February 07

Ava was a medieval German poet active in the late 11th and early 12th centuries. She is recognized as the first named female vernacular writer in Germany. Her surviving works include visionary hymns and religious poems dedicated to the Virgin Mary and other saints. Written in the Rhine Franconian dialect, her texts reflect personal piety and theological reflection. Ava's legacy influenced later mystic and devotional literature in the German-speaking world. Her contributions are celebrated for their literary and spiritual significance.

Born in 1624, Paul Pellisson began his career in law before becoming secretary to Nicolas Fouquet. Following Fouquet's downfall, he defended his patron through pamphlets and legal writings. He authored the History of the Fronde, providing an insider's view of the civil wars in France. In 1679, Pellisson was elected to the Académie Française and later served as its permanent secretary. His works offer valuable perspectives on 17th-century French politics and literature.

Born in Memel in 1737, Hupel studied theology and served as a Lutheran priest in Livonia. He passionately documented regional dialects and customs, publishing one of the first Estonian-German dictionaries. As a translator, he made religious and educational texts accessible to Estonian readers. His articles on Baltic customs appeared in leading periodicals of the time, laying a foundation for later philological research. Hupel's scholarship advanced understanding of Uralic languages and Estonian folklore. His dedication to preserving local culture earned him recognition among European linguists.

Born in 1764, Radcliffe became one of the most celebrated writers of Gothic fiction in the late 18th century. Her novel 'The Mysteries of Udolpho' (1794) established her reputation and influenced the Romantic movement. She skillfully blended romantic intrigue with eerie, atmospheric settings, crafting suspense through vivid descriptions. Radcliffe's use of the supernatural was subtle, often explained rationally by the story's end, a style that defined Gothic literature. Her works inspired later authors such as Edgar Allan Poe and Mary Shelley. After two decades of writing, she retired and left a lasting mark on the development of English fiction.

Born in 1787 in Granada, Martínez de la Rosa studied law before establishing himself as a leading romantic dramatist. He wrote influential plays that contributed to Spain's early 19th-century literary revival. In 1834, he became the country’s first prime minister under Queen Isabella II's regency, implementing liberal reforms such as press freedoms and judicial updates. His government faced fierce opposition between moderates and radicals, leading to his resignation in 1835. After politics, he continued writing and held diplomatic posts. He passed away in 1862, remembered for bridging literature and governance.

Born in 1814 in Dublin, Le Fanu became editor of the Dublin University Magazine, where he published many of his works. He authored 'Carmilla' (1872), one of the earliest and most influential vampire tales, prefiguring later classics. Le Fanu excelled at creating atmospheric settings and psychological suspense, influencing authors such as Bram Stoker and M.R. James. He also contributed to the detective genre with novellas like 'Uncle Silas.' Despite financial challenges, he remained a prolific writer until his sudden death in 1873. His stories remain staples of Gothic literature and continue to inspire adaptations.

Born in 1849, she contributed to prominent newspapers and magazines, captivating readers with her vivid storytelling and insightful commentary. She championed the role of women in journalism at a time when few women were published. Her narratives often explored themes of everyday life and social issues, earning her a dedicated readership. In addition to fiction, she penned essays on contemporary events and culture. Though her career was cut short by her death in 1891, her work influenced future generations of female writers and journalists.

Born in 1850, Langelier began his career as a journalist, writing on legal and political matters for local newspapers. He later studied law and was appointed a judge, where he presided over significant civil cases with fairness and insight. As a member of parliament, he advocated for judicial reform and educational advancement in Quebec. His writings bridged legal scholarship and public discourse, making complex issues accessible to readers. Langelier's diverse career in media, law, and politics left a lasting impact on Canadian governance and society.

Nick Adams (1931–1968) was an American actor and screenwriter who appeared in over 80 films and television episodes during the 1950s and 1960s. He gained notoriety playing Jesse James on the ABC series The Rebel and took on supporting roles in notable films. Off camera, Adams wrote scripts for both television and film and earned early recognition with Golden Globe nominations. He was known in Hollywood circles for his charismatic persona and friendships with industry legends. Adams’s life was cut short at age 36 when he died in Los Angeles under circumstances officially ruled a drug overdose, though debate continues over the exact cause.

Walter Lang (1896–1972) was one of the leading directors of Hollywood’s Golden Age. He began his career in silent films before rising to prominence at 20th Century Fox. Lang directed iconic musicals such as The King and I and State Fair, showcasing his flair for grand set pieces and Technicolor spectacle. He frequently collaborated with stars like Shirley Temple and Doris Day in the 1940s and 1950s. In addition to directing, Lang co-wrote screenplays and contributed to story development on several projects. His work earned him Academy Award nominations and helped define the visual style of mid-century American musicals. Lang passed away in 1972, leaving behind a legacy of memorable cinematic achievements.

Born in 1906 in Englewood, New Jersey, Anne Morrow Lindbergh became fascinated by aviation and earned her pilot's license in 1927. She married aviator Charles Lindbergh later that year, partnering on record-setting flights that won international acclaim. Lindbergh authored several books on aviation that combined technical insight with lyrical prose, including North to the Orient and Listen! The Wind. Her 1955 work, Gift from the Sea, became a bestseller and a touchstone of mid-century literary culture. She traveled extensively, advocating for women's rights and humanitarian causes. Later in life, she focused on translating works of poetry and continued contributing to publications until her death in 2001. Her legacy endures through her writings and her pioneering spirit in both literature and flight.

Augusto Monterroso was born in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, in 1921 and later moved to Guatemala, where he became a key figure of Latin American literature. He is best known for his micro-fiction, especially the famous one-sentence story El Dinosaurio, which exemplifies his minimalist approach. Monterroso's works blend humor, irony, and philosophical depth, influencing generations of writers across the Spanish-speaking world. He published multiple collections of short stories and essays, earning awards such as the Prince of Asturias Award for Literature. His literary criticism and translations further enriched his contribution to letters. Monterroso spent his later years in Mexico City, where he continued writing until his death in 2003. His legacy remains a testament to the power of brevity in storytelling.