December 08

Horace, born Quintus Horatius Flaccus in 65 BC, is celebrated as one of Rome's greatest lyric poets. He studied in Athens and later became a military officer before turning to writing. His Odes explore themes of love, friendship, and the art of poetry with refined meter and a polished style. Through his Satires and Epistles, he offered sharp observations on Roman society and practical advice on living well. His treatise Ars Poetica became a foundational work for Western literary criticism. Horace's blend of wit, elegance, and moral reflection secured his legacy in European literature for centuries. Though he died in AD 8, his works remain central to classical studies and poetic inspiration.

Born in 1822 in what is now Serbia, Jakov Ignjatović wrote novels and short stories exploring rural life and social change. His bilingual background enriched his narratives, blending Hungarian and Serbian cultural perspectives. He gained popularity for his vivid character portrayals and realistic style. Throughout his career, Ignjatović contributed significantly to South Slavic literary development. He died in 1889, remembered as a bridge between two linguistic and cultural traditions.

Born in 1832, Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson was a central figure in Norway’s literary Golden Age. His novels and plays, including "Synnøve Solbakken", combined national folklore with universal themes of love and morality. A committed public intellectual, he championed the cause of Norwegian independence and democratic reform. In 1903, he became the first Norwegian to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature for his rich cultural contributions. Bjørnson’s legacy endures in his influence on Scandinavian literature and his role in shaping modern Norway.

Born in 1860 in Northern Ireland, Amanda McKittrick Ros wrote novels and poems that fascinated readers with their elaborate language. Her unconventional syntax and overblown metaphors earned her both ridicule and a cult following. Works like "Irene Iddesleigh" exemplify her flamboyant prose, often described as unintentionally humorous. Despite critical criticism, Ros self-published her writings and maintained a dedicated readership. She died in 1939, leaving behind a legacy as one of literature’s most singular voices.

Born in 1862 in Paris, Georges Feydeau became the leading practitioner of French bedroom farce in the late 19th century. His plays, including "A Flea in Her Ear" and "The Lady from Maxim’s", are celebrated for their intricate plots and rapid-fire dialogue. Feydeau’s work satirized social conventions with precise timing and physical humor. Despite personal hardships, he wrote nearly 60 plays and influenced generations of comedic dramatists. He died in 1921, but his plays continue to be performed worldwide for their enduring wit and brilliance.

Elizabeth Daryush was born in 1887 and grew up in a literary household as the daughter of poet Robert Bridges. She developed a distinctive style based on syllabic meter, exploring themes of nature and human relationships. Her major collections include 'Verses' and 'Rural Verse'. Daryush's work was praised for its clarity, emotional depth, and technical precision. She published poems regularly in literary journals and gained a reputation among her contemporaries. Although not widely known today, her contributions to English poetry remain appreciated by scholars. She died in 1977, leaving behind a body of work that exemplifies formal poetic craft.

James Thurber was born in 1894 in Columbus, Ohio. He joined the staff of The New Yorker magazine in 1927 and became one of its most celebrated contributors. Thurber's simple line drawings and absurdist humor captured the quirks of modern life. He authored acclaimed works such as 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty' and 'My Life and Hard Times'. His writing style blended irony, satire, and imaginative storytelling. Thurber overcame the loss of his sight in one eye to continue his creative work. He passed away in 1961, leaving a lasting imprint on American humor and literature.

Born in 1900 in Tartu, Estonia, Ants Oras became a leading voice in literary theory and translation. He served on the faculty of prestigious universities including Yale and the University of Toronto, specializing in comparative literature. Oras published critical works such as "The Art of Translating Poetry" and translated key texts by James Joyce into Estonian. His scholarship bridged Estonian literature with the broader Western canon, inspiring generations of translators and writers. He remained active in academic circles until his death in 1982.

Born in 1911 in Aitolokastro, Greece, Nikos Gatsos studied law before dedicating himself to poetry. His surrealist epic 'Amorgos' (1943) is considered a landmark of modern Greek literature. Gatsos penned lyrics for legendary composers like Manos Hadjidakis and Mikis Theodorakis, creating songs such as 'Mia Pedia Sto Perivoli.' As cultural attaché in Spain, he promoted Greek arts abroad and received numerous state honors. His fusion of poetic imagery and musical rhythm continues to inspire Greek literature and music.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1913, Delmore Schwartz published his first book of poetry at age 20. His debut collection featured the acclaimed story 'In Dreams Begin Responsibilities,' earning him a Pulitzer Prize at 23. Schwartz’s writing delved into themes of identity, memory, and Jewish-American life during the Depression era. He taught creative writing at New York University, mentoring future literary talents. Despite battling depression and alcoholism, his work influenced postwar American poetry until his death in 1966.

Ernest Lehman was an influential American screenwriter and film producer whose career spanned over four decades. He penned screenplays for Hollywood classics such as 'North by Northwest' and 'The Seven Year Itch'. Lehman began his career at 20th Century Fox, later working with major studios and directors including Alfred Hitchcock and Billy Wilder. He received three Academy Award nominations for his work in cinema. In addition to writing, he produced several films and mentored emerging screenwriters. Lehman's sharp dialogue and inventive plotting have left a lasting mark on film history. He passed away in 2005.

Lionel Gilbert was born in New South Wales in 1924. He served as an academic at the Australian National University. Gilbert specialized in local and environmental history, focusing on the Canberra region. He authored several books and articles detailing the development of Australia's capital. His research contributed to the preservation of local heritage and public awareness. He passed away in 2015 after a distinguished career in education and writing.