February 07

Born in London in 1478, Thomas More was educated at Oxford and trained as a lawyer. He rose to prominence as a trusted advisor to Henry VIII and was appointed Lord Chancellor in 1529. In 1516 he published Utopia, a seminal work of political philosophy that envisioned an ideal society. His steadfast refusal to endorse the king's separation from the Catholic Church led to his arrest and trial for treason. Executed in 1535, More was later canonized as a saint, symbolizing integrity and conscience in public service. His writings continue to influence discussions of law, ethics, and governance.

Born in 1612 to a royalist family, Killigrew’s life was shaped by the turmoil of the English Civil War. He wrote comedies and entertainment pieces, such as The Parson's Wedding and Claracilla, blending wit and satire. After the Restoration in 1660, he founded the King’s Company and managed the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Killigrew introduced elaborate stagecraft and commissioned new theatre designs, influencing Restoration drama. He died in 1683, leaving a significant mark on English theatre’s revival and evolution.

Born in 1722 in Isfahan into a family with a strong literary tradition. He gained fame for his anthology Atashkadeh, which collected and critiqued works of Persian poets from various eras. A key figure in the bazgasht-e adabi movement, he advocated a return to the classical style of Persian poetry. His own verses blended elegant imagery with scholarly commentary, influencing subsequent generations of poets. Azar Bigdeli's work solidified his reputation as a major 18th-century literary critic and creator in Iran. He died in 1781, leaving a lasting mark on Persian literary history.

Louisa Jane Hall was an American poet and critic whose work gained recognition in the 19th century. She published the long-form poem Miranda, which explored themes of virtue and moral development. Hall contributed essays and reviews to prominent literary journals of her time, advocating for American letters. Her writing often reflected religious and philosophical concerns, earning her respect among intellectual circles. Through her critical and creative output, she helped shape early American literary identity.

Charles Dickens was one of the most influential writers of the 19th century, whose serialized novels introduced memorable characters and vivid social commentary. Born in Portsmouth, he rose to fame with The Pickwick Papers and achieved lasting acclaim with works like Oliver Twist, A Christmas Carol, and Great Expectations. Dickens used his writing to expose poverty, child labor, and injustice, inspiring public awareness and reform. He toured internationally, delivering readings of his works to enthusiastic audiences. Dickens's storytelling and humanitarian concerns continue to resonate with readers around the world.

Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote the beloved Little House books based on her childhood in a pioneer family. Her debut memoir Little House in the Big Woods was published in 1932 when she was sixty-five. The series spans eight volumes, tracing her life from Wisconsin woods to Kansas prairie. Her vivid storytelling and attention to historical detail have charmed generations of readers. Wilder's work offers insight into 19th-century American frontier life and family resilience. Her legacy endures through museums and cultural celebrations honoring her literary contributions.

Sinclair Lewis rose to fame with satirical novels critiquing small-town America. His works Main Street (1920) and Babbitt (1922) remain classics of social commentary. In 1930 he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for his vigorous and graphic art. Lewis explored themes of conformity, materialism, and the American Dream in his writing. He experimented with diverse genres, including open letters and allegorical narratives. Lewis's sharp wit and rich characterizations influenced generations of novelists. He continued writing until his death in 1951, leaving a legacy of candid social observation.

Paul Nizan was a French philosopher and author born in 1905. A close friend of Jean-Paul Sartre, he engaged deeply with Marxist philosophy during the interwar period. Nizan's essays, such as "Les Chiens de garde," critiqued bourgeois intellectualism. His novel "Aden Arabie" drew on his experiences in the Middle East, blending travel writing with philosophical reflection. He taught at the Lycée Henri-IV in Paris before dedicating himself to writing and political activism. Nizan served in the French Army at the outbreak of World War II and was killed in action in 1940. His works were published posthumously, influencing leftist thought and literature. He is remembered for his incisive polemics and commitment to social justice.

Manmath Nath Gupta was an Indian journalist and author whose writings spanned several decades. He contributed to leading newspapers and magazines, focusing on social and political issues. His journalism was noted for its analytical depth and clarity. He authored books that brought historical events in India to life through meticulous research. His work influenced generations of readers and journalists.

Gay Talese began his journalism career at The New York Times in the early 1950s, where he honed his skills in feature writing. He became a leading figure of the New Journalism movement, blending literary techniques with factual reporting. Talese's celebrated piece Frank Sinatra Has a Cold (Esquire, 1966) is regarded as a masterclass in character-driven storytelling. He has authored several influential books, including The Kingdom and the Power and Honor Thy Father. His meticulous approach and attention to detail have influenced generations of writers and journalists.

Karen Joy Fowler was born in 1950 and emerged as a versatile author of both speculative fiction and literary novels. She gained widespread attention with 'The Jane Austen Book Club', which became an international bestseller and inspired a film adaptation. Fowler’s novel 'We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves' won the PEN/Faulkner Award for its inventive exploration of family dynamics. She co-founded the James Tiptree Jr. Award, honoring works that expand understanding of gender. Fowler’s writing often blends wit, emotional depth, and genre elements. In addition to novels, she has published acclaimed short stories and essays. She continues to be a significant voice in contemporary American literature.

Matthew White Ridley, 5th Viscount Ridley (born February 7, 1958) is an English author and journalist. He has written best-selling books such as The Red Queen and The Rational Optimist, exploring science and human progress. Ridley serves as a member of the House of Lords as a hereditary peer sitting for the Conservative Party. He contributes columns to publications including The Wall Street Journal and The Economist on science, economics, and the environment. His work is celebrated for making complex scientific ideas accessible to a broad audience.