January 19

Born in Colmar, Alsace, Baratier displayed extraordinary intellectual ability and learned ten languages by age ten. He delivered lectures at the University of Halle and Leipzig, earning a reputation across Europe. At just thirteen, he was appointed librarian at the University of Strasbourg, managing important manuscript collections. Baratier authored pioneering works on comparative linguistics and historical criticism. His writings included a treatise on the origins of nations and an annotated edition of ancient texts. Renowned for his memory and erudition, he corresponded with leading philosophers of his day. Baratier’s promising career was cut short by his death from tuberculosis at only eighteen years old.

Per Daniel Amadeus Atterbom (1790–1855) was a leading figure of the Swedish Romantic movement and a professor at Uppsala University. His poetry collections, including 'Blommorna' and 'Svenska blomster,' celebrated nature and emotion, establishing him as a pioneer of lyrical Romanticism in Sweden. As a literary critic and essayist, Atterbom fostered a new generation of Scandinavian writers. His academic lectures covered aesthetics, philosophy, and literature, shaping intellectual discourse of his time. Atterbom's contributions solidified his reputation as both a scholar and a creative force in 19th-century letters.

Sarah Helen Whitman (1803–1878) was an American poet, essayist, and eccentric figure in mid-19th-century literary circles. Her Romantic poetry, published in works like 'Hours of Life,' reflected her deep sensibility and lyrical style. Whitman's intellectual salon in Providence attracted leading writers and thinkers of the era. She famously corresponded with Edgar Allan Poe, and their courtship captivated the public, ending in a noted broken engagement. Whitman's writings and personal narrative remain subjects of literary study, highlighting the vibrant role of women in America's Romantic movement.

Lysander Spooner (1808–1887) was an American philosopher, abolitionist, and legal theorist whose writings challenged the morality and legality of slavery. In works like 'The Unconstitutionality of Slavery,' he argued that no government could lawfully enforce human bondage. Spooner also founded the American Letter Mail Company, disrupting the U.S. Postal Service with lower rates and improved service. His anarchist-leaning theories on individual sovereignty and voluntary contracts influenced later libertarian thought. A prolific author and entrepreneur, Spooner's life embodied a radical commitment to personal freedom and justice.

Edgar Allan Poe (1809–1849) was an iconic American author whose macabre tales and poems, such as 'The Tell-Tale Heart' and 'The Raven,' shaped the Gothic genre. He is credited with inventing detective fiction with 'The Murders in the Rue Morgue.' Poe's masterful use of language and exploration of the human psyche left an indelible mark on literature and horror. His critical essays also advanced American literary standards. Despite personal tragedies and a tumultuous life, Poe's enduring influence continues to inspire writers, filmmakers, and readers worldwide.

Talhaiarn (John Jones, 1810–1869) was a Welsh poet and architect who published Romantic works under his bardic name. His poetry, featured in journals like 'Y Dysgedydd,' celebrated Welsh culture, history, and the natural landscape. As an architect, he designed chapels and public buildings blending Gothic Revival aesthetics with local traditions. Talhaiarn's dual talents made him a central figure in the 19th-century Welsh cultural revival. His legacy endures through his literary works and the timeless charm of his architectural designs.

Arturo Graf was born in 1848 in Königsberg to a German father and Italian mother. He embraced Italian culture and became a professor of Italian literature at universities in Turin and Palermo. Graf wrote poetry that melded medieval legends, folklore, and Symbolist influences. He published essays on Dante, Petrarch, and classical authors, cementing his reputation as a literary critic. His works contributed to the Italian literary revival of the late 19th century. Graf’s influence extended through teaching and scholarship until his death in 1913.

Dragotin Kette emerged as a leading figure in Slovene literature during the late 19th century. Born in 1876, he published his first poetry collections while still a student in Ljubljana. His lyrical works blended romantic themes with introspective realism, influencing the next generation of Slovene writers. Despite his promising talent, he struggled with tuberculosis and died tragically young at the age of 23. His posthumous publications solidified his reputation as a key voice in the modernist movement. Kette's legacy endures through his emotive poetry and the foundation he laid for Slovene literary modernism.

Boris Savinkov played a prominent role in the Socialist Revolutionary Party's Combat Organization, orchestrating attacks against the Tsarist regime. Born in 1879, he served briefly in the Russian army before dedicating himself to revolutionary causes. Savinkov authored several novels and memoirs, including "Memoirs of a Terrorist", detailing his clandestine operations. After the 1917 revolution, he went into exile in Western Europe and continued writing from abroad. In 1924, he returned to the Soviet Union under false assurances and was arrested by state security. He died in custody in 1925, his life and works remaining a subject of intrigue in Russian history.

Alexander Woollcott (1887-1943) was an American actor, playwright, and critic. As a founding member of the Algonquin Round Table, he became famous for his sharp wit and conversational flair. He contributed essays and reviews to The New Yorker, shaping literary criticism in the early 20th century. On radio, he hosted the popular program The Town Crier, entertaining audiences nationwide. His plays and theatrical work showcased his talent for drama and humor. Woollcott's legacy endures through his influence on American theater and journalism.

Boris Blacher (1903-1975) was a German composer and playwright celebrated for his rhythmic innovation and versatile compositional style. He studied under Franz Schreker in Berlin and quickly established himself in European musical circles. Blacher's operas and orchestral works merged traditional tonality with modern techniques, often incorporating jazz-inspired rhythms. During his career, he provided music for theater and film, demonstrating his adaptability across media. As a professor at the Berlin University of the Arts, he mentored a generation of composers. His contributions influenced post-war music and left a lasting legacy in 20th-century classical repertoire.

Rex Ingamells was born in Adelaide in 1913 and became a leading figure in Australian modernist poetry. In 1938, he founded the Jindyworobak movement, encouraging writers to draw on Aboriginal culture and the Australian landscape. His first poetry collection, 'Gumtops and Drifters', appeared in 1937, showcasing his lyrical style and nationalistic themes. He later wrote historical novels, essays, and edited anthologies that shaped the country's literary identity. Despite his early death in 1955, his influence persisted through the work of poets he inspired across Australia.