February 17

Born Jean-Baptiste Poquelin in 1622, Molière founded his own theatre troupe in Paris. He wrote and performed numerous comedies, including classics like 'Tartuffe', 'The Misanthrope', and 'The Imaginary Invalid'. His sharp wit exposed hypocrisy among the nobility, clergy, and bourgeoisie, often courting controversy. Molière's blend of physical comedy and poetic dialogue transformed French theatre. He continued to perform on stage even as his health declined, famously collapsing during a performance. He died in 1673, leaving a legacy that endures in his timeless works.

Born in 1797 in Düsseldorf, Germany, Heine studied law but soon turned to writing and became one of the leading figures of European Romanticism. His 1827 collection 'Buch der Lieder' established his reputation as a master of lyric poetry, blending emotion with wit and irony. Despite converting from Judaism to Protestantism to advance his career, he often explored themes of identity and social justice in his work. Heine's political essays, critical of German autocracy and censorship, led to his expatriation to Paris in 1831, where he remained for life. In exile, he continued to write with satirical verve and influenced generations of poets, novelists, and journalists. He suffered from paralysis in his later years and died in 1856, leaving a legacy as one of the 19th century's most influential literary figures.

Born in 1888 in Buczacz, Galicia (now Ukraine), Shmuel Yosef Agnon immigrated to Palestine in 1908 and became one of the founding figures of modern Hebrew fiction. He wrote novels, short stories, and poetry that blended folklore, religious tradition, and modernist techniques. His works, including Only Yesterday (1945) and A Guest for the Night (1936), explored the complexities of Jewish identity, faith, and exile. In 1966, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, becoming the first Hebrew writer to receive this honor. Agnon's rich storytelling and profound engagement with Jewish culture made him a towering presence in twentieth-century literature. He continued writing until his death in 1970, leaving a legacy as a masterful chronicler of the Jewish experience.

Born in 1951 in Davenport, Iowa, Randy Shilts became one of the first openly gay reporters in mainstream American journalism. As a San Francisco Chronicle reporter, he chronicled the early years of the AIDS crisis, demanding accountability from health officials and government leaders. His 1987 book 'And the Band Played On' combined investigative reporting with personal narratives, becoming a bestseller and cultural touchstone. Shilts's meticulous research and fearless storytelling helped shape public discourse on LGBTQ rights and the pandemic response. He continued to advocate for marginalized communities through his writing until his death from AIDS-related complications in 1994. His work remains a powerful reminder of the human impact of public health crises.

Born in 1895, Ernst Jünger volunteered for the German Army in World War I and received multiple decorations for bravery. His seminal memoir 'Storm of Steel' offered a stark and lyrical portrayal of trench warfare, influencing generations of readers. After the war, Jünger wrote extensively on technology, politics, and the human condition, exploring themes of modernity and alienation. His works, including 'The Worker' and 'On the Marble Cliffs', combined literary flair with philosophical insight. Despite his complex political affiliations, Jünger remained a central figure in 20th-century German letters. He continued publishing essays and diaries well into his later years, leaving a vast and diverse body of work.

Claude Jeancolas (1949–2016) was a French historian and author. He specialized in 19th-century French literature and produced influential studies on Arthur Rimbaud. Jeancolas wrote several biographies, novels, and articles that deepened understanding of Rimbaud's life and work. He also worked as a journalist, contributing to cultural publications and media outlets. His scholarship and writings continue to inspire readers and researchers of French poetry.