February 12

Born in 661 as a daughter of Emperor Tenmu, Princess Ōku was an influential member of the Japanese imperial family and one of the earliest recorded women poets. She served as head priestess of the Ise Grand Shrine before retiring to Nara. Several of her poems were included in the Man'yōshū, Japan’s oldest poetry anthology, where she is praised for her emotional depth and lyrical style. Her work often reflects themes of court life, separation, and personal loss. Princess Ōku’s poetry provides valuable insight into Nara-period court culture and the role of women in early Japanese literature.

Thomas Campion (1567–1620) distinguished himself as a composer of lute songs, authoring over a hundred musical pieces that blend poetry and melody. He collaborated with leading figures of the Elizabethan era, crafting masques and court entertainments for nobility. Campion's poetry, often published alongside his music, explores themes of love, beauty, and pastoral life. Trained as a physician, he wrote on medical theory and published treatises on music and health. His interdisciplinary work reflects the Renaissance ideal of the polymath, and his songs remain part of the early music repertoire today.

Born in Boston to a well-known New England family, he graduated from Harvard College at age 15. He became a leading Puritan minister, delivering sermons that shaped the religious life of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. He authored over 450 works, including the influential 'Magnalia Christi Americana'. Though controversial for his involvement in the Salem witch trials, he later supported smallpox inoculation, saving many lives. His writings provide deep insight into 17th-century colonial society and Puritan theology.

Born in Dinan, he moved to Paris and gained fame as a journalist and man of letters. He was elected to the Académie Française in 1760, recognizing his contributions to French literature. He wrote novels, essays, and memoirs that captured the manners and intellect of Enlightenment society. His historical works include studies of Rome and analyses of French politics. He also served as a tutor to Princess Adélaïde, fostering literary culture at court.

Fouqué emerged as a leading figure in the German Romantic literary movement of the early 19th century. His novella 'Undine', published in 1811, blended chivalric romance with folklore, inspiring composers such as E.T.A. Hoffmann. He wrote poetry, plays, and historical novels that reflected themes of nature, love, and medievalism. Fouqué's works were celebrated for their lyrical prose and vivid imagination, resonating with Romantic ideals. He collaborated with fellow Romantics like Novalis and Tieck, contributing to German literary salons. Though later overshadowed by other Romantic writers, 'Undine' remains a classic of European literature.

William Wetmore Story was born in 1819 in Salem, Massachusetts, and graduated from Harvard College before pursuing law. Abandoning legal practice, he moved to Rome and devoted himself to sculpture, producing celebrated works such as the Libyan Sibyl and Cleopatra. Concurrently, he wrote poetry, essays, and plays, and edited literary journals, engaging with leading intellectuals of his time. Story’s eclectic talents bridged visual art and literature, reflecting the cultural exchanges of 19th-century expatriate communities. His correspondences with figures like Ralph Waldo Emerson provide insight into transatlantic artistic networks. Story’s legacy endures in museums and public monuments both in Europe and the United States.

George Meredith was born in 1828 in Portsmouth and began his literary career as a poet before turning to novel writing. His works, including The Egoist and Diana of the Crossways, are celebrated for their complex characters and incisive social commentary. Meredith’s innovative narrative techniques and exploration of human psychology influenced later modernist writers. He also contributed essays, literary criticism, and poems, engaging with topics from marriage to morality. A member of the literary circles of his time, he corresponded with contemporaries like Coventry Patmore. Meredith’s legacy lies in his pioneering blending of poetic language with realist fiction.

Born in St. Petersburg in 1861, Lou Andreas-Salomé was a pioneering psychoanalyst. She studied philosophy and theology before meeting Friedrich Nietzsche and becoming his intellectual confidante. Salomé was among the first women practitioners of psychoanalysis and contributed to early theories of the human psyche. She wrote extensively on love, sexuality, and the psychology of religion, influencing contemporaries such as Rainer Maria Rilke. Her literary works include essays, novels, and autobiographical writings that blend philosophical insight with narrative flair. She maintained a lifelong commitment to women's intellectual independence and continued her work until her death in 1937.

Alice Roosevelt Longworth (1884–1980) was an American writer and political hostess known for her flamboyant personality and incisive commentary. The eldest child of President Theodore Roosevelt, she became a prominent figure in Washington, D.C., entertaining statesmen and celebrities at her famous soirees. Longworth authored several memoirs and essays reflecting on American politics and society. Her candid opinions and fearless humor made her a media favorite for decades. She remained an influential figure through multiple administrations, leaving a lasting mark on American social and political life.

R.F. Delderfield was born in 1912 in Devon, England, and initially worked as a teacher before turning to writing. He began his literary career with radio plays and serialized novels during World War II. Delderfield achieved fame with his sweeping historical novels, notably "To Serve Them All My Days" and "A Horseman Riding By". His works often explore themes of duty, social change, and personal resilience against the backdrop of early 20th-century Britain. As a playwright, he adapted his own novels for the stage and BBC television, captivating audiences with his storytelling. Delderfield's engaging characters and vivid settings earned him a devoted readership in the UK and beyond. He continued writing until his death in 1972, leaving a legacy of over 40 novels and numerous dramatic works.

Born in Rotterdam in 1931, van de Wetering combined his interests in Zen and fiction to craft unique crime novels. His series featuring Chief Inspector Duo and Sergeant Kevril blended mystery with existential themes. A practicing Zen student, he wrote acclaimed nonfiction books about Zen practice and philosophy. Van de Wetering’s work explored the intersection of Eastern thought and Western detective traditions. He translated poetry and prose, bringing Dutch literature to English-speaking audiences. His novels were celebrated for their depth, wit, and contemplative insights. He passed away in 2008, leaving a distinctive mark on both crime and spiritual literature.

Born in Trondheim in 1932, Jensen emerged as a leading figure in Norway’s post-war literary scene. His debut novel challenged conventional narratives with experimental techniques. Jensen traveled extensively in Asia and Africa, drawing inspiration for works like “Ikaros.” He wrote poetry that captured the spirit of freedom and existential exploration. His tumultuous relationship with Marianne Ihlen inspired parts of Leonard Cohen’s music. Jensen’s novels combined surrealism, humor, and social critique. He passed away in 2003, remembered for his bold creativity and influence on Scandinavian literature.