December 21

Giovanni Boccaccio (1313–1375) was a central figure of early Renaissance humanism. He is best known for writing The Decameron, a collection of novellas framed during the Black Death. Boccaccio's works explored themes of love, fortune, and human behavior with realism and wit. He also authored biographies of classical and medieval figures, contributing to historiography. As a scholar, he corresponded with Petrarch and promoted the recovery of ancient texts. His literary innovation influenced later writers and helped shape modern narrative forms.

Born Marguerite d'Angoulême in 1492, she was sister to King Francis I of France and became Queen of Navarre through marriage. As queen consort, she fostered a vibrant court renowned for intellectual and artistic innovation. She authored the collection of stories 'Heptameron', reflecting her humanist values and literary skill. A patron of the arts and an advocate for religious tolerance, she corresponded with leading thinkers of the day. Her works and patronage left a lasting imprint on the French Renaissance.

Kurt Tucholsky was born in 1890 in Berlin, Germany. He became a prominent journalist and satirist for publications like "Ulk" and "Die Weltbühne". Tucholsky's sharp wit and political commentary critiqued militarism and nationalism. He advocated for democracy and social justice during the turbulent Weimar Republic. Fleeing Nazi Germany, he settled in Sweden, continuing his literary work in exile. His essays, poems, and sketches influenced German literature and political thought. Tucholsky died in 1935, leaving behind a body of work celebrated for its humor and insight.

F. Scott Fitzgerald was born in 1896 in Saint Paul, Minnesota and became the chronicler of the Jazz Age. He published his debut novel "This Side of Paradise" in 1920, capturing the spirit of a generation. His masterpiece "The Great Gatsby" (1925) is a seminal exploration of the American Dream and remains a staple of American literature. Fitzgerald also wrote numerous short stories for popular magazines to support his lavish lifestyle. Despite critical acclaim, he struggled with financial difficulties, alcoholism, and a turbulent marriage to Zelda Fitzgerald. He died in 1940 at age 44, and his work saw a major revival posthumously, securing his reputation as one of America's greatest writers.

Lion Feuchtwanger was born in 1884 in Munich and studied history before turning to literature. He achieved early success with his historical novel "Jew Süss" in 1925, which offered a nuanced portrait of power and persecution. Feuchtwanger’s works often explored themes of exile, injustice, and the rise of totalitarianism in Europe. Forced to flee Nazi Germany in 1933, he lived in France and eventually settled in the United States in 1941. During his exile, he wrote the acclaimed "Exiltrilogie" trilogy, chronicling the plight of intellectuals under Nazi rule. He died in 1958 in Los Angeles, leaving a legacy as a master of modern historical fiction.

Born in 1880 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He worked as a major literary critic and novelist, publishing the controversial 1926 novel "Nigger Heaven". A central figure in the Harlem Renaissance, he used his position as a photographer to document African American artists and writers. Van Vechten photographed icons such as Langston Hughes and Josephine Baker, helping to introduce their work to broader audiences. He served as a cultural bridge between white and black communities, championing modern art and literature. His extensive archives remain a valuable record of 20th-century American cultural history.

Born in 1900 in Jullundur (now Jalandhar), British India. He wrote the lyrics for Pakistan's national anthem, adopted in 1954. Jullundhri composed Ghazals and Nazms that enriched Urdu poetry and music. He worked as an editor for literary magazines and promoted classical poetry. His patriotic and devotional compositions remain popular in South Asia. He is celebrated annually on Writers' Day in Pakistan.

Born in 1923 on Sibolga Island, Sitor Situmorang emerged as a leading voice in Indonesian literature. He published acclaimed poetry collections and short stories that explored identity and tradition. Situmorang served as a diplomat in several countries, enriching his literary perspective. He was instrumental in the Angkatan '45 literary movement after Indonesia's independence. His work influenced generations of writers and preserved Indonesian cultural heritage. He passed away in 2014, leaving a lasting legacy in Southeast Asian letters.