December 13

Born in 1585 near Edinburgh, William Drummond of Hawthornden became one of Scotland’s earliest distinguished lyric poets. He studied at the University of Edinburgh and traveled extensively in Europe, where he was influenced by classical and contemporary literature. Drummond’s major works include the sonnet sequence 'Cypresse Grove' and translations of Petrarch’s poetry. His writing is celebrated for its elegant style, emotional depth, and refined imagery. Beyond poetry, he maintained a lifelong correspondence with English literary figures, bridging Scottish and English literary cultures.

Born in Venice in 1720, Carlo Gozzi created a series of fantastical plays that blended satire, romance, and supernatural themes. His works, including 'The Love for Three Oranges', 'The King Stag', and 'Turandot', drew on folk tales and Venetian carnival traditions. Opposed to the realistic reforms of Carlo Goldoni, Gozzi championed poetic and allegorical storytelling, influencing later Romantic artists and composers. His plays were often performed with elaborate puppetry and scenic effects, inspiring adaptations in opera and ballet. Gozzi’s legacy endures in the enduring popularity of his fairy-tale narratives.

Born in Düsseldorf in 1797, Heine studied law and began his literary career as a Romantic poet with the collection 'Buch der Lieder' (1827), which achieved immediate success. His writings combined romantic sensibility with wit and irony, as seen in later works like 'Germany. A Winter's Tale' (1844). Exiled to Paris in 1831, Heine became a cultural commentator, critiquing politics, society, and religion in essays and journalism. Many of his poems were set to music by composers such as Schumann and Schubert, cementing his influence on the Romantic song tradition. Despite facing censorship, Heine’s bold voice helped shape modern German literature before his death in 1856.

Born on December 13, 1830, in Ribe, Denmark, Fibiger became one of Scandinavia’s first prominent female writers. Her novel 'Clara Raphael' confronted gender inequality and social norms, sparking public debate. Fibiger worked as a telegraphist, gaining financial independence and professional respect. She campaigned for women’s education and legal reforms, influencing the early feminist movement in Denmark. Despite criticism from conservative circles, her writings inspired later suffrage advocates. Fibiger’s blend of literary talent and activism marked her as a pioneering voice for gender equality. She died in 1892, leaving a legacy celebrated by scholars of feminist history.

Emily Carr was a Canadian artist and author renowned for her expressive paintings of Indigenous communities and the towering cedar forests of British Columbia. Influenced by Post-Impressionism and the Indigenous art she encountered, her bold brushwork and vivid palette captured the spirit of the Pacific Northwest. Carr published several books, including 'Klee Wyck', which won the Governor General's Award for its engaging stories about First Nations people. Her work gained recognition later in life, making her a leading figure in Canadian modernism. Carr's art and writings brought attention to Indigenous cultures during a period of cultural suppression. She inspired future generations of Canadian artists with her unique vision and dedication to preserving cultural heritage. Carr died in 1945, leaving a legacy as one of Canada's most beloved artistic voices.

Aimilios Veakis was a leading figure in Greek theater as an actor, director, and playwright. Born in 1884, he gained fame with performances in classical tragedies and modern dramas across Greece. Veakis founded his own theater company, producing works that blended Greek tradition with contemporary themes. As a playwright, he wrote several plays that explored social issues and human conflicts of his time. His directorial vision emphasized realism and emotional depth, influencing Greek stagecraft. Veakis also taught drama, mentoring the next generation of Greek actors and directors. He died in 1951, remembered as a cornerstone of modern Greek theater.

Drew Pearson was born in Evanston, Illinois in 1897 and began his journalism career as a reporter before launching the 'Washington Merry-Go-Round' column in 1932. His investigative reporting exposed political corruption and insider scandals in Washington, D.C. His column was syndicated in hundreds of newspapers, making him one of the most widely read journalists of his era. Pearson also authored several books on American politics and foreign affairs. Known for his combative style, he clashed with politicians and government officials. He continued writing until his death in 1969, leaving a legacy of fearless political commentary.

Ann Barzel was born in Chicago in 1905 and began writing about dance for local newspapers in the 1930s. She contributed reviews to The Chicago Tribune and later became a correspondent for Dance Magazine. Barzel hosted radio programs and wrote liner notes for ballet recordings, becoming a respected voice in the dance community. Her writings highlighted both emerging choreographers and established companies, supporting the evolution of American dance. She lectured and taught classes on dance history and criticism, influencing public appreciation of the art form. Barzel remained active as a critic and educator until her death in 2007, leaving an extensive archive of dance journalism.

Born in South Africa in 1906, Laurens van der Post served as an intelligence officer and endured years of captivity as a prisoner of war under the Japanese during World War II. His wartime experiences and deep connection to the African bush inspired his first bestselling book, The Lost World of the Kalahari. A close friend of Carl Jung, he introduced Jungian psychology to the English-speaking world and explored themes of spirituality and nature. Van der Post authored numerous novels, essays, and travelogues that celebrated indigenous cultures and conservation. Widely praised for his lyrical prose, he became a leading environmental advocate, raising awareness of wildlife preservation. He continued writing and lecturing until his passing in 1996, leaving a lasting legacy in literature and natural history.

Born in Niles, Ohio, in 1911, Kenneth Patchen became a leading voice of American experimental poetry. His avant-garde verse blended surrealist imagery with jazz rhythms, challenging conventional poetic forms. As a painter, he created vibrant canvases and scrolls that fused text and color in dynamic compositions. Patchen’s multimedia performances, often set to live music, broke new ground in the collaboration between poets and musicians. His influence is seen in the Beat generation and across modern art, inspiring writers and artists until his death in 1972.

Born in Oxford in 1914, Alan Bullock emerged as one of Britain's leading historians of modern Europe. His groundbreaking biography Hitler: A Study in Tyranny (1952) remains a definitive work on the Nazi dictator's rise to power. Bullock's meticulous research and narrative skill set new standards for political biography and historical analysis. He served as the first Vice-Chancellor of the University of East Anglia and later as President of the British Academy. Across a prolific career, he authored seminal studies on Napoleon, Stalin, and international diplomacy. His contributions shaped the study of 20th-century history until his death in 2004.

Leonard Weisgard (1916–2000) was a prolific author and illustrator of children's literature. He produced vibrant and imaginative illustrations that brought beloved stories to life. In 1947, he won the Caldecott Medal for his work on 'Rain Drop Splash', becoming its youngest recipient. Weisgard collaborated with famous authors such as Margaret Wise Brown, illustrating classics like 'The Noisy Book'. Over his career, he created more than 200 books, influencing generations of young readers with his distinctive style.