February 10

Alexander Pushkin was born into an aristocratic family in Moscow and showed early literary talent, publishing his first poem at age 15. He became a leading figure of Russian Romanticism, blending folklore, history, and his vivid imagination. His epic poem "Ruslan and Ludmila" and narrative work "The Bronze Horseman" remain cornerstones of Russian literature. Pushkin’s novel in verse, "Eugene Onegin," is celebrated for its innovative structure and deep emotional insight. His life was cut short in a fatal duel in 1837, yet his influence shaped the course of Russian letters for generations.

Maria Aletta Hulshoff was born in Leeuwarden and emerged as a fiery voice for Dutch republicanism and women’s rights. Through her pamphlets, she challenged the monarchy and campaigned against French rule during the Napoleonic era. Her bold writings led to multiple arrests and a period of exile in Paris. Hulshoff’s work laid early groundwork for 19th-century feminist and liberal movements in the Netherlands. She died in 1846, remembered as one of the country’s first outspoken female political writers.

Ellen Wood, writing as Mrs. Henry Wood, was born in 1814 and became one of the era’s most popular authors. Her 1861 novel 'East Lynne' captivated readers with its blend of melodrama, morality, and scandal, selling hundreds of thousands of copies. Over her career, she published more than 30 novels and numerous serialized stories that explored domestic life and social norms. Wood’s work influenced the sensation genre and made her a household name on both sides of the Atlantic. She continued writing until her death in 1887, leaving a lasting imprint on Victorian literature.

Edgar Wallace was a British author who wrote more than 170 novels, many in the crime and mystery genres. He began his career as a journalist before turning to fiction, producing rapid bestseller thrillers. Wallace created memorable characters like Commissioner Sanders and the Four Just Men. He traveled to Africa, where he reported on the siege of Mafeking and drew inspiration for his works. In the early 1930s, he contributed to the story of 'King Kong', though he died before the film's completion. His energetic writing style and prolific output left a lasting impact on popular literature and cinema.

Born in 1872 in Washington, D.C., Speyer showed early talent as a violinist, training at the National Conservatory of Music. She toured Europe as a soloist before turning to poetry after World War I. Her 1927 collection Tides earned her the Pulitzer Prize, marking her as a significant literary voice. Speyer's poems blend musical sensibility with vivid imagery of nature and emotion. She continued to publish poetry and perform music well into her later years. Speyer's dual career as a musician and writer inspired many artists of her generation.

Born in 1867 in Wisconsin, Wilder grew up traveling by covered wagon with her family across the American frontier. Drawing on her childhood experiences, she began writing in her 60s and published Little House in the Big Woods in 1932. Her Little House books became beloved classics, chronicling the challenges and joys of pioneer life. Wilder's vivid storytelling and historical detail brought the 19th-century frontier to life for generations of readers. Her work inspired a popular television series and numerous adaptations. Wilder's legacy endures in American literature as a pioneer of children's historical fiction.

Born in 1910 in Nikolsk (now in Russia) to Greek parents, Kavvadias worked as a merchant marine officer. His poetry collections, including Marabou and Elegies, captured the romance and melancholy of life at sea. Drawing on his voyages, he wrote vivid imagery of distant ports, shipwrecks, and longing. Kavvadias's work resonated with sailors and readers alike, influencing Greek literature and chanson music. He edited maritime magazines and contributed travel essays in Greek newspapers. His legacy endures through adaptations of his poems into song and theatrical performances.

Alex Haley was born in 1921 in Ithaca, New York, and served in the U.S. Coast Guard for two decades. He began his writing career as a journalist before collaborating on The Autobiography of Malcolm X in 1965. His landmark work Roots: The Saga of an American Family was published in 1976 and earned him a Pulitzer Prize Special Award. Roots popularized oral history and traced his family's ancestry from Africa through slavery in America. Haley's storytelling brought African American heritage to a wide audience and influenced generations of writers and historians. He passed away in 1992, leaving a lasting legacy on American literature and cultural history.

Paul Monette was born in 1945 in Lawrence, Massachusetts, and attended Harvard University. He gained acclaim for his memoir Borrowed Time: An AIDS Memoir, which won the National Book Award and confronted personal grief after losing his partner to the disease. Monette's novels and poetry often centered on gay identity and the struggles of the LGBTQ community in the late 20th century. He was a passionate activist and spoke openly about the need for compassion and understanding during the AIDS epidemic. His literary work and advocacy helped shape public perception of homosexuality and AIDS. Monette died of AIDS-related complications in 1995, leaving behind a powerful literary legacy.

Jim Varney was born in 1949 in Lexington, Kentucky, and began his career as a stand-up comedian. He created the character Ernest P. Worrell for regional commercials in the early 1980s before starring in a series of successful feature films. Varney also voiced the beloved character Slinky Dog in Disney's Toy Story. His knack for physical comedy and improvisation made Ernest a cultural icon of the 1980s and 1990s. Beyond acting, Varney wrote and produced material for his television and film projects. He succumbed to lung cancer in 2000, leaving behind a legacy of humor and memorable characters.

Arthur Miller was born in 1915 in New York City and became one of America’s leading playwrights. His play "Death of a Salesman" earned him the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1949 and remains a staple of modern theater. He also wrote notable works such as "The Crucible" and "A View from the Bridge," which examined societal pressures and moral dilemmas. Miller was married to Marilyn Monroe and authored acclaimed essays and autobiographical works. His influence extended to film, theater, and literature, inspiring generations of writers. He passed away in 2005, leaving a profound legacy in American drama.

Jeffrey Zaslow was born in 1958 and began his career as a columnist for the Detroit Free Press. He later joined The Wall Street Journal, writing about human interest stories and the experience of aging. Zaslow co-authored the international bestseller "The Last Lecture" with Professor Randy Pausch, which touched millions of readers. He also wrote "The Magic Room" and contributed to leading magazines, captivating audiences with heartfelt narratives. His storytelling combined journalistic rigor with emotional depth, earning him widespread acclaim. He died in a car accident in 2012, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire.