February 16

Born in Karlsruhe in 1826, Scheffel studied theology and philology at the universities of Tübingen and Munich. He rose to fame with his epic verse novel "Der Trompeter von Säckingen," which combined lyrical romance with witty satire. Scheffel’s poetry, often laced with folklore and humor, earned him widespread popularity among German and Austrian audiences. He traveled extensively, drawing inspiration from his journeys through Europe and the Middle East. Scheffel’s blend of romanticism and satire left a lasting mark on German literature before his death in 1886.

Born in Gorokhovo in 1831, Leskov began his career as a journalist covering Russia’s provincial towns. His narrative style, blending folklore, irony, and rich character studies, set him apart from contemporaries. In works like "Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk," he explored moral complexity and social critique, influencing Russian drama. Leskov’s deep religious convictions informed his later writings, emphasizing moral redemption and faith. After a prolific career, he passed away in St. Petersburg in 1895, leaving a legacy in Russian literature.

Born in 1838 into the influential Adams political family, he was the grandson of President John Quincy Adams. After graduating from Harvard, Adams served as a diplomat in Europe before turning to writing. His multi-volume "History of the United States" offered a critical analysis of the nation’s founding and political evolution. In 1907, his memoir "The Education of Henry Adams" won acclaim for its candid reflection on modern society. Adams blended scholarly rigor with literary flair, influencing both historians and essayists. He died in 1918, leaving a body of work that remains a cornerstone of American intellectual history.

Octave Mirbeau was born in 1848 in Trévières, France. He began his career as a journalist, writing for leading Parisian newspapers and championing avant-garde artists. Mirbeau’s novel 'The Torture Garden' (1899) shocked readers with its vivid critique of colonialism and brutality. He also penned the play 'Les affaires sont les affaires' ('Business Is Business') in 1903, a biting satire of bourgeois greed. Mirbeau was an outspoken critic of social injustice and supported progressive causes, including the Dreyfus affair. His writing combined psychological depth with dark humor, making him a distinctive voice in fin-de-siècle literature. Mirbeau’s influence extended to the theater and literary criticism until his death in 1917.

Radoje Domanović was born in 1873 in Ovsište, Serbia. He worked as a teacher before turning to journalism and literature. Domanović's short stories and essays, such as 'The Invention of Darkness' and 'Stradija,' used satire to expose the absurdities of bureaucracy and authoritarian rule. His keen wit and biting humor made him a leading voice in Serbian literature at the turn of the 20th century. Despite a short life, his works influenced future generations of writers and political thinkers. Domanović suffered from health problems and died in 1908 at the age of 35. He is remembered as a pioneer of satirical prose in Serbian letters.

Born in Brisbane in 1929, Peter Porter moved to England in 1951 and became a leading figure in contemporary poetry. Over his career he published more than a dozen collections, exploring themes of identity, culture, and history. His work was noted for its linguistic precision and ironic humor, earning critical acclaim and multiple awards. Porter also dedicated himself to education, teaching creative writing and literature at institutions such as Goldsmiths College. He served as a judge for prestigious poetry prizes and mentored emerging poets, influencing a new generation of writers. In recognition of his contributions, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. Porter's legacy endures through his enduring verse and his impact on the poetry community. He passed away in 2010, leaving behind a rich body of work that continues to inspire readers and writers worldwide.

Born in 1934, August Coppola earned a doctorate in comparative literature and taught at universities in California, where he became a respected professor and administrator. He wrote essays and books on literature and cinema, advocating for the academic study of film as an art form. Coppola helped establish and chair arts and communication programs, mentoring countless students in writing and film studies. He was an active member of the literary community, serving on editorial boards and participating in conferences and festivals. His passion for storytelling extended to supporting emerging filmmakers and authors through workshops and scholarships. As the brother of filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola and father of actor Nicolas Cage, he was part of a prominent artistic family. Coppola passed away in 2009, leaving a legacy of scholarship and educational leadership.

Born in Wolverhampton, England, Paul Bailey studied English literature at the University of York. He debuted with the novel A Hundred Camels in the Courtyard, earning critical praise for his vivid storytelling. Bailey's works, such as At the Jerusalem and English for the Natives, examine social change and human relationships in postwar Britain. He has worked as a literary critic and memoirist, contributing essays to major newspapers and journals. His biography of Malcolm Lowry shed new light on the life of the author of Under the Volcano. Bailey's clear prose and empathetic character studies have earned him awards including the E.M. Forster Award.

Born in Jackson, Mississippi, in 1944, Richard Ford emerged as a leading voice in contemporary American fiction. He gained acclaim with his debut novel The Sportswriter (1986), introducing the memorable character Frank Bascombe. Ford’s sequel Independence Day (1995) won both the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the PEN/Faulkner Award. His writing is celebrated for its minimalist style, deep character studies, and exploration of American life. He continues to influence a generation of writers through his novels, memoirs, and essays.

Iain Banks was a Scottish writer whose versatile storytelling spanned literary fiction and science fiction, the latter under the pseudonym Iain M. Banks. Born on February 16, 1954, he debuted with The Wasp Factory (1984), a darkly inventive novel that garnered critical acclaim. He went on to publish bestsellers such as The Crow Road and the Culture series, blending philosophical themes with imaginative worlds. Banks' lyrical prose, complex characters, and bold ideas earned him a devoted international readership. He also wrote plays and essays, contributing to contemporary literary and cultural discussions until his death in 2013.

Natalie Angier is an American science journalist and nonfiction author who has written for The New York Times since 1988. She won the 1991 Pulitzer Prize for beat reporting for her engaging coverage of biological and environmental topics. Angier is the author of bestselling books including Natural Obsessions, Woman: An Intimate Geography, and The Canon: A Whirligig Tour of the Beautiful Basics of Science. Her vivid prose and ability to translate complex scientific concepts into accessible stories have made her a leading voice in popular science writing. She continues to inspire readers with her passion for discovery and clarity.

Warren Ellis first gained recognition in the 1990s for his work on comic series like 'Transmetropolitan' and 'Planetary'. His writing is celebrated for its wit, social commentary, and exploration of futuristic themes. Ellis has penned screenplays and been involved in television adaptations, including 'Global Frequency'. He frequently collaborates with top artists in comics, pushing the boundaries of the medium. In addition to genre fiction, Ellis writes essays and critiques on technology, culture, and society. His influential voice continues to shape modern speculative fiction across multiple platforms.