December 14

Anne Conway, born Anne Finch in 1631, was an English philosopher whose works explored the nature of God, soul, and existence in a period dominated by male thinkers. Raised in a noble family, she corresponded with leading intellectuals such as Henry More and engaged with the Cambridge Platonists. Her posthumously published work 'The Principles of the Most Ancient and Modern Philosophy' proposed a dynamic, monistic view of reality that emphasized the unity of all substances. Conway’s philosophical insights challenged prevailing dualisms and influenced later idealist and metaphysical traditions. She died in 1679, but her groundbreaking contributions have earned renewed recognition in modern feminist and philosophical studies.

Aphra Behn, born in 1640 in Kent, became one of the first English women to earn a living by writing, breaking gender barriers in the 17th century. She wrote plays, poetry, and prose, with notable works including 'The Rover' and 'Oroonoko', which tackled themes of love, politics, and slavery. Behn’s sharp wit and bold characters made her a celebrated figure in Restoration theatre. Her novella 'Oroonoko' is considered an early English novel exploring issues of colonialism and human rights. Her work as a spy for the Crown during the Second Anglo-Dutch War added intrigue to her life story. Behn died in 1689, leaving a legacy as a trailblazer for women writers.

Daniel Neal, born in 1678 in London, emerged as a prominent historian specializing in religious history during the early 18th century. His seminal work 'The History of the Puritans', published between 1732 and 1738, offered an extensive narrative of the Puritan movement and its influence on English politics and culture. Neal’s meticulous research utilized a wealth of archival documents, showcasing his dedication to accuracy and depth. He later expanded his studies to broader subjects in English history, cementing his reputation as a scholarly authority. His balanced perspective and engaging prose made his histories both informative and accessible. Upon his death in 1743, Neal left a lasting legacy through his influential writings on religious and political transformations.

Charles Wolfe was born in 1791 in Munster, Ireland, and educated at Trinity College Dublin. Ordained as an Anglican priest, he served various parishes in County Kerry. Wolfe's poetry gained acclaim for its emotional depth and lyrical quality. His most famous work, 'The Burial of Sir John Moore at Corunna', commemorates a British general of the Napoleonic Wars. Though published posthumously, the poem brought Wolfe lasting fame and influence. He combined his religious vocation with literary pursuits, writing sermons and devotional texts. Wolfe died in 1823 at the age of 32, leaving a small but impactful body of poetry.

Born in Baltimore in 1851 into an academic family. She published stories and novels in magazines such as The Atlantic Monthly. Her works, including the novel 'Aliens', explore family dynamics and social change. Married to classical scholar John Henry Wright, she balanced domestic life and writing. Her clear prose and insightful character studies earned her acclaim in the early 20th century. She died in 1916, leaving a body of work that captured the subtleties of American culture.

Jane Cowl (1884–1950) was a celebrated American stage actress and playwright. She achieved fame with leading roles in Broadway productions such as Smilin' Through and The Cinderella Man. Alongside actor Frederick R. Kerr, she co-wrote the successful play Lightnin', which ran for over 1,200 performances. Her emotional depth and dramatic versatility made her a standout performer of the early 20th century. Cowl continued to write and act in theater until her later years, leaving a lasting legacy on American drama.

Born Eugène Émile Paul Grindel in 1895, Paul Éluard was a founding member of the Surrealist group alongside André Breton. His poetry is celebrated for its lyrical beauty, surreal imagery, and themes of love, freedom, and resistance. During World War II, he used his writings to oppose Nazi occupation and published clandestine poems that inspired the French Resistance. Éluard collaborated with artists such as Salvador Dalí and Max Ernst on illustrated editions of his work. His collection Capitale de la douleur earned him critical acclaim and a lasting place in modern literature. Éluard continued to write and advocate for peace until his death in 1952.

Mária Szepes was born in Budapest in 1908 and began her career writing for leading Hungarian newspapers and magazines. She later transitioned to screenwriting, contributing scripts to the burgeoning Hungarian film industry. In 1938, she published 'The Red Lion,' a pioneering fantasy novel exploring themes of immortality and spiritual transformation. Despite political upheaval, Szepes continued to write novels, short stories, and essays that blended mysticism with philosophical inquiry. Her work was rediscovered internationally in the late 20th century, earning her renewed acclaim and translations into multiple languages. She remained active as a writer and mentor until her death in 2007, inspiring new generations of fantasy authors.

Born in San Francisco in 1916, Shirley Jackson graduated from Syracuse University before beginning her writing career.\nHer 1948 short story "The Lottery" sparked national controversy for its dark themes and social commentary.\nJackson authored novels such as "The Haunting of Hill House" (1959), pioneering psychological horror.\nShe contributed essays and stories to The New Yorker and other leading publications.\nJackson's nuanced exploration of human psychology and societal pressures has influenced generations of writers.

Carl-Henrik Hermansson was born in Gothenburg in 1917 and became editor of the party newspaper before entering politics.\nHe served as chairman of the Swedish Communist Party from 1946 to 1964 and as a member of parliament until 1985.\nHermansson authored numerous works on Marxist theory and advocated for a democratic form of socialism.\nAfter the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968, he distanced himself from Soviet policies and called for independent leftist democracy.\nHe remained a respected voice in Swedish politics and literature until his death in 2016.

Born in Amsterdam, Reve published his first novel in the 1940s and quickly gained attention for his candid style. His works often explored themes of sexuality, religion, and existential angst with dark humor. Reve’s 1947 novel The Evenings became a landmark in Dutch literature. He received numerous awards including the P.C. Hooft Prize for his overall contribution to Dutch letters. Despite controversies over his provocative narratives, he influenced generations of European writers. Reve’s legacy endures through translations of his work in major literary circles.

Margaret Bakkes built a distinguished literary career with novels, biographies, and short stories that delve into the social and cultural landscapes of Namibia and South Africa. Her works are celebrated for their rich characterizations, evocative settings, and insightful exploration of identity and colonial history. Over several decades, she published numerous books that earned critical acclaim and a devoted readership. Bakkes' contributions to Afrikaans literature expanded the boundaries of the genre and inspired future writers. She is remembered as a passionate storyteller who brought untold regional narratives to life.