December 08

Gian Giorgio Trissino was born in 1478 into a noble family in Vicenza and emerged as a leading figure of the Italian Renaissance. He wrote tragedies, poems, and essays that reflected classical influences and humanist ideals. Trissino’s work on Italian orthography aimed to standardize spelling and pronunciation, making a lasting impact on the development of modern Italian. He served as a diplomat to the papal court and maintained friendships with other prominent scholars of his era. His dramas were among the first to revive classical tragic forms in Europe. Trissino died in 1550, leaving behind a rich legacy in literature and linguistics.

Luis de Carvajal the Younger was born around 1566 into a family of Conversos in New Spain with Jewish heritage. He secretly practiced Judaism and wrote a series of memoirs and religious texts in Hebrew and Spanish. His works provide valuable insights into crypto-Jewish life and spiritual struggles under Inquisitorial scrutiny. In 1596, he was arrested by the Spanish Inquisition, subjected to interrogation and torture, and ultimately executed for heresy. Carvajal’s writings survived and were rediscovered centuries later, shedding light on the plight of Marranos in the New World. He is commemorated as a symbol of religious resilience and personal faith.

John Davies, born in 1569, was a prominent English poet and lawyer known for his wit and scholarly writing. After studying at Oxford and Lincoln’s Inn, he served as Attorney General for Ireland and represented multiple constituencies in Parliament. Davies authored poetic works such as 'Nosce Teipsum' which combined philosophical reflections with classical influences. His legal career included significant contributions to the development of Irish law and administration. He was knighted in recognition of his service to the crown and the legal profession. Davies died in 1626, leaving behind both literary and legal legacies.

Ivan Gundulić (1589–1638) is regarded as one of the greatest poets of the Croatian Baroque era. His epic poem Osman explores themes of heroism and national identity during the Ottoman incursions. He also authored the pastoral play Dubravka, a milestone in Croatian drama. A member of the distinguished Gundulić noble family of Dubrovnik, he held public office while pursuing his literary passions. His poetry blends classical influences with Slavic traditions, creating a unique Baroque style. Gundulić's legacy endures as a foundational figure in Croatian national literature.

Thomas Corneille (1625–1709) was the younger brother of Pierre Corneille yet developed his own celebrated literary career. He wrote over 40 plays, including tragedies and comedies that were popular in the court of Louis XIV. Beyond drama, he produced a multilingual dictionary and contributed to philological studies of the French language. His works often combined classical themes with contemporary social commentary. Corneille served as secretary to the French Academy, helping to shape literary standards of his time. His dramatic innovations and linguistic endeavors secured his place among the foremost writers of the Grand Siècle.

Born in Lausanne in 1767, Benjamin Constant began his career as a writer and political activist during the French Revolution. His novel Adolphe, published in 1816, became a classic of Romantic literature, exploring themes of love and personal freedom. In political theory, his work Principes de politique applied to la religion was influential in developing modern liberalism, advocating for constitutional monarchy and civil liberties. He served in the Chamber of Deputies under the July Monarchy and engaged in public debates on individual rights. Constant died in 1830, his ideas continuing to shape liberal thought in Europe.

Born in 1785 in Manchester, Thomas De Quincey attended Oxford but left without a degree and turned to writing. He gained fame with his autobiographical work Confessions of an English Opium-Eater in 1821, candidly recounting his struggles with addiction. As a prolific essayist, he contributed to The London Magazine, writing on literature, language, and the Lake Poets. His vivid, introspective prose influenced both Romantic and Victorian authors. Despite financial instability and health issues, he remained an important literary figure until his death in 1859.

Born in 1836, Abramovitsh adopted the pen name "Mendele Mocher Sforim," meaning "The Man of the Book Sellers." He blended Jewish folk tales, social satire, and realistic narrative to capture the life of Eastern European Jewish communities. His works, such as "Bontshe Shvayg," are celebrated for their rich language and humanitarian insight. Often referred to as the "father of Yiddish literature," he inspired generations of writers and scholars. His legacy endures through the continued study and translation of his stories.

Born in 1843 in London, Jekyll studied art at the South Kensington School and developed a passion for plants and design. She became a leading figure in the Arts and Crafts movement, emphasizing harmony between architecture and nature. Collaborating with architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, she designed over 100 iconic gardens featuring bold color schemes and naturalistic layouts. Her influential books, including "Home and Garden" and "Wood and Garden," introduced modern planting theories and techniques. Jekyll wrote more than 15 books and hundreds of articles, guiding gardeners around the world. She died in 1932, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire garden designers and horticulturists globally.

Born in 1896 in Vienna, Glauser served in the French Foreign Legion before settling in Switzerland. His battles with mental illness and addiction informed the raw realism and dark humor of his writing. He introduced Inspector Studer in 1936, crafting atmospheric police procedurals that explored Swiss society's undercurrents. Glauser’s novels combined taut plotting with psychological insight, establishing him as a pioneer of German-language crime fiction. Although he died prematurely in 1938, his work gained recognition posthumously. Today, the prestigious Friedrich Glauser Prize honors excellence in crime literature, commemorating his legacy.

Born Lucy Schwob in 1894, Claude Cahun adopted a gender-neutral pen name and became a leading figure in the Surrealist movement. Partnering with Marcel Moore, Cahun produced striking self-portrait photography that challenged traditional notions of identity, gender, and sexuality. During World War II, they joined the French Resistance on Jersey, creating anti-Nazi propaganda and distributing leaflets. Arrested and imprisoned by occupying forces, Cahun continued to express defiance through art. After the war, health issues limited their work, but their writings and photographs gained recognition posthumously. Today, Cahun is celebrated as a pioneer of queer and feminist art.

Born in 1899, Ward Morehouse began his career writing short stories before transitioning to writing plays in the 1920s. He authored several Broadway dramas and comedies, earning praise for his sharp dialogue and character-driven narratives. Morehouse also worked as a columnist, contributing insightful critiques on theater, politics, and urban life to major newspapers. He published books compiling his essays and interviews with cultural luminaries. Known for his wit and keen observations, Morehouse influenced both journalism and theater criticism. He remained active in writing and editing until his death in 1966.