January 11

Wang Chongyang was born on January 11, 1113, and is regarded as the founder of the Quanzhen School of Taoism. He trained disciples who later spread his teachings across northern China. Combining Taoist practice with elements of Buddhism and Confucianism, he emphasized moral discipline. Wang was also known for his lyrical poetry, reflecting his philosophical insights. His movement influenced Chinese religious thought and martial traditions for centuries. He passed away in 1170, leaving an enduring spiritual legacy.

Bayard Taylor was an American writer and poet born in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania in 1825. He published his first book of poems at age 18 and gained fame for his translations of Goethe and other European writers. Taylor traveled extensively in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, documenting his journeys in works such as 'Views Afoot' and 'A Journey to Central Africa'. His travelogues combined personal observation, cultural analysis, and vivid storytelling. Taylor also served as U.S. minister to Germany from 1870 to 1875 and wrote literary criticism for leading periodicals. His versatility as a poet, novelist, travel writer, and critic made him a prominent literary figure of his era. He died in 1878.

Oswald de Andrade was born in São Paulo in 1890 and became a leading voice in Brazil's modernist movement. In 1928, he published the "Manifesto Antropófago," proposing cultural 'cannibalism' as a form of creative synthesis. His poetry blended avant-garde techniques with Brazilian folklore, challenging European cultural dominance. De Andrade's works influenced generations of writers, artists, and intellectuals throughout Latin America. He served as a diplomat and critic, further shaping Brazil's literary identity in the 20th century. His bold ideas continue to resonate in contemporary discussions of cultural appropriation and identity.

Born in 1893, Anthony M. Rud began his career in journalism before turning to fiction writing. He contributed to pulp magazines such as Argosy and Munsey's, crafting adventure, mystery, and fantasy stories. His work often appeared in Weird Tales, where he blended horror and suspense. Rud's storytelling captivated readers during the golden age of pulp fiction. He also wrote novels and screenplays, leaving a lasting mark on early 20th-century genre fiction. He passed away in 1942, but his imaginative works continue to be celebrated by pulp enthusiasts.

Born in 1897, Bernard DeVoto became known for his engaging histories of 19th-century America. His works, including 'The Course of Empire' and 'Across the Wide Missouri', fused scholarly research with lively storytelling. DeVoto was also a literary critic and conservation advocate, writing for leading magazines such as The New Yorker. He won a Pulitzer Prize for his historical writing and influenced public interest in America’s frontier heritage. Through his essays and books, DeVoto championed environmental conservation and historical preservation. He died in 1955, leaving a lasting impact on American historiography and popular history writing.

Born in 1903, Alan Paton was educated at Maritzburg College and later became a teacher. In 1948, he published his first and most famous novel, Cry, the Beloved Country, which brought him international acclaim. Paton co-founded the Liberal Party of South Africa and campaigned against racial segregation and injustice. His lyrical prose and moral vision gave voice to the struggles of black South Africans under apartheid. He continued writing essays and works of fiction that challenged the status quo and inspired reform. Paton passed away in 1988, remembered as a moral conscience of his nation.

Robert C. O'Brien was born on January 11, 1918, in Brooklyn, New York. He worked as a journalist before turning to fiction under the pen name Robert C. O'Brien. In 1971, he published 'Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH,' which won the Newbery Medal for its imaginative storytelling. His other works include 'The Silver Crown' and 'A Report from Group 17,' blending adventure and speculative fiction. O'Brien's engaging narratives have captivated readers of all ages and continue to be celebrated in children's literature. He died in 1973, leaving behind a timeless classic that remains popular today.

Jerome Bixby was born on January 11, 1923, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He gained acclaim as a science fiction writer, contributing stories to magazines such as Galaxy and Fantastic. His short story 'It's a Good Life' was famously adapted into a 1961 episode of The Twilight Zone. Bixby also wrote the screenplay for the Star Trek original series episode 'Mirror, Mirror' and scripted the film 'The Man From Earth.' His inventive plots and memorable characters have left a lasting impact on science fiction in film and television. He died in 1998, celebrated for his creativity and influence on genre storytelling.

Mary Rodgers was born into a musical family in New York City in 1931, the daughter of composer Richard Rodgers. She composed the score for the Broadway hit Once Upon a Mattress in 1959, showcasing her flair for witty melodies. Beyond musicals, she authored several children's books and novels, combining her talents for music and storytelling. Rodgers wrote the popular book Freaky Friday, later adapted into hit films, enchanting readers with its inventive plot. Her contributions to theatre and literature demonstrated a versatile creativity that spanned genres and audiences. A mentor to young artists, she taught composition and writing, nurturing the next generation of creators. Mary Rodgers passed away in 2014, leaving behind a rich legacy in American musical theatre and children's literature.

Mohammed Abdul-Hayy was a Sudanese poet and scholar who played a central role in the development of modern Arabic literature in Africa. He served as a professor of literature at the University of Khartoum, influencing generations of writers and thinkers. Abdul-Hayy's poetry blended classical Arabic forms with contemporary themes of identity, politics, and culture. He published several collections that challenged traditional norms and gave voice to post-colonial aspirations. His work earned him recognition across the Arab world before his untimely death in 1989.

Bille Brown was an acclaimed Australian actor and playwright born in 1952 in Brisbane. He began his career with the Queensland Theatre Company before joining the Royal Shakespeare Company in the UK. Brown appeared in films such as Fierce Creatures and in numerous television dramas and series. As a playwright, he wrote works inspired by Australian history and culture, including the play The Schoolmistress. He returned to Australia in the early 2000s to teach at university and continued acting until his death in 2013.

Diana Gabaldon is an American writer whose Outlander saga has captivated readers worldwide. Her first novel, Outlander, introduced time-traveling nurse Claire Randall and became a bestseller in 1991. Gabaldon's storytelling blends historical detail, romance, and adventure with elements of fantasy. The series has expanded into multiple novels, novellas, and a popular television adaptation on Starz. She has received numerous awards and continues to engage with fans through book tours and events.