February 13

Born in 1640, d'Hozier succeeded his uncle as the King of Arms, overseeing French noble genealogies. He compiled the 'Armorial Général de France', an exhaustive registry of coats of arms granted throughout the kingdom. His meticulous records preserved detailed histories of noble families and heraldic traditions. D'Hozier's work became an invaluable resource for historians and genealogists studying early modern France. He also authored various historical texts and legal documents pertaining to nobility. He died in 1732, his heraldic legacy enduring in archives across France.

Mariano José de Larra was born in 1809 in Madrid and became one of Spain's most influential Romantic writers. Writing under the pseudonym Fígaro, he produced a series of witty and incisive articles that exposed social hypocrisies and political corruption. Larra's elegant prose and satirical style helped shape modern Spanish journalism and literature. Despite his literary success, he suffered personal struggles and deep dissatisfaction with Spain's political climate. His tragic suicide at the age of 27 in 1837 cut short a promising career but cemented his status as a voice of the Spanish Enlightenment. Today, Larra is celebrated for his bold critiques and his lasting impact on Spanish letters.

Eliza Acton was born in 1799 and began her career as a poet before turning to culinary writing. In 1845, she published Modern Cookery for Private Families, one of the first cookbooks to include ingredient lists and cooking times for each recipe. Acton's clear instructions and practical approach made the book an instant success and a model for future culinary writers. She combined her literary skill with detailed knowledge of domestic cooking to create recipes that remain popular today. Acton also wrote poetry that was admired in her time but has since been overshadowed by her culinary achievements. She died in 1859, leaving behind a legacy that reshaped the genre of cookery writing.

Ignacio Manuel Altamirano was born in 1834 in Tixtla, Mexico. He studied law and became a prominent journalist, founding the newspaper El Renacimiento. As a novelist, he authored celebrated works such as El Zarco and Clemencia, which depicted rural life and social issues. A staunch liberal, he championed indigenous rights and education reforms during the turbulent post-Reform era. Altamirano served in Congress and taught at the National Preparatory School, influencing generations of Mexican students. His literary and political efforts helped shape Mexico’s national identity and cultural heritage.

József Pusztai was born in 1864 in Prekmurje (then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire). Writing in both Slovene and Hungarian, he published poetry collections and essays that explored rural life, national identity, and social change. As a journalist, Pusztai contributed to local newspapers, promoting rural education and cultural preservation among minority communities. His verse combined romantic imagery with a keen social conscience, earning him recognition across linguistic borders. Pusztai’s work fostered dialogue between Slovene and Hungarian readers during a period of political upheaval. He passed away in 1934, leaving a legacy of bilingual literature that bridged diverse Central European cultures.

Rafael Sabatini was born in 1875 in Iesi, Italy, to an English mother. He moved to England and began a literary career blending meticulous historical research with swashbuckling plots. Sabatini’s best-known novel, Captain Blood (1922), follows an Irish physician turned pirate and became an international bestseller and classic film. He penned over 30 novels and numerous short stories, exploring themes of honor, justice, and romance in periods from the Elizabethan era to the Napoleonic Wars. Sabatini’s elegant prose and compelling characters earned him a devoted readership worldwide. He died in 1950, leaving a legacy as one of the leading historical fiction writers of the early 20th century.

Lloyd C. Douglas was born in 1877 in Columbia City, Indiana. He served as a Methodist minister before turning to fiction, drawing on his faith to craft inspirational novels. His 1942 novel The Robe, which explores the life-changing impact of a Roman tribune who crucified Jesus, became a national bestseller and was adapted into a major Hollywood film. Douglas wrote other successful works such as Magnificent Obsession and White Banners, blending melodrama with moral reflection. Through his novels, he reached millions of readers with themes of redemption and love. He continued writing until his death in 1951, influencing the genre of Christian fiction for decades.

Josephine Tey, the pen name of Elizabeth Mackintosh, was born in 1896 in Inverness, Scotland. Working as an actress before turning to writing, she published her first mystery novel, The Man in the Queue, in 1929. Tey gained fame for her Inspector Grant series and standalone works like The Daughter of Time, which challenged historical myths about Richard III. Her tightly plotted narratives, memorable characters, and psychological insight set new standards in detective fiction. Tey’s work influenced generations of crime writers and readers with its blend of suspense and literary quality. She died in 1952, leaving a lasting impact on the mystery genre.

Yuri Ivask was a Russian-American poet whose lyrical work explored themes of exile, memory, and cultural identity. After emigrating from Russia, he settled in the United States and became an influential voice in émigré literary circles. Ivask contributed critical essays to leading journals, offering fresh perspectives on modern Russian literature. His poetry collections blended Russian traditions with Western forms, enriching cross-cultural dialogue. His work remains studied for its emotional depth and significant impact on 20th-century diaspora literature.

Elizabeth Jolley was born in 1923 in Birmingham, England, and emigrated to Australia in 1959. She published her first novel at age 47 and quickly became known for her dark humor and inventive storytelling. Her works, such as 'The Well' and 'Miss Peabody's Inheritance,' earned critical acclaim and multiple literary awards, including the prestigious Miles Franklin Award in 1981. Jolley taught creative writing and nurtured a generation of Australian writers during her tenure at universities. Her characters often grapple with themes of isolation, identity, and morality. Jolley passed away in 2007, leaving behind a rich body of work that continues to inspire readers and writers alike.

Edward Upward was born in 1903 in Romford, England, and emerged as a key member of the 1930s Auden Group of writers. His early works, including 'Journey to the Border,' explored social injustice and political upheaval with eloquent prose. Upward's later novels and memoirs reflected his commitment to socialism and his experiences during World War II. As an educator, he taught creative writing and mentored aspiring authors at various institutions. He continued writing well into his later years, publishing collections of poetry and reflections on literary life. Upward died in 2009, remembered as a steadfast voice in British literature whose works spanned nearly a century.

Lucille Clifton was born in 1936 in Depew, New York, and became one of America's most influential poets. Her work, noted for its brevity and emotional depth, addressed themes of race, gender, and family resilience. Clifton taught at several universities and served as Maryland's poet laureate, earning the National Book Award and multiple fellowships. Collections such as 'Good Woman: Poems and a Memoir' and 'The Book of Light' showcase her innovative use of language and form. She also wrote children's books and drama, expanding her creative reach. Clifton passed away in 2010, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire poets and readers.