December 15

Born into a prominent family in 1623, Margaret Lucas married William Cavendish in 1645 and became Duchess of Newcastle. She authored over a dozen books, including poetry, plays, and philosophical treatises, often engaging with leading thinkers of her time. Her work, such as "Observations upon Experimental Philosophy," challenged contemporary norms and advocated for women’s intellectual agency. A prolific correspondent, she drew both praise and controversy at the Restoration court. Cavendish’s bold voice and experimental ideas make her a key figure in 17th-century literature and early science.

Born in Staffordshire in 1593, Walton served as a government official before turning to writing and biographical work. He published "The Compleat Angler" in 1653, blending practical advice on fishing with philosophical reflections on nature. Walton also wrote biographies of notable figures, including John Donne and George Herbert, offering insights into their lives and spirituality. His affectionate style and celebration of rural life endeared him to readers for centuries. Walton died in 1683, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire anglers and nature enthusiasts worldwide.

Arthur Machen (1863–1947) was a Welsh writer and mystic celebrated for his atmospheric supernatural and horror fiction. His novella ‘The Great God Pan’ (1894) is regarded as a seminal work of weird fiction, blending folklore with psychological terror. Machen’s lyrical prose and exploration of hidden realms influenced later horror masters such as H.P. Lovecraft. Beyond fiction, he worked as a journalist and civil servant, writing essays on Celtic history and spirituality. Though underappreciated in his lifetime, Machen’s work has experienced periodic revivals, and he is now recognized as a pioneer of modern horror literature.

Mary Stolz (1920-2006) was an American author and journalist renowned for her contributions to children’s and young adult literature. Beginning her career as a magazine journalist, Stolz turned to fiction and published her first novel in 1958. Over nearly five decades, she wrote more than 30 books, including award-winning titles like 'The Noonday Friends' and 'Belling the Tiger.' Her work often explored family dynamics, personal growth, and social issues with sensitivity and insight. Stolz received numerous honors, including a Newbery Honor. She later taught writing workshops, inspiring future authors. Her novels continue to be celebrated for their warmth and lyrical prose.

Born in Portsmouth, England, Christopher Hitchens began his career writing for The Spectator before moving to the United States and contributing to Vanity Fair and The Atlantic. He authored influential books such as _God Is Not Great_ and _Hitch-22_, challenging organized religion and championing free speech. Hitchens was known for his eloquent debating style, appearing on global platforms to discuss politics, literature, and culture. His fierce critiques and fearless commentary made him both celebrated and controversial. He continued writing and speaking until his death from esophageal cancer in 2011.

Eryue He was the pen name of Ling Jiefang, a celebrated Chinese writer. He gained fame for his meticulously researched historical novels, especially the bestselling 'Yongzheng Dynasty', which portrayed the reign of Emperor Yongzheng in Qing China. His works combined rich storytelling with deep insights into politics and culture, influencing literature and spawning popular television adaptations. He wrote several other acclaimed novels exploring different periods of Chinese history, earning numerous literary awards. Eryue He's narrative style bridged scholarship and popular fiction, making history accessible to a wide audience. He passed away in 2018, leaving a lasting legacy in historical fiction.