December 18

Born in 1055, Hildebert studied at cathedral schools in Chartres and Tours, where he mastered the liberal arts and classical literature. He later became bishop of Le Mans, using his position to patronize scholarship and the arts. Hildebert authored numerous poems, letters, hagiographies, and theological treatises that blended classical learning with Christian thought. His eloquent Latin style and satirical wit made his works widely admired across Europe. Hildebert's writings provide valuable insights into the intellectual life of medieval France until his death in 1133.

Soame Jenyns was born in 1704 and made his mark as both a poet and a Member of Parliament. He wrote eloquent poetry and produced influential essays on aesthetics, including 'Observations on the Beauties of Painting.' Jenyns also authored philosophical works such as 'A Free Inquiry into the Nature and Origin of Evil.' In Parliament, he spoke on diverse topics from finance to education, representing Buckinghamshire and Aylesbury. His literary style combined wit and moral reflection, reflecting Enlightenment ideals. Though sometimes controversial, his arguments sparked debate on art, culture, and society. Jenyns' contributions offer a window into the intellectual life of 18th-century England.

Johann Gottfried Herder was born in 1744 and emerged as a leading thinker in the Sturm und Drang literary movement. He argued that language, culture, and national character were deeply intertwined, paving the way for Romantic nationalism. As a theologian, he critiqued Enlightenment rationalism and emphasized the emotional and spiritual dimensions of faith. Herder's poetic works celebrated folk traditions and the unique spirit of different peoples. His 'Ideas for the Philosophy of History of Humanity' sketched a new vision of human progress shaped by cultural diversity. He influenced contemporaries like Goethe and Humboldt with his emphasis on empathy and historical context. Herder's legacy endures in philosophy, philology, and cultural studies.

Born in New York City in 1885, Louis Untermeyer became a prolific poet and editor, compiling influential anthologies such as 'Modern American Poetry'. He served as poetry consultant to the Library of Congress from 1962 to 1963 and taught creative writing at various institutions. Untermeyer championed emerging poets and wrote extensively on literary criticism. His work bridged the gap between scholars and general readers, leaving a lasting impact on 20th-century American literature.

Born in Zanići near Dubrovnik in 1902, Dobriša Cesarić emerged as one of Croatia's leading poets in the interwar period. His work, characterized by simplicity and depth, often explored themes of nature, love, and existential reflection. Cesarić also translated major literary works into Croatian, introducing international poetry to his homeland. His collections earned him prestigious awards, and his influence on Croatian literature remains profound.

Born Nguyễn Xuân Diệu in 1916 in Haiphong, Vietnam. Studied law and literature at Indochina University but devoted himself to poetry. He became a central figure in the Thơ mới (New Poetry) movement in the 1930s. His work is characterized by intense emotion, rich imagery, and exploration of love and nature. He published influential collections such as 'Thơ thơ' and 'Khối tình sông núi'. He remained a literary icon until his death in 1985, inspiring generations of Vietnamese writers.

Born in Oklahoma in 1926, Thomas served in the U.S. Army before turning to journalism. He published his first novel, The Cold War Swap, in 1966 and introduced the character Archy McNally. Known for sharp wit and satirical take on espionage and crime, he crafted complex plots. His novel Chinaman's Chance won the Edgar Award in 1979 for Best Novel. Thomas wrote over 20 novels, including Bang, Bang, You're Dead and The Egotist. He influenced modern crime fiction with his moral complexity and humor. Thomas died in 1995, remembered as a master of the genre.

Robert Bresson was a French avant-garde film director and screenwriter known for his minimalist approach and profound spiritual themes. He often employed non-professional actors to strip away theatricality and focus on subtle gestures and ambient sound. His landmark films include "Pickpocket", "Au Hasard Balthazar", and "Un condamné à mort s'est échappé", which won the Grand Prix at Cannes. Bresson's unique cinematic language has influenced generations of filmmakers such as Jim Jarmusch and Michael Haneke. His work remains a cornerstone of art-house cinema, celebrated for its meditative pacing and emotional depth.

Lucy Grealy was born in Dublin in 1963 and moved to the United States as a child. She battled jaw cancer at age nine and underwent numerous reconstructive surgeries. Her 1994 memoir 'Autobiography of a Face' candidly explores her experiences with illness and identity. She published two collections of poetry and contributed essays to major literary journals. Grealy taught creative writing at Princeton University, leaving a lasting impact on students with her honest voice. She died of breast cancer in 2002 at the age of 39.

Born in Suffolk in 1926, Anthony Sampson began his career as a reporter for the Observer and later served as associate editor of the New Statesman. He gained fame with his best-selling book 'The Anatomy of Britain' (1961), which offered a groundbreaking look at the country's power elite. Sampson authored biographies of notable figures such as Nelson Mandela and Idi Amin, drawing on extensive interviews and research. His work spanned topics from journalism and politics to corporate governance and international affairs. Over his career, he published more than 20 books and was celebrated for his clear prose and analytical depth. He passed away in 2004, leaving a legacy as one of Britain's foremost investigative writers.

Shaukat Siddiqui was born in Amritsar in 1923 and migrated to Pakistan after the partition of India in 1947. He gained fame with his novel 'Khuda Ki Basti' (1957), a searing portrayal of urban poverty and corruption. Siddiqui's works, including 'Jangloos' and 'Ghulam,' highlighted social injustices and the struggles of common people. As an activist, he championed human rights and spoke against authoritarianism. His writing style combined realism with deep empathy, earning him critical acclaim and several literary awards. Siddiqui's contributions to Urdu literature and social discourse remained influential until his death in 2006.

William Strauss was born in Massachusetts in 1947 and studied at Harvard University. He began his career writing and producing Off-Broadway plays before turning to nonfiction. In partnership with Neil Howe, Strauss developed the generational cycle theory, publishing books like 'Generations' (1991) and 'The Fourth Turning' (1997). Their work examined patterns in American history and shaped discussions on politics, culture, and demographics. Strauss also wrote historical fiction and organized camping programs for youth. He died in 2007, remembered for his innovative approach to understanding societal change.