February 11

Born in 1675 into the noble Maffei family of Verona, Francesco Scipione was known by his title Marchese di Maffei. He conducted pioneering archaeological excavations in Verona and published one of the first detailed studies of Roman ruins. Maffei’s historical research laid groundwork for modern antiquarian methods. As a dramatist, he wrote comedies and tragedies in Italian and Latin that were performed across Europe. He also worked as a literary critic, publishing essays on poetry, drama, and the visual arts. Maffei’s eclectic interests connected scholarly circles in Italy and France. He died on February 11, 1755, remembered as a key figure in the cultural life of the early 18th century.

Born in 1714, William Shenstone became a notable figure in 18th-century English literature through his collection 'The Schoolmistress' and other pastoral poems. His writings celebrated rural life and influenced the later Romantic movement with their idyllic portrayal of nature. Apart from his literary work, Shenstone transformed his own estate at The Leasowes into a celebrated landscape garden, which inspired garden design across Europe. He maintained correspondence with prominent literary figures and was part of the Bluestocking circle. His dual legacy in poetry and horticulture established him as a pioneer of the English picturesque style. Shenstone's work bridged literature and landscape art, leaving a lasting imprint on both fields.

Born in 1740, Carl Michael Bellman became one of Sweden's most beloved cultural figures through his vivid song collections such as 'Fredman's Epistles' and 'Fredman's Songs.' His work blended humor, pathos, and social satire, capturing the city's taverns, characters, and folklore. Bellman's musical compositions showcased his talent for melody and clever wordplay, earning him acclaim as both a poet and a musician. He often performed his own songs at salons and public events, becoming a popular entertainer of his time. Despite financial difficulties and personal struggles, his creative output remained prolific and influential. Today, Bellman is revered as a national bard whose work endures in Swedish music and literature.

Born in 1795, Griboyedov displayed exceptional talent in both literature and diplomacy from an early age. His comedy 'Woe from Wit' offered a sharp critique of Russian society and bureaucratic hypocrisy, earning him lasting recognition in theatrical circles. As a composer and poet, he produced lyrical works that complemented his dramatic writing. Griboyedov also served as a diplomat in Iran, negotiating the Treaty of Turkmenchay in 1828 which defined Russo-Persian borders. His service ended tragically when he was killed during a mob attack on the Russian embassy in Tehran in 1829. Griboyedov's multifaceted achievements highlight his impact on Russian culture and international relations.

Born in 1829 in London, Siddal began her career modeling for renowned artists such as Dante Gabriel Rossetti and John Everett Millais. Her delicate features and melancholic presence became iconic images in Pre-Raphaelite painting. Sidelined by her artistic peers, Siddal also pursued her own creative work, writing lyrical poetry that reflected her inner life. In 1857, she married Rossetti, who recognized her talent and published her poems posthumously. Siddal's struggles with health and personal loss ended in her untimely death from an overdose in 1862. Today, she is celebrated as both a muse and an early female voice in Victorian art and literature.

John Buchan, 1st Baron Tweedsmuir (1875–1940) was a Scottish-Canadian historian, novelist, and statesman. He gained fame for adventure novels such as The Thirty-Nine Steps and The Moon Endureth. During World War I, Buchan worked in British propaganda and served as Director of Information. In 1935, he was appointed Governor General of Canada, representing the Crown and promoting national unity. He traveled extensively across Canada, fostering cultural development and supporting the arts. Buchan also served as Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh and sat in the House of Lords. His combined literary and civic contributions have left a lasting mark on both British literature and Canadian identity.

Ellen Day Hale (1855–1940) was an American painter, printmaker, and writer known for her realist portraits and etchings. She studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and later refined her skills in Paris. Hale exhibited her work at major salons and the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. As an author, she wrote essays on art and contributed to journals advocating for women artists. She taught at the Museum of Fine Arts School in Boston, mentoring emerging painters. Hale's dual career showcased her commitment to artistic innovation and women's advancement in the arts.

Born in 1932 in Boston, Sylvia Plath emerged as a leading voice in confessional poetry. She attended Smith College and later studied at the University of Cambridge on a Fulbright Scholarship. Plath's only novel, The Bell Jar, offers a poignant exploration of mental health and identity. Her groundbreaking poetry collections, including Ariel, reveal a powerful and introspective style. Plath's work has had a lasting impact on feminist literature and continues to inspire writers worldwide. She tragically died by suicide on February 11, 1963, at the age of 30, leaving a profound literary legacy.

Born in 1889 in St. Louis, Missouri, Howard Lindsay began his career on the stage before turning to writing. He co-authored the hit play Life with Father, which became the longest-running non-musical in Broadway history. Lindsay frequently collaborated with Russel Crouse on works such as State of the Union and Call Me Madam, earning a reputation for engaging dramas and musicals. His contributions to American theatre were recognized with a Pulitzer Prize for Drama. In addition to writing, Lindsay remained active as an actor and television performer. He died on February 11, 1968, leaving a lasting mark on the Broadway community.

Harry Martinson was a celebrated Swedish author and poet whose works often drew on his experiences at sea and deep reflections on nature. Born into poverty in 1904, Martinson taught himself to read and spent much of his youth working on ships, experiences that shaped his literary voice. His epic science fiction poem 'Aniara' (1956) is considered a masterpiece of Swedish literature, exploring themes of human existence and environmental concerns. In 1974, he shared the Nobel Prize in Literature with fellow Swede Eyvind Johnson, recognized for his lyrical and visionary writing. Martinson also served in the Swedish Academy but later distanced himself following criticism. His profound and introspective works have left a lasting impact on Scandinavian literature.

Frank Herbert was an American writer and journalist whose 1965 novel 'Dune' became one of the best-selling science fiction books of all time. Drawing on ecology, politics, and philosophy, Herbert crafted a complex universe centered on the desert world of Arrakis and its precious resource, the spice melange. He spent years researching ecology and politics while working as a reporter for various West Coast newspapers. Herbert's depth of world-building and exploration of human nature in 'Dune' earned the novel a Hugo Award and a Nebula Award. He authored five sequels and numerous other novels, leaving a profound impact on science fiction literature. Herbert's work continues to inspire adaptations in film, television, and other media. His innovative storytelling reshaped the genre and influenced generations of writers.

Amelia Rosselli (1930–1996) was an Italian poet and translator celebrated for her experimental use of language and form. Born in France to exiled anti-fascist parents, she wrote in Italian, English, and French, weaving diverse cultural threads into her work. Her groundbreaking collections, including Variazioni belliche (1964) and Serie ospedaliera (1976), explored themes of memory, exile, and identity. Rosselli's poetry is noted for its musicality, fragmented syntax, and rhythmic innovations that challenged traditional verse. Despite personal struggles, she earned critical acclaim and became a leading figure in postwar European literature. Her legacy endures in the rich complexity and lyricism of her contributions to contemporary poetry.