December 05

Jean François Sarrazin was one of the most celebrated French poets and authors of the early 17th century. Born in 1611, he gained fame for his sharp wit and elegant style in works such as "Hippolyte" and his collections of epigrams. He moved in the literary circles of Paris and was often lauded by Cardinal Richelieu. His poems often blended classical themes with satirical commentary on contemporary manners. Despite his brilliance, his rivalry with fellow writers and struggles with court politics marked his career. He died in 1654, leaving behind a legacy of refined Baroque literature that influenced later generations of French poets.

Phillis Wheatley was born around 1753 in West Africa and brought to Boston as a child. Enslaved by the Wheatley family, she learned to read and write and quickly displayed a remarkable talent for poetry. In 1773 her collection "Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral" made her the first African American and one of the earliest women in North America to publish a book. Wheatley’s poetry combined classical influences with reflections on freedom and spirituality, earning her acclaim on both sides of the Atlantic. She corresponded with notable figures, including George Washington, to whom she dedicated a celebratory poem. After gaining her freedom, she struggled financially and died in 1784 at a young age. Her legacy endures as a pioneering voice in American literature and an early advocate for abolition and equality.

Friedrich Leopold zu Stolberg-Stolberg was born in 1750 at Hennstedt Castle in Holstein. Educated in law, he also emerged as a prominent poet of the Sturm und Drang era, co-founding the Göttinger Hainbund literary society. His early works celebrated nature and personal emotion, reflecting the ideals of Romantic prehistory. Later in life, he converted to Catholicism and turned his talents to theological writings and translations of religious texts. Stolberg-Stolberg’s diverse oeuvre includes ballads, epic poems, and historical essays that bridged Enlightenment rationalism and emerging Romantic sensibilities. He maintained friendships with key intellectuals such as Goethe and Herder, influencing the course of German literature. He died in 1819, leaving a legacy of poetic innovation and scholarly depth.

Alexandre Dumas was born in 1802 in Villers-Cotterêts, France. He became one of the most widely read French authors, known for his historical adventure novels that combined vivid characters with intricate plots. Dumas’s works, including "The Three Musketeers," "Twenty Years After," and "The Count of Monte Cristo," have been translated into numerous languages and adapted countless times across film, television, and theater. He founded the dramatic society "Théâtre Historique" in Paris, bringing his stories to the stage with great success. Dumas was also a skilled journalist and travel writer, penning accounts of his journeys to Russia and England. His dynamic storytelling and prolific output made him a literary celebrity in 19th-century Europe. He died in 1870, leaving behind a sprawling legacy that continues to inspire writers and entertain readers worldwide.

Born in 1804, Eliza R. Snow became a prominent poet and songwriter within the Latter-day Saint community. She served as the second Relief Society General President, advocating for women's roles in the church. Snow published numerous poems and hymns, several of which remain part of the modern Latter-day Saint hymnbook. Her writings reflect themes of faith, resilience, and community building. Remembered as a key figure in early Mormon history, she left a literary and spiritual legacy that endures today.

Born in 1867, Władysław Reymont drew upon his experiences in rural Poland to craft novels that captured peasant culture and social change. His most famous work, "The Peasants," earned him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1924, the first Polish recipient of the award. Reymont also wrote short stories and plays, exploring themes of tradition, modernity, and national identity. His richly detailed characters and immersive settings continue to influence Polish literature. He passed away in 1925, leaving a legacy as one of Poland's literary giants.

Vachel Lindsay was born in 1879 and became famous for his musical delivery of poems at public gatherings. His most notable works include "The Congo" and "General William Booth Enters Into Heaven," which blend social commentary with vivid imagery and rhythm. Lindsay championed the idea of poetry as performance art, touring the United States in painted wagons to recite his work. He also wrote extensively on art criticism and songwriting. Lindsay's dynamic approach left a unique mark on early 20th-century American literature before his death in 1931.

Abanindranath Tagore (1871–1951) was an Indian painter, author, and academic best known for founding the Bengal school of art, which sought to revive traditional Indian artistic styles. A nephew of poet Rabindranath Tagore, he blended elements of Mughal and Rajput painting with a nationalist vision. His writings on art theory influenced generations of Indian artists in the early 20th century. Tagore held academic positions and published works promoting Indian cultural identity. His legacy endures in the resurgence of indigenous art forms and the development of modern Indian painting.

Born in Maplewood, New Jersey in 1897, Constance McLaughlin Green graduated from Bryn Mawr College and earned her doctorate at Yale University. She lectured at several institutions before embarking on a career as a historian of American cities. Her landmark work, Washington, Village and Capital (1962), earned her the Pulitzer Prize for History in 1963. She also authored The Rise of the American City and American Cities in the Growth of the Nation, shaping the field of urban history. Green's meticulous research and engaging prose brought early American urban development to a wide audience. She passed away on December 5, 1975, at the age of 78, leaving a rich legacy of scholarly contributions.

Born in Philadelphia in 1894, Katherine Milhous studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and the University of Pennsylvania. During the Works Progress Administration era, she produced award-winning travel posters celebrating American folk art. Milhous wrote and illustrated over 30 children's books, blending bright colors with Pennsylvania Dutch motifs. Her most celebrated work, The Egg Tree, won the Caldecott Medal in 1951. She continued to create imaginative stories and designs that introduced young readers to American folk traditions. Milhous passed away on December 5, 1977, leaving behind a visually rich and culturally significant body of work.

Born in Jackson, Mississippi in 1930, Jesse Pearson moved to New York City to pursue a career in music and performance. He achieved cult fame portraying fictional rock star Max Frost in Wild in the Streets, showcasing his charismatic on-screen presence. Pearson leveraged his musical talents to record singles and contributed to the film's soundtrack. He later worked as a screenwriter, crafting scripts for independent productions. Though he stepped away from the limelight in later years, Pearson's portrayal of 1960s youth rebellion remains an enduring icon of counterculture cinema. He died on December 5, 1979, leaving behind a singular cult legacy.

Born in Cranston, Rhode Island in 1918, Robert Aldrich studied journalism at the University of Southern California before entering the film industry. He directed his first feature, Big Leaguer, in 1953 and gained acclaim with thrillers like Kiss Me Deadly (1955). Aldrich's style balanced dark humor with psychological drama, culminating in cult classics such as What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962) and the blockbuster The Dirty Dozen (1967). As a producer, he championed innovative projects and supported emerging talent in Hollywood. His films often explored dysfunctional characters and social taboos, influencing future generations of filmmakers. Aldrich remained active until his death on December 5, 1983, leaving a diverse and influential body of work.