February 11

Honoré d'Urfé was a leading figure in early 17th-century French literature. His masterpiece, L'Astrée, is considered the first French pastoral novel. He crafted intricate tales of love, honor, and rural life that captivated aristocratic readers. His work influenced the development of the novel and theatrical adaptations across Europe. D'Urfé's combination of poetic language and moral reflection left a lasting mark on French literary tradition.

Fontenelle was one of the first to bring complex scientific ideas to a general audience. His work, Conversations on the Plurality of Worlds, presented astronomy in accessible, conversational style. A member of the Académie Française, he bridged the gap between science and literature. He wrote plays, essays, and poetry, reflecting the spirit of the early Enlightenment. Living to the age of one hundred, he witnessed and influenced a century of intellectual change.

Chénier's plays, such as Charles IX, stirred audiences with themes of liberty and justice. He became a prominent literary voice during the French Revolution, blending politics and art. His version of the Marseillaise anthem helped solidify the song's status as a symbol of the Republic. Chénier served briefly in the National Convention, advocating for freedom of expression. His dramatic works remain a testament to the turbulent spirit of late 18th-century France.

Lydia Maria Child was a leading 19th-century American writer and social reformer. She authored the influential pamphlet An Appeal in Favor of That Class of Americans Called Africans, which advanced the abolitionist movement. Child also wrote popular children's books such as Flowers for Children that blended moral instruction with engaging stories. As editor of the National Anti-Slavery Standard, she raised public awareness of slavery's injustices. She tirelessly championed Native American rights, women's suffrage, and prison reform throughout her long career. Her bold voice and prolific output helped shape early social justice discourse in the United States.

Otto Ludwig was a 19th-century German author who advanced the naturalist movement in literature. He wrote acclaimed novels such as Between Two Fires and The Hidden King, exploring deep psychological conflicts. His plays, including The Duke of Rohan, displayed intense character studies and social critique. Ludwig also served as a literary critic, defending emerging realist writers against Romantic excess. His work influenced later German dramatists and novelists. He remains remembered for bringing modern psychological insight to German letters.

Ellen Day Hale was born in 1855 in West Chester, Pennsylvania. She studied at the Boston Museum School and the Académie Julian in Paris under masters of Impressionism. Hale exhibited her work at major institutions including the Paris Salon and the National Academy of Design. Her delicate portraits and landscapes are praised for their subtle use of color and light. She also wrote essays advocating for women's professional opportunities in the art world. As one of the first American women to gain recognition in Europe, she paved the way for future generations of artists. Hale continued to create and teach until her death in 1940.

Rachilde, born Marguerite Eymery in 1860, was a leading figure of the French Decadent movement. She gained fame with her controversial novel Monsieur Vénus, which challenged Victorian norms. Over her long career she published more than 30 novels and several plays that explored themes of gender, sexuality, and power. Rachilde was president of the Société des gens de lettres and used her influence to support emerging writers. Her flamboyant persona and Gothic style left a lasting mark on French literature. She remained active in literary circles until her death in 1953.

Else Lasker-Schüler was born in 1869 in Elberfeld, Germany, and emerged as a leading voice of the Expressionist movement. She published her first poems at age 20 and gained acclaim for her theatrical readings and innovative verses. Her major works include the poetry collections Styx and Las Pesadillas and her play The Wounds of the Incas. Lasker-Schüler's writing often explored themes of love, identity, and Jewish mysticism. Forced into exile by the Nazis, she lived in Switzerland and later settled in Jerusalem. Her correspondence and diaries provide insight into her creative process and personal struggles. She died in 1945, recognized today as one of the most original poets of her era.

Elsa Beskow was born in 1874 in Stockholm, Sweden, and became one of the country's most popular children's book creators. She wrote and illustrated over 40 books, including classics like Peter in Blueberry Land and Aunt Green, Aunt Brown, and Aunt Lavender. Her watercolor illustrations and gentle storytelling celebrated rural life and the natural world. Beskow's art school background influenced her distinctive use of color and composition. Her works have been translated into multiple languages and remain widely read. The Elsa Beskow House museum in Sundborn preserves her legacy and original art. She passed away in 1953, leaving a rich heritage of illustrations that continue to inspire.

Philip Dunne began his Hollywood career in the 1930s, writing for Warner Bros and 20th Century Fox. He co-wrote the screenplay for 'How Green Was My Valley,' which won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1941. His filmography includes 'The Ghost and Mrs. Muir' and 'The Robe,' showcasing his talent for adapting novels to the screen. Dunne served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps during World War II, producing training films. After the war, he continued writing and producing, eventually teaching screenwriting and writing a memoir about his Hollywood experiences. His influence endures through the many films that remain part of the cinematic canon.

Joseph L. Mankiewicz was a versatile force in Hollywood, earning consecutive Academy Awards for writing and directing the 1950 film All About Eve. Over his six-decade career, he directed and crafted scripts for dramas that became benchmarks of character-driven storytelling. His sharp dialogue and nuanced direction distinguished films like A Letter to Three Wives and Cleopatra. Mankiewicz also produced numerous successful projects, showcasing his keen eye for talent and narrative structure. He left an indelible mark on cinema, influencing generations of screenwriters and directors with his elegant style and incisive wit.

Patrick Leigh Fermor gained renown for his foot journey across Europe in 1933–34, capturing his adventures in the memoir A Time of Gifts. During World War II, he served as an officer in the British Special Operations Executive and helped organize the abduction of a German general in Crete. His vivid prose and scholarly knowledge of classical history set his travel writing apart in works like Between the Woods and the Water. Fermor’s diplomatic fluency and deep cultural insight earned him honors from several European nations. He continued to write and lecture well into his 90s, leaving a legacy as one of the 20th century’s most celebrated travel authors.