January 03

Pietro Metastasio, born in Rome in 1698 as Pietro Antonio Domenico Trapassi, became the most celebrated librettist of his era. His appointment as court poet in Vienna in 1730 led to the creation of over 20 opera seria librettos set by composers such as Hasse and Mozart. Metastasio’s verse combined poetic elegance with dramatic clarity, shaping the conventions of European opera for decades. His works were praised for their emotional depth and moral themes. Beyond opera, he wrote sacred dramas and lyrical poetry that enjoyed widespread popularity. Metastasio’s influence extended throughout Europe, and he remained active in Vienna until his death in 1782.

Douglas William Jerrold (1803–1857) was a British journalist, dramatist, and satirist whose sharp wit won him acclaim in early Victorian London. He wrote more than thirty plays, including the popular comedy 'Black-Eyed Susan,' which revolutionized nautical drama. Jerrold was a founding contributor and editor of the satirical periodical Punch, shaping its distinctive voice. He also penned essays and articles on social issues, championing reform and critiquing hypocrisy. His work influenced later dramatists and journalists, and his style became synonymous with clever, cutting satire. Jerrold's legacy endures in the traditions of British humor and theatrical comedy.

Savitribai Phule (1831–1897) was a groundbreaking Indian social reformer and poet dedicated to female education and women's rights. In 1848, she and her husband Jyotirao Phule opened the first school for girls in Pune, challenging prevailing caste and gender barriers. Phule authored poems and accounts highlighting social injustices, using her writing to advocate for equality. She founded an organization to support widows and worked tirelessly to eradicate untouchability and child marriage. Her efforts inspired future leaders of India’s independence and educational movements. Today, she is celebrated as a pioneer who transformed educational opportunities for women in South Asia.

Sophie Elkan was a Swedish writer whose novels and personal diaries offered intimate insights into turn-of-the-century Scandinavian society. She formed a lifelong friendship with Nobel laureate Selma Lagerlöf and influenced her work. Elkan authored travelogues based on her journeys in the Middle East and Europe. Her writing explored themes of love, identity, and social change. She contributed to literary salons and supported women's intellectual advancement. Her diaries and correspondence remain valuable sources for scholars of Swedish literature. She died in 1921.

Henry Handel Richardson was the pen name of Ethel Florence Lindesay Richardson, an Australian author whose writing delved into personal and social identity. Born in Tasmania in 1870, she adopted a male pseudonym to navigate the literary world. Her acclaimed trilogy The Fortunes of Richard Mahony examines the life of an immigrant doctor in colonial Australia. Richardson's novels combined psychological depth with vivid descriptions of the Australian landscape. She spent much of her life in Europe, where she continued to write and publish. Her work influenced later generations of writers exploring themes of displacement. She died in 1946.

John Gould Fletcher was an American poet and critic associated with the Imagist movement, which emphasized clarity, precision, and economy of language. His vivid lyricism and modernist style earned him the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1938. Fletcher served as a consultant in poetry to the Library of Congress, promoting the arts at a national level. His notable works include Irradiations and Selected Poems, which explore themes of nature, love, and human experience. Fletcher's contributions played a significant role in shaping 20th-century American poetry.

John Ronald Reuel Tolkien was an English philologist, academic, and writer whose works defined modern fantasy literature. As a professor at Oxford, he specialized in Old English and Norse languages, crafting intricate languages and mythologies for his fictional worlds. His novels The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings have sold over 150 million copies and inspired countless adaptations, films, and scholarly studies. Tolkien's imaginative storytelling and meticulous world-building set a new standard for the genre. His legacy endures through the enduring popularity of Middle-earth and its rich linguistic heritage.

Carolyn Haywood began her writing career in the late 1930s, quickly gaining acclaim for her warm and approachable style. She created the beloved Bobby and Janet series, charming young readers with heartwarming tales of sibling adventures. Haywood's gentle illustrations complemented her narrative voice, making her books staples in school and home libraries. Over a career spanning five decades, she authored and illustrated more than 30 books for children. Her work emphasized imagination, friendship, and the everyday joys of family life. Today, her stories remain cherished classics that continue to inspire new generations of readers.

Born in Amsterdam in 1917, Albert Mol began his career as a stage actor before turning to writing. His bestselling memoir 'Mijn vriend Jules' provided an open look at gay life in mid-20th century Netherlands. Mol also hosted popular television programs, becoming one of the country’s first openly gay public figures. He published poetry and essays, and his advocacy helped advance LGBTQ visibility in Dutch media. Mol passed away in 2004.

Born in 1933 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and raised in England, Anne Stevenson published over thirty books of poetry and essays. Known for her clear, precise language and introspective themes, she received numerous awards including the Guggenheim Fellowship. Stevenson authored a well-regarded biography of Sylvia Plath and taught creative writing at institutions across the United States. Her work blends lyrical intensity with scholarly insight, leaving a lasting mark on contemporary poetry.

Blanche d'Alpuget published her debut novel 'Turtle Beach' in 1981, earning critical acclaim for its vivid storytelling. She has written several works of fiction and non-fiction, often exploring political and social themes in Australia and Asia. Her biography of former Prime Minister Bob Hawke offered an intimate look at his life and leadership. D'Alpuget served as a mentor to emerging writers and has been a prominent figure in Australia's literary circles for decades. She received numerous awards and honors for her contribution to literature. Her work is admired for its depth of research, engaging prose, and insightful analysis of characters and events.

Justin Fleming is an Australian playwright, novelist, and journalist whose diverse works span theater, fiction, and non-fiction. Born in 1953, he first gained attention for his stage plays that blend historical themes with inventive storytelling. Fleming's adaptations and original scripts have been produced by major Australian theaters and international festivals. His novels and essays showcase his skillful prose and exploration of cultural and political issues. As a journalist, he has contributed to leading publications, offering insights on the arts and society. Fleming's career reflects a commitment to both entertaining and thought-provoking writing.