January 07

Born in Perthshire, Scotland, Nicoll published his early poems in local newspapers before gaining recognition for his collection 'Songs, Lyrical Poems, and Miscellanies'. His work captured the spirit of the Scottish Highlands and addressed social issues such as poverty and political reform. Nicoll was an advocate for the Chartist movement, contributing poems that voiced the aspirations of working-class people. Despite his talent and promise, his career was cut short by ill health and financial hardship. He died at the age of 23, but his passion and musical language left a lasting mark on Victorian poetry.

Mather wrote across multiple genres, exploring themes of domestic life, morality, and faith in early American society. Her work appeared in popular magazines and newspapers, where she gained a modest readership. She often drew on personal experiences and observations, offering insights into the roles and challenges faced by women of her era. While detailed records of her publications are scarce, her contributions reflect the literary culture of the mid-1800s. Mather's writing provides a window into the social customs and values of her time. Though largely forgotten today, her stories and poems exemplify the voice of a woman writer in a rapidly changing nation.

Charles Péguy was born in 1873 in Orléans, France. He gained fame as a poet and essayist, blending literary style with philosophical themes. Péguy founded the review Cahiers de la Quinzaine, promoting republican and socialist ideas. His works reflect deep Catholic faith and commitment to social justice. Péguy enlisted in the French army at the outbreak of World War I and died at the First Battle of the Marne. He is remembered for his passionate writings that inspired both literary and political circles.

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson served in the U.S. Army during World War I before turning to pulp magazine writing in the 1920s. In 1934, he founded National Allied Publications, precursor to DC Comics, and launched New Fun: The Big Comic Magazine, the first American periodical with entirely original comic-book content. Despite financial struggles and legal battles, his vision helped establish the comic book as a new art form and entertainment medium.

Born in Alabama in 1891, Zora Neale Hurston became a leading figure of the Harlem Renaissance. She studied anthropology under Franz Boas and conducted extensive fieldwork collecting African American folklore across the South and Caribbean. Her novel Their Eyes Were Watching God (1937) is celebrated for its rich narrative and cultural insight. Rediscovered in the 1970s, Hurston’s work now stands as a cornerstone of American literature and ethnographic study.

Chester Kallman was born in Brooklyn, New York and met W.H. Auden in the 1930s. As Auden’s longtime partner, he co-wrote several opera libretti including The Rake’s Progress with Igor Stravinsky. Kallman translated works by ancient Greek playwrights such as Aeschylus and Sophocles into English. His original poetry, though overshadowed by his collaborations, reflected classical themes and modernist sensibilities. He contributed to the literary scene in both the United States and Europe, maintaining friendships with leading writers and artists. After Auden’s death, Kallman continued to translate and publish his own work. He died in 1975, leaving a legacy as a bridge between classical literature and contemporary music.

Gerald Durrell was born in Jamshedpur, India and spent his childhood on the Greek island of Corfu, where he developed a passion for wildlife. He founded the Jersey Zoo (now Durrell Wildlife Park) in 1959 to protect endangered species and pioneer modern conservation methods. Durrell wrote over 30 books, including the bestselling My Family and Other Animals, blending memoir with natural history. His engaging writing and television programs brought wildlife conservation to popular audiences around the world. He established the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust to oversee breeding and reintroduction programs for species such as the Mauritius kestrel and the golden lion tamarin. Durrell lectured internationally, inspiring future generations of conservationists. He received numerous honors for his environmental work. Durrell died in 1995, leaving a profound legacy in global conservation efforts.

William Peter Blatty began his career writing comedic novels before turning to horror. His 1971 novel 'The Exorcist' became a bestseller and cultural phenomenon, later adapted into the iconic 1973 film for which he wrote the screenplay. Blatty won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay and garnered praise for his atmospheric storytelling. He also wrote other novels such as 'Legion' and screenplays for films like 'The Ninth Configuration'. Blatty's work explored themes of faith, evil, and redemption. He continued writing novels and scripts until his death in 2017, leaving a lasting impact on horror literature and film.

Born in 1936 in Paisley, Hunter Davies studied at the University of Cambridge before launching a career in journalism. He gained fame with his 1968 publication of The Beatles: The Authorized Biography, offering an unprecedented look at the iconic band. Over the decades he has written novels, children’s books, and travelogues, and has contributed features to major British newspapers. His versatile storytelling and insider access have made his works enduring favorites among music and literary enthusiasts.

Michele Elliott (born 1946) is a British psychologist, author, and child protection pioneer. In 1984, she founded Kidscape, the UK’s leading charity dedicated to preventing bullying and child abuse. Elliott has written over twenty books for both adults and children, offering guidance on self-esteem, relationships, and safeguarding. She has advised governments, schools, and international organizations on child protection policies. Her work has earned her multiple honors, including an MBE for services to children and families.

Nicholson Baker is an American author acclaimed for his experimental novels and reflective essays. He debuted with the novel The Mezzanine (1988), a detailed account of a man’s lunch hour that redefined narrative form. Baker's work often explores the intricacies of daily experience, memory, and technology. His best-known novels include Vox, which imagines an erotic phone conversation, and The Fermata, about a time-stopping protagonist. He has also written nonfiction works such as Human Smoke, a controversial exploration of World War II’s origins. Baker's distinctive style combines rich detail, digressive prose, and philosophical inquiry. He continues to publish thought-provoking works that challenge conventional storytelling.

Sofi Oksanen was born in 1977 in Jyväskylä, Finland, to an Estonian-Russian family. She rose to international fame with her novel Purge, which examines Soviet-era trauma and received the Finlandia Prize. Oksanen has authored plays, essays, and non-fiction works, earning the Nordic Council Literature Prize and the European Book Prize. Her writing delves into themes of memory, identity, and the legacy of totalitarian regimes. She is also active in human rights advocacy and literary translation.