February 13

Krylov wrote over 200 fables that satirized social follies and human vices with wit and clarity. His works, including 'The Crow and the Fox' and 'The Dragonfly and the Ant,' became cornerstones of Russian literature. Drawing inspiration from Aesop and La Fontaine, he crafted uniquely Russian settings and characters. Krylov also penned plays, poems, and translations, enriching the literary culture of 19th-century Russia. His fables remain popular and are still taught in schools as moral and artistic classics.

Griswold compiled seminal anthologies like The Poets and Poetry of America, promoting national literature. His editorial judgments and rivalries, notably with Edgar Allan Poe, stirred controversy in literary circles. Beyond anthologies, he published biographies and criticism that helped define American literary taste. Griswold served as editor of several newspapers and magazines, influencing public opinion on the arts. Despite personal disputes, his efforts preserved and celebrated American poetry for future generations.

Born in 1879 in Hyderabad, Sarojini Naidu earned the title 'Nightingale of India' for her evocative poetry inspired by Indian themes and folklore. She studied in England before returning to India, where she joined the Indian National Congress and worked closely with Mahatma Gandhi. Naidu was a vocal advocate for civil rights, women's suffrage, and social reform, traveling nationwide to rally support against British rule. In 1947, she became the first woman Governor of the United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh) following independence. Her dual legacy as a poet and political leader continues to inspire generations in India and beyond.

Born in 1881 in London, Farjeon enjoyed a prolific writing career spanning over seven decades. She penned novels, plays, poetry, and children’s stories, including beloved works such as 'Martin Pippin in the Apple Orchard.' Farjeon's hymn 'Morning Has Broken' gained international fame when set to music by Cat Stevens in 1971. She received the prestigious Hans Christian Andersen Award and was appointed OBE for her contributions to literature. Her imaginative tales and lyrical verse continue to enchant readers of all ages, securing her place in the canon of children's literature.

Born in 1887 as József Brenner, Csáth adopted his pen name and gained acclaim for his explorations of the darker aspects of the human psyche. A trained psychiatrist, he used his medical knowledge to craft vivid, haunting narratives in his short stories. As a playwright, he wrote emotionally charged dramas noted for innovative staging and intense character studies. Csáth also contributed essays and music criticism to leading Hungarian periodicals, influencing cultural debates. His promising career was tragically cut short by mental illness, leading to his suicide in 1919, but his work continues to be rediscovered and celebrated.

Born in 1891 in Wales. Kate Roberts wrote novels, short stories, and plays in the Welsh language. Her 1936 novel Traed Mewn Cyffion is considered a cornerstone of modern Welsh literature. She was a founding member of the Welsh branch of the Women’s Institutes and campaigned for cultural preservation. Roberts chronicled the lives of working-class Welsh communities with empathy and insight. She died in 1985, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire Welsh writers.

Born in Liège in 1903, Simenon wrote over 200 novels and numerous short stories over his career. He introduced Inspector Jules Maigret in 1931, a character that became iconic in European detective literature. Simenon’s writing is celebrated for its psychological depth and atmospheric settings. He produced works at an astonishing pace, sometimes publishing dozens of books in a single year. His novels have been adapted into films, television series, and theater productions around the world. Simenon passed away in 1989, leaving an enduring mark on the genre of crime fiction.

Born in 1906 in Portugal, Da Silva emerged as a leading intellectual voice advocating education reform and human development. His philosophical essays blended mysticism, anthropology, and utopian visions that challenged authoritarianism. Exiled in the 1930s, he taught in Brazil and inspired generations of students with his progressive ideas. Da Silva published works on freedom, spirituality, and cultural identity that resonated across the Lusophone world. He returned to Portugal later in life and continued to write and lecture until his death in 1994. His legacy endures in contemporary discussions on society and education.

Born in Sialkot in 1911, Faiz became a leading voice in progressive Urdu literature, blending romanticism with political activism. He played prominent roles in leftist movements and edited influential journals promoting social change. His imprisonment for political dissent did not silence his creative voice; he continued writing powerful poetry that resonated with oppressed people. Awarded the Lenin Peace Prize in 1963, Faiz’s work transcended borders and languages. His poems remain widely read and performed, inspiring new generations of writers and activists. He died in 1984, remembered as a pillar of Urdu literature and social conscience.

Born in Sudan in 1937, Ali El-Maak became a respected author and academic figure. He wrote novels and essays that delved into the cultural and social dynamics of Sudan. El-Maak's scholarly work examined themes of post-colonial identity and community development. His publications spanned both fiction and non-fiction, earning him recognition in African literary circles. As an educator, he mentored emerging writers and students, influencing Sudan's academic landscape. El-Maak remained a prominent voice in Sudanese literature and research until his passing in 1992.

Born in London, Simon Schama studied history at Cambridge and Harvard before embarking on an academic career. He has taught at Cambridge, Yale, and Columbia University, blending scholarship with storytelling. Schama's books include 'Citizens: A Chronicle of the French Revolution' and 'A History of Britain'. He wrote and presented acclaimed documentary series such as 'The Ascent of Civilization' and 'Power of Art'. Known for his engaging style and interdisciplinary approach, he won the Wolfson History Prize for his work.

He wrote over two dozen novels that captivated young readers with science fiction and psychological suspense. His notable works include 'House of Stairs', 'Interstellar Pig', and 'The Green Futures of Tycho'. Sleator's storytelling is praised for its blend of speculative science and introspective characters. He also composed modern classical music, creating experimental pieces that reflect his creative spirit. Born in 1945, he bridged science and art throughout his career, influencing a generation of readers. His novels have been translated into multiple languages, earning him a dedicated international following.