December 28

Peter Ernst Wilde was an 18th-century Polish-Estonian physician and writer born in 1732. He is remembered for founding the first Estonian-language medical publications, making medical knowledge accessible to the local population. Wilde contributed to the early development of journalism in Estonia by publishing articles on health, agriculture, and education. His Enlightenment ideals drove him to advance scientific discourse and public welfare through his writings. Though his career was cut short by his death in 1785, Wilde's efforts laid groundwork for later Estonian literary and scientific movements.

Louise Granberg was born in 1812 in Stockholm into a family of artists. She became a prominent playwright and translator, contributing plays to the Royal Dramatic Theatre. Granberg's works often explored social themes and the roles of women in society. She translated important European dramas into Swedish, enriching the local theatrical repertoire. Her career helped shape the development of modern Swedish theater.

Ahmet Mithat Efendi was born in Istanbul in 1844 and became one of the Ottoman Empire's most prolific writers. He founded and edited several newspapers, promoting literature, science, and social reform. Mithat translated numerous European novels into Turkish, making Western literature accessible to Ottoman readers. His engaging writing style and advocacy of education earned him the title 'Father of the Turkish Novel.' He authored hundreds of works, from novels to essays, leaving a deep impact on Turkish literary culture.

Olavo Brás Martins dos Guimarães Bilac was born in 1865 in Rio de Janeiro. He became one of the leading poets of the Parnassian movement, known for his precise language and formal rigor. Bilac also worked as a journalist and contributed to major newspapers and magazines. His poetry collections, including 'Tarde' and 'Luar', remain classics of Brazilian literature. He was an advocate for the preservation of the Portuguese language. Bilac died in 1918, and he is celebrated as one of Brazil's national poets.

Clarence Shepard Day Jr. was born in 1874 in Wilmington, North Carolina. He gained fame with his humorous and nostalgic memoir 'Life with Father', published in 1935. Day's writings blended witty anecdotes with illustrations, capturing family life in late 19th-century New York. The success of his book led to a Broadway play and later a Hollywood film adaptation. Aside from writing, he provided drawings for magazines like Literary Digest and Harper's Weekly. He died in 1935, but his portrayal of family humor remains beloved.

Born in 1871 in Terre Haute, Indiana, Dreiser became a leading figure of American literary realism. His novels, including 'Sister Carrie' and 'An American Tragedy', explored themes of ambition, morality, and the human condition. As a journalist, he contributed insightful essays and critiques on social issues and politics. Dreiser’s unflinching style and emphasis on environmental determinism challenged literary conventions. Despite facing censorship and controversy, his work influenced generations of writers. He died in 1945, remembered as one of America’s most influential chroniclers of urban life and personal ambition.

John D. MacDonald (1916–1986) was an American writer and U.S. Army Air Force colonel whose novels blended suspense and social commentary. After serving as a bombardier in World War II, he turned to writing and produced over 70 novels and 150 short stories. His character Travis McGee, a reluctant private investigator, became a cultural icon in a series of 21 novels. MacDonald’s crisp prose and insights into human nature earned him critical acclaim and a loyal readership. He explored themes of environmentalism, morality, and the American dream throughout his work. His influence can be seen in the works of contemporary thriller and crime writers.

Warren Skaaren was born in 1946 and began his career in television before moving into feature films. He wrote the screenplay for The Texas Chain Saw Massacre 2 (1986) and contributed to The Cotton Club (1984). His most notable work was the screenplay for Tim Burton's Batman (1989), which became a box-office hit. He later served as a creative executive at Universal Pictures, overseeing development on major motion pictures. Skaaren's storytelling helped define the tone of 1980s horror and superhero films. He died of brain cancer on December 28, 1990, leaving a legacy of genre-defining screenplays.

William X. Kienzle was ordained in 1954 in the Detroit archdiocese and served as a parish priest. He took a sabbatical to pursue writing, blending his theological insights with mystery storytelling. He authored over 30 novels featuring Father Robert Koesler, earning praise for authentic clergy portrayals. His work explored moral complexities and the intersection of faith and crime. Kienzle also contributed essays to religious journals and lectured on spirituality and writing. He passed away on December 28, 2001, leaving a unique literary legacy within the Church.

Susan Sontag was born in 1933 in New York City and emerged as a leading public intellectual. Her 1961 essay collection Against Interpretation challenged conventional modes of criticism. She wrote influential works such as On Photography (1977) and Illness as Metaphor (1978), exploring visual culture and disease. Sontag authored novels including The Benefactor and In America, demonstrating her narrative prowess. A prolific essayist and lecturer, she examined politics, human rights, and the arts on the global stage. She received honors like the National Book Critics Circle Award and a MacArthur Fellowship. She died on December 28, 2004, remembered as one of the 20th century's most impactful thinkers.

Born in 1922 into a Romani family in Germany, Franz endured persecution under Nazi racial policies. At age 21, she was deported to Ravensbrück concentration camp and later to other labor camps. Survived forced labor, starvation, and brutality before being liberated in 1945. Dedicated her life to writing and public speaking to share the Romani perspective of the Holocaust. Authored influential memoirs and essays that provided rare firsthand accounts of Romani suffering. Advocated for Romani rights and recognition in Germany and internationally. Collaborated with historians to ensure the Romani genocide is included in Holocaust education. Died in 2022 at age 100, leaving a powerful literary and testimonial legacy.