November 28

John Bunyan was born in 1628 in Elstow, Bedfordshire, to a poor tinker's family. He served briefly in the Parliamentary army before returning to religious work as a Baptist preacher. Arrested for nonconformist preaching in 1660, he spent 12 years in Bedford jail, where he wrote The Pilgrim's Progress. This allegorical tale became one of the most translated works in English literature. Bunyan published many other devotional writings, including Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners and The Life and Death of Mr. Badman. His vivid prose and rich imagery influenced religious literature for centuries. John Bunyan died in 1688, leaving a lasting legacy as a founder of English devotional fiction.

William Blake was born in 1757 in London and showed early talent as an engraver and poet. He developed a unique method of illuminated printing to integrate text and image in works like Songs of Innocence and Songs of Experience. Blake's visionary themes explored mythology, spirituality, and social criticism. Although largely unrecognized in his lifetime, his art and writings anticipated Romantic and modernist movements. He created iconic sketches of biblical scenes and prophetic books filled with complex symbolism. Today Blake is celebrated as a radical thinker whose creative genius bridged literature and visual art.

Carl Jonas Love Almqvist broke new ground in Swedish literature and music during the 19th century. His novel 'Det går an' challenged social norms and sparked debate on marriage and women's rights. As a composer, he wrote lyrical songs that blended Romantic melodies with Swedish folk elements. He also contributed art criticism, advocating for emotional expression and originality. Despite controversies and self-imposed exile, his multifaceted work left a lasting mark on Scandinavian culture.

James Allen was a British philosophical writer and poet best known for his influential self-help book "As a Man Thinketh" published in 1903. His work distilled the power of thought and personal responsibility, inspiring generations of readers. A prolific essayist, Allen explored themes of self-control, purpose, and the transformative effects of mindset. He published over 20 books during his career, combining poetic prose with practical advice on living well. Although he lived a relatively private life, his writings resonated worldwide and are still in print today. Allen died in 1912, leaving a legacy as a pioneer of the modern self-improvement movement.

Alexander Blok was a leading Russian Symbolist poet whose work captured the spiritual and mystical undercurrents of early 20th-century Russia. Born in St. Petersburg in 1880, he published his first collection, "Verses About the Beautiful Lady," in 1904. His poem cycle "The Twelve," inspired by the Bolshevik Revolution, remains one of his most enduring works. Blok's lyrical style blended folklore, mysticism, and social critique, influencing Russian literature profoundly. He also wrote plays and essays, contributing to the vibrant cultural scene of the Silver Age. His life was marked by personal tragedy and ill health, and he died prematurely in 1921 at the age of 41.

Stefan Zweig was an Austrian writer and journalist whose emotionally rich novellas and biographies gained international acclaim. Born in Vienna in 1881, he studied philosophy and languages before becoming a full-time writer. His works include novels like "Beware of Pity", biographies of figures such as Erasmus, and the famous short story "The Royal Game". A pacifist and humanist, Zweig traveled widely before fleeing Europe during the rise of Nazism. He settled in Brazil, where he completed his autobiography "The World of Yesterday" but struggled with exile. He and his wife tragically ended their lives in 1942, mourning the loss of their cultural homeland.

Brooks Atkinson joined The New York Times in 1923 and became one of the most respected voices in American theatre. His eloquent and passionate reviews championed emerging playwrights and actors, including Tennessee Williams. Atkinson's writings balanced sharp critical analysis with a genuine love for the stage. He authored the book 'Broadway', a definitive history of American theatre during his tenure. Retiring in 1960 after helping define modern theatre criticism, his legacy endures in the world of arts journalism.

Dawn Powell moved from Indiana to New York City, where she immersed herself in the literary and theatre worlds of the 1920s. Over her career, she wrote more than twenty novels and numerous plays, often critiquing the urban middle class with biting humor. Her novels such as 'Dance Night' and 'A Time to Be Born' blend wit with poignant observations on human relationships. Although she received critical praise, Powell struggled for widespread recognition during her lifetime. She is now celebrated as a pioneer of American satire whose work influenced later generations of writers.

Born into the aristocratic Mitford family, Nancy Mitford became one of the most celebrated writers of 20th-century Britain. Her comedic novels, including "The Pursuit of Love" and "Love in a Cold Climate," skewered upper-class society with sharp humor. She also wrote acclaimed biographies of historical figures such as Madame de Pompadour and Voltaire. Mitford's distinctive voice and insightful social commentary earned her a devoted readership. She spent much of her later life in France, where she continued writing and corresponding with literary figures.

A leading figure in the Italian literary scene, Moravia's debut novel, "The Time of Indifference," critiqued bourgeois detachment in 1920s Rome. He continued to challenge social norms with works like "The Conformist" and "Contempt," later adapted into award-winning films. During World War II, he lived in exile in France and Switzerland, returning to Italy after the conflict. Moravia co-founded the influential literary magazine "Botteghe Oscure" and wrote compelling essays on politics and culture. His clear prose style and fearless subject matter secured his reputation as one of the 20th century's great European writers.

Renč emerged in the interwar literary scene with poetry that blended folk motifs and modernist sensibilities. His plays, often infused with spiritual themes, were staged across Czechoslovakia. After World War II, his work faced censorship under the communist regime, and he was imprisoned during the 1950s purges. Upon release, he continued writing and translating, bringing works like the Bible into Czech verse. Renč's resilience and artistic vision have made him a lasting figure in Czech literature.

Born in 1915 in Quebec, Thériault gained recognition with his novel 'Agaguk', which depicted the lives and challenges of the Inuit people. Over his career, he authored more than a dozen novels and numerous short stories, often addressing themes of cultural identity and social change in Canada. His work received critical acclaim and was translated into multiple languages, bringing Canadian literature to an international audience. Thériault's writing influenced generations of Quebecois and Canadian authors until his death in 1983.