets and underground artists. His tragic death at 25 cut short a promising career, but his influence endures in underground literature.

John Neihardt (1881–1973) was an American writer and poet best known for 'Black Elk Speaks'. His immersive account of Lakota holy man Black Elk brought Native American perspectives to a wide audience. Neihardt served as Nebraska's poet laureate and wrote novels, poems, and folklore studies. His respectful collaborations helped preserve indigenous oral traditions and spiritual heritage. He remains a key figure in American literature for his contributions to cultural understanding.

Jehane Benoît was born in 1904 in Montreal and rose to prominence as a leading figure in Canadian culinary arts. Over her career, she authored more than a dozen cookbooks that blended French and Canadian culinary traditions with accessible techniques. Benoît hosted popular radio and television programs, earning her the nickname "The Duchess of Dicing" for her elegant knife skills and witty presentation. She championed modern kitchen equipment and cooking methods, introducing Canadians to innovations like the microwave oven. As a founding member of the Canadian Culinary Institute, she helped professionalize the field and trained a generation of chefs. Benoît received national honors for her cultural contributions, and her writings continue to inspire home cooks and culinary professionals alike.

Doris Mary Smith, known as Dodie Smith, was born in 1896 in London and emerged as a versatile writer across novels, plays, and children's stories. Her 1948 novel "I Capture the Castle" remains celebrated for its vivid portrayal of adolescence and romantic wit. Smith penned the beloved children's book "The Hundred and One Dalmatians," which inspired Disney's enduring animated film. She wrote several plays for London's West End, showcasing her talent for dialogue and character-driven storytelling. Throughout her career, Smith balanced literary pursuits with charitable work, supporting artistic communities. Her warm narrative voice and memorable characters have continued to captivate readers of all ages. Smith died in 1990, leaving a lasting imprint on English literature and children's fiction.

Born in Raasay, Scotland in 1911, MacLean served as an officer in the British Army during World War II in North Africa. After the war, he returned to Scotland and became a teacher while writing poetry in his native Gaelic. His collections, including Duthchas and Hallaig, blended personal, political, and natural themes, capturing the spirit of the Hebrides. MacLean’s work introduced Gaelic verse to a wider audience through translations and critical acclaim. He was known for his powerful imagery and exploration of Scottish identity and history. MacLean’s influence extended beyond poetry, inspiring a revival of interest in Gaelic language and culture before his death in 1996.

Born in Luton, England in 1920, Hailey immigrated to Canada as a child and served in the Royal Air Force during World War II. He worked as a journalist before finding fame as a novelist with the bestseller Airport in 1968. Hailey’s subsequent works, including Hotel and The Moneychangers, combined detailed insider knowledge with gripping narratives, drawing on extensive research and interviews. His novels often explored the inner workings of industries such as aviation, hospitality, and finance, captivating readers worldwide. Several of his books were adapted into successful films and television miniseries. Hailey’s commitment to realism and drama made him a pioneer in the modern thriller genre. He passed away in 2004, leaving behind a legacy of international bestsellers.

Born in Chicago in 1923, Hansen began writing poetry and fiction in the 1950s, eventually moving to California to launch his literary career. In 1970, he introduced Dave Brandstetter in the novel Fadeout, groundbreaking for featuring a competent, openly gay private investigator. Brandstetter appeared in ten more novels, blending hard-boiled detective themes with candid explorations of LGBTQ life. Hansen’s lyrical prose and complex characterizations earned him critical praise and a devoted readership. In addition to his crime series, he published several volumes of poetry reflecting on identity and social issues. Hansen’s work paved the way for greater representation of gay characters in genre fiction. He died in 2004, remembered as a trailblazer in American crime literature.