February 10

Thomas Platter was a leading figure of the Swiss Renaissance, whose writings provide a vivid account of 16th-century Europe. He studied at universities in Paris, Lyon, and Bologna before returning to Basel as a teacher. His most famous work, a travel diary, offers insights into the intellectual and cultural life of Italy and France. As headmaster of the Basel Latin school, he influenced generations of students. Platter's correspondence with other humanists helped spread humanist ideals across Europe. His meticulous observations make him an invaluable source for historians of the Renaissance era.

John Suckling was a leading Cavalier poet of the early 17th century, known for his elegant verse and charismatic personality. He composed songs and masques for the royal court, including the famous lyric "Ballad Upon a Wedding". Suckling is credited with popularizing the game of cribbage among the English nobility. His lavish lifestyle and involvement in political intrigues led to financial difficulties and exile. He died under mysterious circumstances in 1642. Despite his short life, his poetry influenced subsequent generations of English poets.

Cornelis de Bie was a 17th-century Flemish poet and legal scholar from Antwerp. He is best known for his work 'Het Gulden Cabinet' (The Golden Cabinet), a collection of artist biographies that provides invaluable insight into the lives of painters and sculptors of the period. As a jurist, he also practiced law and served in local government. De Bie's poetic works include occasional and religious verse reflecting Baroque themes. His dual career bridged the worlds of art history and literature. The Golden Cabinet remains a key source for historians of Flemish art.

Aaron Hill became a prominent literary and theatrical figure at the London stage, collaborating with composers and actors. He authored poems, plays, and essays that reflected Enlightenment ideas. Hill managed the Theatre Royal at Lincoln's Inn Fields and introduced innovative staging techniques. He maintained correspondence with leading writers such as Alexander Pope and Samuel Richardson. His efforts to reform the theater contributed to the development of English drama. Hill's diverse career encompassed writing, editing, and theater management.

Charles Lamb gained fame for his warm and humorous essays published under the pseudonym Elia. His collection 'Essays of Elia' captures the charm of early 19th-century London with wit and sensitivity. Lamb also produced poetry and collaborated with his sister Mary on dramatizations of Shakespeare's plays for children. Despite personal tragedies, including the loss of his mother and the institutionalization of his sister, Lamb maintained a circle of literary friends such as William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge. His distinctive voice and reflective style influenced the development of the English essay. Lamb's works continue to be read for their blend of humor, pathos, and keen observation.

Born in Bengal in 1847, Nabinchandra Sen emerged as one of the leading literary voices in his region. He wrote extensively on rural life and national identity, blending romanticism with social commentary. Sen published several poetry collections that resonated with the cultural renaissance of Bengal. He also penned essays and translations, enriching the Bengali literary tradition. His lyrical style and patriotic themes inspired future generations of writers.

Born in 1868 in Kansas, White founded and edited the Emporia Gazette, shaping public discourse. He championed progressive causes and became a voice for Middle America through his editorials. White won the Pulitzer Prize in 1923 for his editorial “To an Anxious Friend…” He authored memoirs and novels, blending humor with political insight. His career spanned decades, influencing American journalism and public opinion.

Born in 1869 in New York City, Cortissoz developed an early passion for art and literature. He served as the chief art critic for the New York Herald Tribune for over four decades. Cortissoz wrote extensively on American and European art, advocating for contemporary artists. His insightful critiques shaped public appreciation of movements like Impressionism and Modernism. He lectured widely and authored books on art history, leaving a lasting critical legacy.

Giuseppe Ungaretti was an Egyptian-Italian poet whose work revolutionized Italian literature in the 20th century. He served in the Italian army during World War I, an experience that deeply influenced his sparse and poignant style. Ungaretti's poetry collections such as 'Allegria' are hailed for their emotional depth and linguistic innovation. As a journalist, he contributed essays and critiques that shaped literary discourse across Europe. Throughout his career, he bridged cultures with his unique perspective on war, identity, and human resilience. Ungaretti's legacy endures in contemporary poetry studies and his name remains synonymous with modernist literature.

Boris Pasternak was a Russian poet, novelist, and translator whose literary achievements made him one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. His novel 'Doctor Zhivago' captured the human struggle during the Russian Revolution and World War I, blending poetic prose with historical depth. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1958, Pasternak became a symbol of artistic freedom despite Soviet censorship. His poetry collections are celebrated for their emotional intensity, philosophical insight, and innovative use of language. As a translator, he brought Goethe, Shakespeare, and various European poets to Russian audiences. Pasternak's legacy endures in his profound exploration of individual conscience amid political upheaval.

Bertolt Brecht was a German dramatist and poet who pioneered the theory and practice of epic theatre. His innovative works like 'Mother Courage and Her Children' and 'The Threepenny Opera' challenged traditional narrative forms. Brecht's use of alienation effects aimed to provoke critical reflection rather than passive audience immersion. He collaborated with composer Kurt Weill, blending music and drama to powerful social commentary. Exiled during the Nazi regime, Brecht continued to write profound critiques of politics and society. His legacy endures in modern theater, influencing countless playwrights and directors worldwide.

Joseph Kessel (1898–1979) was a renowned French journalist and author born in Argentina. He gained fame for his frontline reports during both World Wars, bringing pivotal moments to readers worldwide. Kessel penned celebrated adventure novels such as "Belle de Jour" and "Army of Shadows," which were later adapted into acclaimed films. During World War II, he joined the Free French forces and contributed significantly to the Resistance. His literary achievements earned him a seat in the Académie française in 1962. Kessel's work continues to inspire journalists and novelists with its human insight and narrative drive.