February 22

Born in Reading, Sarah Fuller Flower Adams wrote poetry and hymns inspired by personal loss and spiritual longing. Her most famous hymn Nearer, My God, to Thee was published in 1841 and later associated with hope in adversity. Adams collaborated with composers to set her lyrics to music, contributing to the Victorian hymn revival. Despite health struggles, she produced a body of work noted for its devotional sincerity and poetic grace. Her hymns remain in use in worship services around the world, resonating across denominations.

James Russell Lowell was a leading figure among the 19th-century American Fireside Poets, celebrated for his wit and political satire. His notable works include the satirical poem collection “The Biglow Papers,” which critiqued contemporary social issues. Beyond poetry, Lowell served as the U.S. ambassador to Spain and to England, showcasing his versatile talents. He was an outspoken abolitionist and used his writing to advocate for social reform and human rights. Lowell’s influence extended into literary criticism, where he championed American literature on the world stage. His correspondence with prominent writers of his time provides valuable insights into the literary culture of the period. Lowell’s legacy endures in his contributions to both literature and public service.

Charles McLean Andrews was a pioneering American historian whose work reshaped understanding of colonial American history.\nHe served as a professor at Johns Hopkins University and Yale University, mentoring generations of scholars.\nAndrews's landmark multi-volume series, 'The Colonial Period of American History', earned him the Pulitzer Prize.\nHe combined meticulous archival research with engaging narrative, making early American history accessible.\nHis studies emphasized the social and cultural dynamics of the colonial era and remain influential in historiography.\nAndrews's legacy endures through his numerous publications and the historians he trained.\nHe passed away in 1943, leaving a lasting imprint on the study of early America.

Jules Renard was a celebrated French author and playwright whose sharp wit and keen observation defined his work.\nHis semi-autobiographical novel 'Poil de Carotte' (Carrot Top) remains a classic of French literature.\nRenard's extensive private journal, spanning from 1897 to 1910, offers vivid insights into his creative process and social milieu.\nHe also wrote plays and short stories, showcasing a talent for concise, impactful prose.\nDespite his early death from tuberculosis at age 45, Renard's influence persisted among writers for his honest depiction of human nature.\nHis legacy lives on through his novels, plays, and the enduring popularity of his journal entries.

Zitkala-Sa, also known as Gertrude Simmons Bonnin, was a Yankton Sioux writer and political activist.\nHer autobiographical essays, including 'Impressions of an Indian Childhood', vividly portrayed Native American life and oppression.\nA classically trained musician, she combined Western and Indigenous melodies in her compositions.\nIn 1926, she co-founded the National Council of American Indians to advocate for citizenship and voting rights.\nHer efforts contributed to the passage of the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924.\nThrough her writing and political work, Zitkala-Sa remains a powerful voice for Native American cultural preservation and civil rights.

Born in 1886, Hugo Ball was a German author and poet who co-founded the Dada art movement. He organized performances at the Cabaret Voltaire in Zurich, blending poetry with avant-garde sound experiments. Ball's work challenged traditional art and literature, embracing chance and absurdity. His manifesto poems and essays laid the intellectual foundation for Dadaism. Ball later documented his experiences in his memoir Flight Out of Time.

Born in 1887 in Rostov-on-Don, Savielly Tartakower became one of the leading chess masters of the early 20th century. He represented Poland and later France in international competitions, winning numerous tournaments. Tartakower was a pioneer of hypermodern chess ideas, emphasizing control of the center with pieces rather than pawns. He authored influential books and columns that remain popular among chess enthusiasts. His wit and aphorisms are still quoted, and several opening variations bear his name. He remained active in the chess community until his death in 1956.

Born in 1892 in Maine, Edna St. Vincent Millay gained fame with her lyric poetry and dramatic works. She won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1923 for her collection The Ballad of the Harp-Weaver. Millay's poetry is celebrated for its emotional depth, wit, and exploration of love and independence. She published plays, essays, and sonnets, and was a prominent figure in the 1920s literary scene. Millay also campaigned for social causes, including women's rights and freedom of speech. Her work and persona made her one of America's most beloved literary figures until her death in 1950.

Morley Callaghan (1903–1990) was a Canadian novelist, short story writer, and playwright whose works explored morality and human relationships. He published more than a dozen novels and numerous stories in leading magazines. Callaghan’s friendship with literary contemporaries such as Ernest Hemingway influenced his clear, unadorned style. His plays and novels often highlighted the struggles of ordinary people in challenging circumstances. He was honored with Canada’s highest literary awards before his death in 1990.

François Cavanna was a pivotal figure in French satire who co-founded Hara-Kiri in 1960, later giving rise to Charlie Hebdo. He authored numerous books blending humor and social critique, including his acclaimed memoir Les Ritals. Cavanna's fearless style challenged authority and broadened the boundaries of modern French comedy. He served as both writer and editor, shaping the magazine's irreverent voice for decades. His work remains a testament to the power of satire in cultural and political discourse.

Edward Gorey developed a distinctive gothic style, creating illustrated works characterized by dark humor and Victorian-era aesthetics. His best-known book, The Gashlycrumb Tinies, showcased his talent for combining rhyme with grim subject matter. Gorey also contributed opening animations for PBS's Mystery! series and designed costumes and sets for theater productions. His lifelong fascination with architecture and antiques informed his intricate line work. His influence extends across literature, film, and popular culture, inspiring generations of artists.

Gerald Stern published numerous poetry collections over a career spanning more than five decades, exploring themes of loss, memory, and the natural world. He won the National Book Award for his collection Leaving Another Kingdom and received fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts. A dedicated teacher, Stern taught creative writing at institutions like Temple University, influencing generations of poets. His plainspoken yet evocative verse resonated with readers for its emotional honesty. Stern's contributions helped shape modern American poetry.