February 14

Born in Paris in 1832, Vallès became a passionate advocate for social justice. He initially worked as a teacher but clashed with the establishment for his radical views. He played a prominent role in the Paris Commune of 1871 and co-founded the newspaper Le Cri du Peuple. His most famous work is the semi-autobiographical trilogy 'Jacques Vingtras,' which offers a vivid portrayal of his struggles. Vallès spent years in exile in England before returning to France to continue his writing. His outspoken style and commitment to the working class made him a controversial yet influential figure. He died in 1885, leaving behind a legacy that inspired future generations of political writers.

Sir Pelham Grenville Wodehouse was a prolific English author renowned for his witty and sophisticated comedic prose. He created the beloved characters Jeeves, a resourceful valet, and Bertie Wooster, his affable employer, appearing in numerous novels and short stories. Wodehouse wrote over ninety books, as well as plays and lyrics for musical comedies, influencing generations of humorists. First published in the early 1900s, his work endured through controversies over wartime broadcasts and remained popular worldwide. His masterful command of language and farcical plots have cemented his reputation as one of the greatest comic writers in English literature.

Born in 1923 in Hillside, New Jersey, Michael V. Gazzo began his career as a stage actor and talent agent. His breakthrough came with the play A Hatful of Rain (1955), which earned him a Tony nomination for its raw portrayal of addiction and family conflict. Gazzo transitioned to film, delivering a memorable performance as Frank Pentangeli in The Godfather Part II (1974), garnering an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. He continued writing, penning teleplays and scripts for television and film, including episodes of Justice League of America. Gazzo's dual talents as actor and dramatist showcased his deep understanding of character psychology. His work remains influential for its emotional honesty and dramatic power.

Dick Francis enjoyed a successful career as a flat-racing jockey, winning the 1953 British Champion Jockey title. After retiring from racing, he became a prolific author, writing over 40 thriller novels set against the backdrop of the equestrian world. His stories combined insider knowledge, suspenseful plots, and vivid characters, earning international acclaim and numerous literary awards. Francis’s most famous protagonists, like Sid Halley, became icons of modern crime fiction. His novels have sold millions of copies and continue to captivate readers with their blend of sport and mystery.

Born in 1924, Glenn G. Boyer dedicated his life to uncovering the myths and truths of the American frontier. He founded the Glenn G. Boyer Western History Collection, amassing rare documents and artifacts related to western outlaws and lawmen. His book 'The Authentic Life of Billy the Kid' challenged conventional narratives, offering fresh insights into the famous outlaw's life. Boyer's meticulous research and storytelling earned him recognition among scholars and enthusiasts alike. He also wrote extensively on regional history, illuminating lesser-known figures and events. Through lectures and exhibitions, Boyer shared his passion for the Old West with a broad audience. He died in 2013, leaving behind a rich legacy of scholarship that continues to shape western historiography.

Philip Levine (1928–2015) was an American poet celebrated for his raw, empathetic depictions of working-class urban life. He grew up in Detroit, and his experiences in factories deeply influenced his poetry. He published numerous collections, including What Work Is and The Simple Truth. Levine won the National Book Award in 1988 and the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1995. He served as U.S. Poet Laureate in 2011–2012, bringing poetry to a wider audience. He taught creative writing at California State University, Fresno, mentoring generations of writers. His accessible language and deep humanity have made his work enduringly influential.

Andrea Levy (1956–2019) was an award-winning English author of Jamaican heritage. She explored themes of race, identity, and postwar migration in her fiction. Levy's novel Small Island won the Orange Prize and the Whitbread Novel Award in 2004. Her debut work, Every Light in the House Burnin', earned critical acclaim for its vivid storytelling. In The Long Song, she delved into Caribbean history and the legacy of slavery. Her rich characters and historical insight have had a lasting impact on British literature. Levy's work remains a touchstone for discussions on immigration and multiculturalism.