January 16

Born in 1634 near Bergen to a clergyman, she emerged as a pioneering literary voice in 17th-century Norway. Her works combined Baroque religious fervor with personal reflection, earning wide acclaim. Collections such as "Siælens Sang-Offer" showcased her lyrical hymnody and devotional poems. She corresponded with European theologians and influenced Protestant hymnody. Engelbretsdatter navigated the male-dominated literary world, inspiring future women writers in Scandinavia. Her legacy endures as a cornerstone of Norwegian literature.

Born in 1675 into a noble family, he entered Louis XIV's court as a youth. Saint-Simon served in military campaigns in Spain and Flanders and undertook diplomatic missions on behalf of France. Disenchanted with court intrigues, he retired to write extensive memoirs chronicling the personalities and politics of Versailles. His keen observations and candid style provided an unparalleled portrait of the Sun King's reign and its aftermath. Though unpublished in his lifetime, his Memoirs became a crucial historical source on 17th- and 18th-century France. He died in 1755, his writings cementing his reputation as a master of memoir literature.

Born in 1749 in Asti to an aristocratic family, Alfieri's early travels shaped his classical literary tastes. He wrote tragedies championing themes of liberty, honor and individual struggle against tyranny. Alfieri's major works include "Mirra", "Saul", and "Merope", characterized by powerful rhetoric and dramatic tension. He wrote in a purified Italian idiom, influencing the development of modern Italian literature. Alfieri's political writings and aphorisms echoed Enlightenment ideals and foreshadowed Italian unification. He died in 1803, his legacy enduring in both literary and political history.

Born in 1874 in Lancashire, Service emigrated to Canada and worked as a bank clerk during the Klondike Gold Rush. His experiences inspired classic poems such as 'The Shooting of Dan McGrew' and 'The Cremation of Sam McGee'. Dubbed the 'Bard of the Yukon', he popularized the spirit of the Canadian North through accessible verse. He published over a dozen books of poetry, selling millions of copies worldwide. During World War I, he served as an ambulance driver and cavalry officer, further enriching his writing. Service continued publishing novels, short stories, and memoirs until his death in 1958, leaving a lasting legacy in popular literature.

Born in 1882 in Iowa, Margaret Wilson began her literary career writing historical fiction and short stories. Her 1923 novel 'The Able McLaughlins' won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1924, praised for its portrayal of Scottish-American frontier life. Wilson’s clear prose and rich characterization brought early settler experiences to vivid life. She served on the Authors League of America’s board, championing writers’ rights and mentorship. Throughout her life, she published several more novels and essays exploring immigrant narratives. Her work remains a touchstone for American historical fiction, celebrated for its authenticity and warmth.

Born in 1885, Zhou Zuoren was a leading figure in China’s New Culture Movement alongside his brother Lu Xun. He championed the use of vernacular Chinese in literature, breaking from classical traditions. As a translator, he introduced Western works by Emile Zola and Mark Twain to Chinese audiences. His essays on aesthetics, folklore, and humanism influenced generations of writers and thinkers. Despite political upheavals, he continued to publish critical studies and creative writings throughout his life. Zhou’s advocacy for literary reform helped shape modern Chinese literature in the 20th century.

Born in 1888, Osip Brik studied law at Saint Petersburg University before dedicating himself to literature. He emerged as a key figure in Russian Futurism, collaborating with poets like Vladimir Mayakovsky. Co-editor of the journal 'LEF', Brik championed leftist artistic innovation and new literary forms. His theoretical essays on factography and sound poetry reshaped modernist ideas of literature. Married to artist Lilya Brik, he was at the heart of Moscow’s avant-garde scene. He continued writing and editing until his death in 1945, leaving a profound impact on Soviet-era literature.

Nat Schachner balanced his career as a patent lawyer and chemist with a prolific writing career in science fiction magazines. His imaginative stories appeared in publications such as Amazing Stories, blending scientific knowledge with speculative narratives. Schachner collaborated with other writers to craft futuristic tales that captured the imagination of readers. He influenced the Golden Age of science fiction through his vivid world-building and inventive plots. His dual expertise lent authenticity to his futuristic visions, leaving a mark on the genre.

Born in Villahermosa, Pellicer was a pioneer of modern Mexican poetry, known for his lush imagery and exploration of nature. He co-founded the Stridentist movement, collaborating with visual artists and writers to push avant-garde boundaries. Pellicer served as a diplomat and cultural ambassador, promoting Mexican arts abroad. As an academic, he taught at various institutions and helped establish art museums in Mexico. His work remains influential for its lyrical beauty and celebration of Mexico’s landscapes and cultural heritage.

Kiku Amino was a Japanese author whose works often explored everyday life with warmth and humor. She translated Western literature into Japanese, introducing readers to new ideas and narratives. Her children’s stories became classics, admired for their simplicity and imaginative detail. Amino received literary awards for her novels and short stories, cementing her influence in Japanese letters. Through her translations and original works, she fostered cultural exchange between Japan and the West.

Clement Greenberg (1909–1994) was a prominent American essayist and art critic credited with shaping post-World War II art theory. He advocated for formalist analysis and argued that painting should focus on flatness, color, and medium specificity. Greenberg’s essays on artists like Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning helped elevate abstract expressionism to international prominence. As a professional critic, he wrote for publications such as Partisan Review and Artforum, influencing both artists and collectors. His ideas generated lively debate and guided the direction of American art in the mid-twentieth century. Greenberg’s rigorous standards continue to impact art criticism and theory today.

Born in Rotterdam in 1918, Nel Benschop taught classical languages and literature at the gymnasium level. She gained acclaim for her simple yet profound poems, often recited at celebrations and memorials. Her work explored themes of faith, hope, and personal reflection, resonating with a broad audience. Benschop published numerous poetry collections, becoming one of the Netherlands’ most beloved literary voices. Her verses continue to be shared today for their timeless wisdom. She passed away in 2005, leaving a legacy of poetic comfort and guidance.