November 26

Philippe Quinault (1635–1688) was a French dramatist and librettist whose works defined French Baroque theatre. He created the comédie-ballet by blending drama, music, and dance in innovative productions for Louis XIV’s court. Quinault wrote over thirty plays and supplied librettos for many of Jean-Baptiste Lully’s operas, including the famous 'Armide'. His poetic style and dramatic structure influenced the development of French opera and theatre. A gifted composer of incidental music, he advanced the integration of artistic forms on stage. His collaborations with Lully left a lasting legacy in European performing arts.

Born in 1798 near present-day Belarus, Adam Mickiewicz became a leading figure of Polish Romanticism. His epic poems, such as 'Pan Tadeusz', celebrate Polish history and folklore. Mickiewicz was also active as a political activist, advocating for Polish independence. He spent much of his life in exile across Europe, teaching and writing. His works inspired subsequent generations and helped shape Polish national identity. Mickiewicz died in 1855 in Istanbul while supporting a Polish legion fighting for Ottoman causes. His legacy endures in monuments, schools, and literary festivals.

Born in 1788 in Upper Silesia, Eichendorff is celebrated as one of the foremost poets of the German Romantic movement. His poetry collections, including 'Wünschelrute' and 'Gedichte', evoke themes of wanderlust, nature, and medieval legends. Eichendorff's novella 'Aus dem Leben eines Taugenichts' combines fairy-tale charm with philosophical depth. He also worked as an estate administrator and civil servant while continuing his literary pursuits. Eichendorff's lyrical style influenced composers such as Schumann and Mendelssohn. He died in 1857 in Neisse, leaving behind a body of work that remains popular in German literature and song.

Born in 1823 in London, Coventry Patmore gained fame with his narrative poem 'The Angel in the House', celebrating domestic life and marital love. He was closely associated with Pre-Raphaelite artists and writers, contributing to periodicals such as 'Fraser's Magazine'. Patmore's later work, including 'The Unknown Eros', reflected his deepening spiritual and religious convictions. He served as a trustee of the National Gallery and promoted the art and literature of his era. Patmore's poetic style combined formal elegance with heartfelt emotion, influencing contemporaries like Dante Gabriel Rossetti. He died in 1896, his work remembered for its lyricism and reflection of Victorian values.

Helen Maud Merrill (1865–1943) was an American poet and litterateur who contributed to various literary magazines and anthologies. She began publishing poetry in her twenties and gained recognition for her lyrical style. Merrill's work often explored the natural world, love, and human sentiment with vivid imagery. She was part of a community of writers who advanced women's voices in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Over her lifetime, she released several collections of verse that were praised for their emotional depth. While not widely known today, her writings offer a window into the changing literary landscape of her time.

Hedwig Courths-Mahler (1867–1950) was a German writer celebrated for her prolific output of romantic novels. She wrote over 200 titles between the late 19th and mid-20th centuries, captivating readers with tales of love, social contrasts, and dramatic resolutions. Her works became bestsellers, shaping the conventions of popular romance literature in Germany and beyond. Courths-Mahler's stories often featured heroines overcoming adversity and emphasized moral integrity. Despite critical dismissal by literary elites, her novels maintained mass appeal and enduring readership. Today, she is recognized as a pioneering figure in the genre and a cultural phenomenon of her era.

Born in 1903, Cyril Connolly studied at Eton and Oxford before establishing himself as a leading literary critic. In 1939, he founded the magazine Horizon, which became a key platform for contemporary writers and artists during World War II. His seminal book, "Enemies of Promise", explores the struggles of creative writing and remains a classic in literary studies. Connolly's incisive essays and editorial work left a profound mark on 20th-century literature.

Born in 1901, Max Euwe combined his talents as a mathematician and chess master to achieve the highest pinnacle of the game. He won the World Chess Championship in 1935 and later served as president of FIDE, promoting chess worldwide. Euwe earned a doctorate in mathematics and authored numerous influential books on chess theory. His dual career bridged the worlds of science and competitive chess, leaving a legacy in both fields.

Marguerite Henry was born in Milwaukee in 1902 and became one of America's most beloved children's authors. She wrote more than fifty books during her career, many of which featured the bond between young protagonists and their horses. Her novel King of the Wind won the prestigious Newbery Medal in 1949. Henry's vivid storytelling and affection for equestrian life helped introduce generations of young readers to rural America. She passed away on November 26, 1997, leaving behind a celebrated literary collection that continues to enchant horse lovers worldwide.

Jonathan Kwitny began his career at The Wall Street Journal and went on to write for major publications including The New York Times and The Washington Post. He authored several best-selling books, such as Yamashita's Gold and Endless Enemies, that combined meticulous research with compelling narratives. Kwitny's work shed light on organized crime, Cold War intrigue, and governmental scandals around the globe. His fearless reporting earned him both acclaim and controversy. He died on November 26, 1998, leaving a legacy of investigative excellence.

Nils-Aslak Valkeapää was born in 1943 in Enontekiö, Finland, and was a member of the indigenous Sámi people. He became internationally known for his poetry collections written in Northern Sámi, which explored indigenous identity, nature, and spirituality. As a visual artist, Valkeapää's paintings drew inspiration from traditional Sámi motifs and landscapes. He also performed joik music, blending traditional forms with contemporary styles. His book Sáme báiki received the Nordic Council's Literature Prize in 1991. Valkeapää died on November 26, 2001, after a career that transformed the global understanding of Sámi culture.

Born Pierre Pairault in 1922, Stefan Wul practiced as a medical surgeon before gaining fame as a science fiction writer. He adopted his pseudonym to publish imaginative novels that explored futuristic worlds and philosophical themes. Wul's most celebrated work, Oms en série, was adapted into the acclaimed animated film Fantastic Planet in 1973. Throughout the 1950s and '60s, he authored several influential science fiction novels, combining scientific knowledge with creative storytelling. His dual career bridged the gap between medical science and speculative literature. Wul passed away on November 26, 2003.