February 12

Born in 816 as Yoshimine no Munesada, he became a Buddhist monk and courtier at the imperial court. He was known by his Dharma name Henjō and excelled in kanshi and waka poetry. His poems were featured in several imperial anthologies, including the Kokin Wakashū. He was posthumously revered as one of the Six Poetry Immortals for his elegant verse. He served as head priest of several temples and played a significant role in Heian court culture. He died on February 12, 890, leaving a legacy in both religious and literary circles.

Born in 1524 in the duchy of Lorraine, François Hotman studied law at the University of Orléans. He became a professor of civil law and an ardent supporter of the Protestant cause, leading to his exile from France. In Basel and Geneva, he wrote his landmark work 'Franco-Gallia', which argued that French monarchy derived its power from the people. Hotman's writings laid early foundations for constitutionalism and resistance theory during the Wars of Religion. He also contributed to legal scholarship with commentaries on Roman law and civil procedure. Returning to France under Henri III, he continued teaching and practicing law amid ongoing religious conflicts. Hotman died in 1590, remembered as a pioneer of political thought and legal reform in Europe.

Born in 1688 in Paris, Pierre de Marivaux initially pursued studies in law before devoting himself to literature and the theater. He penned comedies and novels characterized by refined wit, subtle psychological insight, and intricate dialogue. His most famous play, 'Le Jeu de l'Amour et du Hasard', remains a classic of French comedy and social satire. Marivaux's style, known as 'marivaudage', became synonymous with playful banter and explorations of romantic psychology. Through his characters, he examined class distinctions and the nuances of human emotions with sensitivity. Contemporaries like Voltaire and Diderot acknowledged his influence on the development of 18th-century drama. Marivaux died in 1763, leaving a lasting imprint on French literature and theater.

Auguste Escoffier was born in 1846 in Villeneuve-Loubet, France, and trained as a cook under his mother. He rose to fame working at prestigious hotels such as the Savoy in London and the Ritz in Paris. Escoffier codified French cuisine in his seminal book Le Guide Culinaire, published in 1903. He introduced the brigade de cuisine system, streamlining professional kitchens worldwide. His flair for simplicity and attention to detail laid the foundations for modern culinary arts. Even after publishing several cookbooks, Escoffier continued to influence chefs around the globe until his death in 1935.

Dziga Vertov was born Denis Kaufman in 1896 in Białystok, then part of Poland. He adopted the pen name Vertov and joined the Bolshevik movement after the Russian Revolution. Vertov directed groundbreaking documentaries, including "Man with a Movie Camera" (1929). He developed the Kinoki-eye theory, advocating for the use of film to capture life as it is. His montage techniques and newsreel series Kino-Pravda influenced generations of filmmakers. Vertov died in 1954, leaving a legacy as a father of documentary cinema and cinematic experimentation.

Clare Turlay Newberry was an American author and illustrator. She created numerous illustrated books during the mid-20th century. Her work combined visual detail with captivating storytelling. Newberry’s illustrations brought characters to life through expressive line work. Her contributions remain appreciated by readers of all ages.

Muriel Rukeyser was an American poet and writer born in 1913. Her poetry often addressed themes of social justice, human rights, and political activism. She published numerous collections that blended lyrical expression with documentary research. Rukeyser engaged in labor rights and civil liberties causes throughout her life. Her work has been celebrated for its emotional depth and commitment to social change.

Julio Cortázar was a key figure in 20th-century literature whose experimental narratives blurred the lines between reality and fantasy. Born in Brussels to Argentine parents, he moved to Argentina as a child before settling in Paris as an adult. His masterpiece, Hopscotch, invites readers to assemble the chapters in various sequences, reflecting his playful approach to storytelling. Cortázar's short stories, such as The Continuity of Parks and Blow-Up, have influenced writers worldwide. His work continues to be studied for its linguistic ingenuity and philosophical depth.

Thomas Bernhard challenged Austrian cultural norms through his stark, minimalist prose and scathing monologues. Born into poverty, he turned personal hardships into literary fuel, crafting works like Woodcutters and The Loser that dissected family dysfunction, artistic pretension, and national identity. His theatrical works often featured characters on the brink of existential despair, delivering soliloquies that merged comedy and tragedy. Bernhard’s uncompromising style made him a polarizing figure, but his influence on contemporary literature is undeniable.

Ann Barzel was born in 1905 and began her career as a dancer before turning to writing and criticism. She wrote regularly for Dance Magazine and served as the dance critic for the Chicago Tribune. Barzel interviewed leading choreographers and performers, providing insight into ballet, modern dance, and jazz. Her articles became a vital record of mid-20th-century American dance history. She also taught dance appreciation and lectured at universities across the United States. Barzel continued writing and promoting dance well into her nineties before passing away in 2007.

Born in London in 1915, Turnill began his career reporting on civil aviation and early air travel advancements. He became the BBC’s first space correspondent, providing live coverage of groundbreaking rocket launches and lunar missions. Turnill authored several books that chronicled the history of flight and space exploration with clarity and insight. His engaging style helped demystify complex technologies for a broad audience. Throughout his career, he interviewed key figures in aerospace and earned respect for his accuracy. His work inspired generations of science journalists and space enthusiasts.

John Pickstone (1944-2014) was a renowned English historian of science and technology who served as Professor at the University of Manchester. He directed the Wellcome Unit for the History of Medicine and authored the influential book Ways of Knowing, which offered a new framework for understanding scientific development. Pickstone's work bridged the disciplines of history, sociology, and philosophy, highlighting how social and cultural contexts shape scientific advances. He championed the concept of experiment as a central theme in the history of science and emphasized the importance of visual and material culture. Throughout his career, he produced numerous publications that reshaped academic discourse on modern science. His scholarship inspired a generation of historians and remains foundational in the field of science and technology studies.