November 27

Born into the famous Kemble theatrical family in 1809, she rose to stardom on the London stage. After marrying American plantation owner Pierce Butler, she kept detailed journals describing the conditions of enslaved people. Her published 'Journal of a Residence on a Georgian Plantation' in 1863 became an important abolitionist document. She also wrote plays and poetry that reflected her observations and convictions. Kemble's fearless writing and performances challenged social norms of her time. She retired from acting in 1837 and devoted her later years to advocacy and writing.

Born in 1845, Crowninshield studied at the Royal Academy in Munich and in Florence, Italy. He specialized in mural painting and decorative arts, creating works for public buildings and churches. In 1880, he was appointed curator of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, shaping its early collection. He authored influential books on Renaissance and medieval art, sharing his passion for design. As a founding member of the American Federation of Arts, he promoted public appreciation of the fine arts. Crowninshield's dual talents as painter and writer left a lasting impact on America's cultural institutions.

Katharine Anthony was a pioneering American biographer whose works shed new light on influential women of history. Born in 1877, she conducted meticulous research to craft vivid narratives, blending scholarly depth with accessible prose. Her biographies, including those of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Marie Antoinette, were praised for their insight into both public achievements and private lives. Anthony’s publications helped elevate the role of women in historical discourse and inspired subsequent generations of writers. She continued writing and lecturing until her death in 1965, leaving a lasting legacy in feminist historiography.

Jatindramohan Bagchi was a prominent Indian poet and literary critic born in 1878. Educated in Calcutta, he emerged as a key figure in the modern Bengali literary movement. Bagchi’s poetic works combined lyrical expression with social commentary, and his critical essays helped shape evolving literary standards. He contributed to several literary journals and inspired younger poets with his bold thematic choices and mastery of form. Bagchi remained active in literary circles until his death in 1948, leaving a lasting impact on Bengali arts and letters.

Liviu Rebreanu was one of Romania’s most important literary figures, born in 1885. He gained acclaim for his novel 'Ion' (1920), which is regarded as the first major Romanian realist novel, and 'The Forest of the Hanged' (1922), a profound exploration of human conscience during World War I. Rebreanu’s writing combined vivid character studies with social and political insight, reflecting the rural and urban transformations of early 20th-century Romania. He also wrote successful plays that were staged across Europe. Rebreanu’s works have been translated into multiple languages, influencing generations of writers before his death in 1944.

Katherine Milhous was a renowned American author and illustrator born in 1894. Educated at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, she worked on the WPA Federal Art Project, creating posters that showcased rural American life. Milhous published over thirty children’s books, blending vivid watercolors with folk art motifs inspired by her Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. Her book 'The Egg Tree' won the Caldecott Medal in 1951, recognizing her distinctive artistic style. Milhous’s work bridged fine art and children’s literature, influencing generations of young readers and artists. She continued creating art and writing until her death in 1977.

Born in 1898, Fredric Warburg entered the publishing industry after World War I and partnered to form Secker & Warburg. Under his leadership, the firm became famous for publishing seminal works by authors such as George Orwell, including 'Animal Farm' and '1984'. Warburg was a passionate advocate for freedom of expression and took bold editorial stands against censorship. He also authored books on the craft of publishing and literary criticism, sharing his insights with aspiring writers. His influence helped shape the modern British literary landscape until his death in 1981.

Born in 1900 in Quebec, Jovette Bernier began her career as a journalist and columnist for leading newspapers. She published several acclaimed novels that explored human relationships and Quebecois culture. In the mid-20th century, she became a pioneering radio show host, bringing literature and lively discussions to a broad audience. Her work helped elevate women's voices in Canadian media and inspired future generations of broadcasters and writers. Bernier's legacy endures through her literary works and her role in shaping Francophone radio before she passed away in 1981.

Born in 1907 in Allahabad, Harivansh Rai Bachchan studied English literature at Oxford before returning to India. He gained fame with his lyrical poetry collection 'Madhushala' (The Tavern), which blended philosophy and everyday life in a new Hindi poetic style. Bachchan served as a professor, translating English classics into Hindi and mentoring future writers. His autobiographical work 'Kya Bhooloon Kya Yaad Karoon' offered an intimate look at Indian society between the world wars. Father of Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan, he received the Padma Bhushan in 1976. Bachchan's writings continue to resonate with readers worldwide until his death in 2003.

Born in 1907 in New York City, L. Sprague de Camp initially worked as an engineer before turning to writing. He co-created the 'Harold Shea' series with Fletcher Pratt, blending mythology and modern fantasy. De Camp also penned numerous biographies, including studies on figures like Robert E. Howard and science-themed historical works. His accessible style and meticulous research brought history and speculative fiction to a broad audience. A Hugo Award nominee, he influenced generations of genre writers. De Camp's prolific career spanned over five decades until his passing in 2000.

Born in 1909 in Knoxville, Tennessee, James Agee wrote vividly about Southern life in his journalism and fiction. He worked as a film critic for Time and The Nation, where his sharp insights shaped early film criticism. During World War II, Agee co-wrote the documentary 'Let There Be Light', capturing veterans' experiences with unflinching honesty. His novel 'A Death in the Family' won the Pulitzer Prize posthumously in 1958. He also received an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for 'The African Queen' (1951). Known for his lyrical prose and emotional depth, Agee's legacy endures despite his untimely death in 1955.