Russian poet and critic
Russian poet and critic
Nikolay Nekrasov was a prominent Russian poet, writer, and critic whose work vividly portrayed the struggles of the Russian peasantry.
Born in 1821 in Nemyriv, Nekrasov emerged as a leading voice of social consciousness in Russian literature. He co-edited and contributed to the influential journal Sovremennik, where he championed literary realism and social reform. His poems, such as "Frost, Red Nose," highlighted poverty and oppression, earning him acclaim among progressive circles. Nekrasov’s critical essays promoted writers like Dostoevsky and Turgenev, shaping the course of Russian literary criticism. He traveled extensively, gathering folk tales and dialects that enriched his writings. He died in 1878, leaving behind a powerful body of work that influenced generations of Russian authors.
1878
Nikolay Nekrasov
Slovene-Hungarian poet
Slovene-Hungarian poet
Miska Magyarics was a Slovene-Hungarian poet known for his contributions to the literature of the Prekmurje Slovene community.
Born in 1825 in the Prekmurje region, Magyarics wrote poetry that reflected the cultural identity and everyday life of the Slovene minority in Hungary. His works often combined local dialect with traditional folk themes, preserving regional heritage during a period of national awakenings. Although not widely known outside his community, he played a key role in developing a written literary tradition for Prekmurje Slovenians. His poems were circulated in manuscripts and small publications, influencing later writers in the region. Magyarics’s legacy endures in regional anthologies and cultural studies. He died in 1883, remembered as a pioneer of Slovene-Hungarian literature.
1883
Miska Magyarics
French poet and writer
French poet and writer
Paul Verlaine was a leading French Symbolist poet whose musical verses reshaped modern poetry.
Born in 1844, Paul Verlaine emerged as one of the founders of the Symbolist movement with his innovative use of rhythm and imagery.
He published seminal works such as "Romances sans paroles" and "Fêtes galantes" that influenced generations of poets.
Verlaine's tumultuous personal life, marked by his affair with Arthur Rimbaud and struggles with addiction, fueled his creative intensity.
His lyrical style balanced musicality and nuance, earning him acclaim and notoriety in equal measure.
Despite legal troubles and exile, Verlaine's legacy persists as a bridge between Romanticism and modern poetic expression.
Paul Verlaine
Russian novelist, poet, and critic
Russian novelist
poet
and critic
Andrei Bely was a Russian Symbolist writer best known for his novel "Petersburg".
Born Boris Bugayev in 1880, Bely became a central figure in early 20th-century Russian Symbolism.
His novel "Petersburg" is celebrated for its experimental narrative and profound exploration of modernity.
Bely's poetry and literary criticism further advanced Symbolist aesthetics in Russian letters.
He was also a mathematician and teacher, blending scientific thought with poetic vision.
Bely's work influenced contemporaries and successors, cementing his status as a pioneer of literary modernism.
1934
Andrei Bely
American author and illustrator
American author and illustrator
Johnny Gruelle was the creator of the beloved Raggedy Ann and Andy characters.
Born in 1880 in Indianapolis, Gruelle began his career as a newspaper cartoonist.
He introduced Raggedy Ann in 1915 and later added Raggedy Andy, enchanting children worldwide.
Gruelle wrote and illustrated over 30 children's books, blending whimsy with gentle life lessons.
His artwork and character designs have become enduring icons of American childhood.
Gruelle's legacy lives on through generations of Raggedy fans and a cherished toy tradition.
1938
Johnny Gruelle