February 09

Born in Nancy, France, in 1716, Jean François de Saint-Lambert began his career as an officer in the French army, serving in Silesia during the War of the Austrian Succession. His surviving reputation rests on his poetry, especially the didactic poem 'Les Saisons', which gained admiration for its refined style. He was a contributor to Diderot's Encyclopédie and engaged in lively intellectual salons in Paris. Saint-Lambert's personal memoirs reveal insights into the literary and philosophical currents of 18th-century France. He died on February 9 1803, at the age of eighty-six, leaving a body of work that bridged military service and literary achievement.

Born on April 8, 1798, in Zakynthos, Solomos is considered the national poet of Greece. He wrote the Hymn to Liberty in 1823, a patriotic poem celebrating the Greek War of Independence, which was later adopted as Greece's national anthem. His use of the modern Greek vernacular inspired later generations of poets and helped shape modern Greek identity. Besides his original poetry, he translated Italian literary works into Greek, fostering cultural exchange. Though much of his work remained unpublished in his lifetime, his lyrical style and themes of freedom secured his lasting literary legacy.

Born in Moscow in 1821, Dostoyevsky experienced exile and imprisonment in Siberia, which profoundly shaped his worldview. His novels, including 'Crime and Punishment', 'The Idiot', and 'The Brothers Karamazov', explore themes of guilt, redemption, and existential angst. He was a central figure in Russian literature and a forerunner of existential philosophy. Dostoyevsky's intense character studies and moral investigations influenced countless writers and thinkers. His blend of spirituality and realism continues to resonate with readers worldwide.

Born on June 27, 1872, in Dayton, Ohio, Dunbar gained early recognition for his 1896 collection 'Majors and Minors', selling thousands of copies. He wrote in both dialect and standard English, exploring themes of African American life in post-Reconstruction America. His novel 'The Sport of the Gods' and numerous plays highlighted social and cultural issues of his time. Despite battling tuberculosis, Dunbar continued to write until his death in 1906. He paved the way for future generations of African American authors.

Born in Texas in 1899, Allen Tate became a leading figure of the Southern Agrarians, a group advocating traditional Southern values. He gained acclaim for his poem Ode to the Confederate Dead and other works exploring history and identity. Tate served as the Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress from 1943 to 1944. He taught at universities including Princeton and Columbia, influencing generations of writers. As a critic and editor, he championed New Criticism, emphasizing close textual analysis in literature. His essays and biographies, such as on John Dryden, showcased his scholarly rigor. Tate's legacy endures through his contributions to American poetry and literary criticism.

Born in Wales in 1900, Tom Macdonald began his career as a journalist covering European affairs. He served as a foreign correspondent in France, North Africa, and Asia, reporting on pivotal events. Macdonald authored several books, blending travel writing with incisive social commentary. His clear prose and sharp humor made his work popular with a wide readership. During World War II, he reported from the front lines, earning praise for his bravery and honesty. After the war, he settled in London and continued writing novels and memoirs exploring cultural intersections. Macdonald's work remains a window into mid-20th-century global history and journalism.

Isabelle Holland was a Swiss-American author celebrated for her gripping novels for young adults and children, often tackling complex themes such as loss, identity, and human relationships. She wrote more than 30 books, including 'The Man Without a Face,' which was adapted into a film starring Mel Gibson. Holland’s narrative style combined psychological insight with accessible storytelling, resonating with both teen and adult readers. She also penned works for adult audiences, showcasing her versatility across genres. Her contributions to children’s literature earned her recognition and a devoted readership worldwide.

Born Alan Ronald Miller in 1943, Christopher Hyatt studied psychology and earned a Ph.D. He co-founded New Falcon Publications to produce works on occultism and transformational practices. Hyatt authored influential books such as The Psychopath's Bible and Trance-Portation. He combined psychological insights with ritual magic techniques in his writings. His work remains popular among practitioners of high magic and alternative spirituality. Hyatt passed away in 2008, remembered for bridging academic psychology and esoteric traditions.

O. P. Dutta (1922–2012) was an influential Indian film director, producer, and screenwriter. He helmed and crafted scripts for several Hindi films, blending drama and entertainment with commercial appeal. His career spanned from the golden era of Bollywood through the 1980s, where he mentored emerging talents. Known for his storytelling prowess, he navigated the evolving landscape of Indian cinema with versatility. Dutta's contributions helped shape narrative conventions in mainstream Bollywood, leaving a lasting legacy. Throughout his life, he championed new filmmakers and screenwriters, expanding the creative horizons of the industry.