December 17

A grandson of Caliph al-Mu'tasim, Abdallah ibn al-Mu'tazz was renowned in literary circles for his elegant and learned poetry. In December 908, disgruntled guards proclaimed him anti-caliph in opposition to Caliph al-Muqtadir, though his rule lasted only a single day before revolt leaders restored the rightful ruler. After the failed coup, he was executed, but his poetic works endured. His surviving diwan (collection of poetry) influenced subsequent generations of Arabic poets and scholars.

Born Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī in 1207 in Balkh, he later settled in Konya, where his encounter with the mystic Shams-e Tabrīzī transformed his spiritual path. Rumi authored the Masnavi and Diwan-e Shams-e Tabrīzī, masterpieces that explore themes of divine love and unity. His teachings laid the foundation for the Mevlevi Sufi order. Rumi’s works transcended cultural boundaries, influencing literature, music, and spirituality worldwide.

Irene di Spilimbergo (1538–1559) was born in Spilimbergo, Italy, and excelled as both a poet and a painter of the Renaissance. Her lyrical verses reflected the refined taste of the Venetian court, and her portraits revealed a keen eye for detail and emotion. Despite her short life, she attracted the support of prominent patrons who valued her dual talents. Her poetry was published posthumously, influencing later Italian lyricists, and her paintings inspired workshops in northern Italy. As one of the few recognized female artists of her era, she remains an enduring symbol of Renaissance creativity.

Lizette Woodworth Reese (1856-1935) was celebrated for her graceful sonnets and poems reflecting nature and introspection. Her work appeared in prominent magazines such as the Atlantic Monthly and Century, earning her national acclaim. Reese co-founded the Poetry Society of Maryland and nurtured literary communities through mentoring aspiring writers. She published several collections, including 'A Branch of May' and 'The Cup of Joy.' Her evocative style and dedication to poetry enriched American letters in the early 20th century. Reese's legacy lives on through the institutions she helped establish and her enduring verse.

Born in 1893 in Oxford, Dorothy L. Sayers was one of the first women to graduate from Somerville College, Oxford. She gained fame for her mystery novels featuring aristocratic detective Lord Peter Wimsey, beginning with Whose Body? in 1923. Sayers's work stood out for its intricate plotting, rich characterisation, and exploration of moral themes. In addition to detective fiction, she authored plays, poetry, and essays on Christian humanism. Her 1943 translation of Dante's Divine Comedy remains a monumental achievement in literary scholarship. Sayers also contributed to wartime propaganda efforts through radio dramas and speeches. Her influence on the mystery genre endures through adaptations and continued readership. She passed away in 1957, leaving a legacy as a pioneering female author.

Marguerite Yourcenar (1903–1987) was a celebrated Belgian-American writer and poet. Her novels and essays, often set in historical contexts, explored human psychology and morality. In 1980, she became the first woman elected to the Académie Française, a pinnacle of French literature. Her masterpiece Memoirs of Hadrian remains a classic of historical fiction. A polyglot and world traveler, she infused her work with insights from various cultures. Yourcenar’s elegant prose and deep scholarship continue to inspire writers today.

Jack Anderson was a pioneering American investigative journalist and syndicated columnist. Born in Long Beach, California, he began his career at United Press International before founding The Washington Merry-Go-Round column. Anderson won the Pulitzer Prize in 1972 for his investigative reporting on government corruption and secrecy. He broke major stories, including revelations about the Nixon administration and the Watergate scandal. His fearless approach often led to legal battles and attempts at censorship by political figures. Over a career spanning five decades, Anderson remained a trusted voice uncovering the hidden workings of power in Washington.

Marc Favreau was a Canadian actor, comedian, and poet famous for his clown persona 'Sol' on the children’s series Passe-Partout. Born in Montreal, he trained in classical theatre before developing his improvisational style. Through poetic monologues and playful wordplay, Favreau’s character entertained and educated audiences across Canada. He toured extensively, performing in theaters and on television throughout Europe and Canada. Favreau recorded several albums featuring his poetic sketches and released collections of poetry. His inventive use of language and humor influenced a generation of French-Canadian performers. Favreau continued to captivate audiences until his death in 2005, leaving a legacy of laughter and artful expression.

Oleh Lysheha (1949–2014) was a leading Ukrainian poet, playwright, and translator associated with the Sixtiers dissident movement. After refusing to join the Soviet Writers' Union, he was banned from publication and worked odd jobs before his first book appeared in 1989. His poetry blends myth, philosophy, and deep engagement with Ukrainian folk traditions. Lysheha's translations introduced Ukrainian readers to world literature, and he later taught at Ohio University in the United States. He is celebrated for his lyrical intensity and commitment to cultural freedom.