November 26

William Cowper was a leading poet of the late 18th century, celebrated for his hymns and introspective verse. He collaborated with hymn-writer John Newton on “Olney Hymns,” which included enduring pieces like “There is a Fountain” and “God Moves in a Mysterious Way.” Cowper’s poetry often explored themes of nature, faith, and personal struggle, reflecting his own battles with depression. His masterpiece “The Task” broke from neoclassical formalism by embracing everyday scenes and moral reflection. Cowper’s intimate style and emotional depth influenced the early Romantic poets and reshaped English lyric poetry.

Sarah Moore Grimké was born into a Southern plantation family but became one of the first American-born female abolitionists. In the 1830s, she and her sister Angelina left South Carolina and spoke publicly against slavery, defying gender conventions of their era. Grimké’s published works, including “Letters on the Equality of the Sexes and the Condition of Woman,” addressed both racial injustice and women’s rights. She lectured across the northern states, inspiring future activists and contributing to early feminist thought. Grimké’s dual commitment to abolition and gender equality made her a pioneering voice for social reform in America.

Ford Beebe was an American director and screenwriter born in 1888, renowned for his work in early cinema. He directed numerous adventure serials and B-movies for studios like Universal and Columbia. Beebe’s fast-paced storytelling and efficient production style made him a reliable craftsman in Hollywood’s golden age. He co-wrote and directed episodes of popular franchises such as Flash Gordon and Buck Rogers. Throughout his career, he contributed to over 100 films, shaping the serial genre’s conventions. Beebe remained active in the industry until the 1950s and influenced later action and science fiction filmmakers. He passed away in 1978, leaving a legacy of entertainment classics.

K. D. Sethna was an Indian poet, scholar, writer, and philosopher renowned for his insightful cultural criticism. Born in 1904, he became a prominent voice in India’s intellectual circles. He wrote extensively on spirituality, literature, and the interplay between tradition and modernity. As a cultural critic, he examined how Eastern and Western philosophies could inform each other. His poetic works combined lyrical beauty with deep philosophical reflections. Over his long career, his essays and books influenced generations of thinkers and scholars.

Eugène Ionesco was a Romanian-born playwright whose works helped define the Theatre of the Absurd movement. Writing in French, he crafted plays that used satire and surrealism to critique social conventions and human communication. His landmark works, such as "The Bald Soprano" and "Rhinoceros," continue to be performed worldwide. Ionesco’s innovative approach to language and stagecraft challenged audiences to reconsider the boundaries of drama. Beyond the theater, he wrote critical essays on literature and culture, cementing his reputation as a leading literary figure of the 20th century.

Samuel Reshevsky was a Polish-born American chess player and author whose competitive career spanned more than six decades. Beginning his chess journey at a young age, he became one of the United States’ strongest players, winning multiple national championships. Reshevsky represented the U.S. in international team events, helping elevate American chess on the world stage. As an author, he penned influential books on opening theory and endgames that remain references for serious players. His analytical approach and deep understanding of the game inspired generations of chess enthusiasts. Reshevsky is remembered as a pioneering figure in the history of American chess.

Frederik Pohl began his career as an editor and writer for science fiction fanzines before becoming a professional magazine editor. He co-authored groundbreaking novels like "The Space Merchants" with Cyril M. Kornbluth and later wrote the bestselling "Gateway" series. As editor of Galaxy and If magazines, he championed new voices in speculative fiction and won multiple Hugo and Nebula Awards. Pohl's satire and vision explored themes of consumerism, technology, and human resilience. His career spanned over seven decades, during which he also wrote non-fiction and journalistic pieces. Pohl's influence is felt in both literary and popular science fiction realms.

Born in 1942 in Thanh Hóa, Trâm studied medicine at the Hanoi University of Medicine. During the Vietnam War, she served at field hospitals on the front lines, treating soldiers and civilians. Her diaries, hidden in her boots and recovered by U.S. soldiers, chronicle her hopes, fears, and compassion. Published decades later, the journals became bestsellers, offering a deeply personal account of wartime Vietnam. Trâm's writings highlight the resilience of individuals amid conflict and the universal longing for peace. She is honored in Vietnam as a symbol of courage, dedication, and the enduring power of the written word.

Marilynne Robinson was born in Sandpoint, Idaho, in 1943. She emerged as a major literary voice with her debut novel Housekeeping, which was shortlisted for the Pulitzer Prize. In 2005 she won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for Gilead, praised for its lyrical prose and exploration of faith. Robinson has published several novels and essay collections, exploring themes of spirituality and human connection. She is also a professor at the Iowa Writers’ Workshop and a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Her work is celebrated for its depth, compassion, and eloquent style.

Julien Temple (born November 26, 1953) is an English director, producer, and screenwriter renowned for his innovative music documentaries and stylized narrative films. He began his career directing music videos for legendary acts like the Sex Pistols and David Bowie. Temple's breakthrough film, The Great Rock 'n' Roll Swindle (1980), offered a unique take on punk history. He has since crafted features and documentaries that explore music culture and social themes. Temple's work is praised for its kinetic energy, bold imagery, and musical insight. He continues to shape the intersection of film and music through his inventive storytelling.

Gabriella Gutiérrez y Muhs was born in 1959 and is a respected scholar in Chicana and gender studies. She has taught at institutions including Seattle University and has authored and edited numerous works on identity, colonialism, and educational equity. Gutiérrez y Muhs co-edited the influential volume "Presumed Incompetent," which examines the experiences of women of color in academia. Her research bridges literature, linguistics, and cultural studies, making significant contributions to conversations on race, gender, and social justice.

Vicki Pettersson is a bestselling novelist whose work blends supernatural themes with modern settings. She burst onto the scene with her Celestial Blues trilogy, following a hard-boiled reaper navigating the streets of Las Vegas. Pettersson's richly imagined worlds and sharp dialogue have earned her a devoted fan base. In addition to her core series, she has written standalone thrillers and short stories that showcase her versatility. Her books have been translated into multiple languages, cementing her status as a prominent voice in contemporary fantasy literature.