February 26

Lorenzino de' Medici (1514–1548) was a member of the powerful Medici family and a skilled writer of dialogues and letters. He is most infamous for the assassination of his cousin Alessandro de' Medici in 1537, which plunged Florence into political turmoil. After the murder, Lorenzino fled to Venice and later to France, continuing his literary pursuits in exile. His works provide insight into Renaissance political thought and the complexities of Medici power struggles. Lorenzino's life and death remain emblematic of the intersection between art, ideology, and political intrigue in 16th-century Italy.

Thomas d'Urfey was born in 1653 in Devon, England, and became a prominent writer of satirical verse and drama. He authored comic plays and ballad operas during the Restoration, entertaining audiences with wit and humor. His song collection 'Pills to Purge Melancholy' featured lively tunes that became staples of popular performance. D'Urfey collaborated with composers like Henry Purcell, blending music and satire for the London stage. A social observer, his works commented on politics and manners of his era through engaging characters. He died in 1723, leaving a vibrant legacy in Restoration literature and theater.

Kathinka Kraft gained recognition for her intimate memoirs that captured daily life and social customs in 19th-century Norway. Born in 1826, she chronicled her personal experiences, offering readers a rare glimpse into the era's cultural and familial dynamics. Her writings are valued for their heartfelt tone and detailed observations of rural Norwegian communities. Through her memoirs, Kraft preserved traditions and memories that might otherwise have been lost to history. Her work continues to provide historians and readers with a personal perspective on Norway's past.

Born in 1883, V.D. Savarkar was a leading figure in the Indian revolutionary movement against British colonial rule. He was arrested in 1909 and sentenced to life imprisonment in the Cellular Jail in the Andaman Islands, where he wrote influential works. After his release in 1924, he became a prominent leader of the Hindu Mahasabha and promoted the concept of Hindutva. A prolific writer and poet, his books shaped political discourse in pre- and post-independence India. Savarkar remained a polarizing figure until his death in 1966, his legacy still debated in Indian politics and society.

Robert Aickman was born in 1914 in London and became a prominent writer of "strange stories" blending horror and psychological suspense. He co-founded the Inland Waterways Association, campaigning passionately to restore Britain's canal network. His supernatural tales, published in collections like Cold Hand in Mine, earned him a lasting reputation among aficionados of weird fiction. Aickman's literary style defied easy categorization, influencing generations of horror and fantasy authors. In addition to his writing, his activism helped preserve historic waterways for future use and ecological heritage. His combined legacy in literature and conservation remains celebrated to this day.

Born in 1905, Georgina Battiscombe studied at Cambridge and developed a passion for literary history. She authored acclaimed biographies of Charlotte Mary Yonge, Christina Rossetti, and other Victorian luminaries. Battiscombe's works were praised for their meticulous research, narrative elegance, and deep understanding of her subjects. During World War II, she served in intelligence roles before returning to writing with renewed perspective. Her longevity allowed her to publish well into her nineties, leaving a rich legacy in biographical literature.

Arnošt Lustig (1926–2011) survived internment in the Theresienstadt and Buchenwald concentration camps, experiences that deeply influenced his writing. His powerful novels and short stories, such as Lovely Green Eyes and A Prayer for Katerina Horovitzova, examine the moral complexities of life under extreme oppression. Lustig's work is known for its emotional depth, vivid characters, and unflinching portrayal of suffering and hope. He also adapted his narratives for the stage and screen, reaching international audiences through film and theater. A recipient of numerous awards, including the Franz Kafka Prize, he served as a professor at the American University in Washington, D.C. Lustig's contributions to Holocaust literature and survivor testimony have left a lasting impact on world literature.

Richard Carpenter (1929–2012) began his career as an actor before turning to screenwriting, where he made his mark on British television in the 1960s and 1970s. He penned scripts for popular series including Danger Man, The Avengers, and Dr. Finlay's Casebook, showcasing his talent for suspenseful storytelling and witty dialogue. Carpenter's work helped define the spy-fi genre and influenced subsequent generations of writers. In addition to his television success, he wrote stage plays and radio dramas, demonstrating his versatility across media. Colleagues praised his professional discipline and creative flair. Carpenter's contributions to British entertainment earned him a dedicated following, and his legacy lives on through the enduring popularity of the shows he helped create.

Stéphane Hessel (1917–2013) was a resistance fighter who survived Nazi imprisonment before joining the French diplomatic service. He contributed to drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights under UNESCO and served as French ambassador to the United Nations. In 2010, his pamphlet Time for Outrage! became an international bestseller, galvanizing movements for social and political reform around the world. Hessel remained an outspoken advocate for economic equality, environmental protection, and human rights throughout his life. He authored several books and essays reflecting his commitment to justice and civic engagement. His moral authority and lifelong activism earned him global admiration. Hessel passed away in 2013, prompting tributes from leaders and activists worldwide.

Phyllis Krasilovsky (1927–2014) wrote more than sixty books for young readers over her decades-long career. Her charming stories, such as The Man Who Didn't Wash His Dishes and The Dog Who Insisted He Wasn't, have delighted generations of children with humor and warmth. Krasilovsky also served as a professor and mentor in university writing programs, shaping the skills of aspiring writers. She was recognized with awards for both her creative work and her commitment to literacy education. Her books have been translated into multiple languages, broadening their impact around the world. Krasilovsky's playful narratives and memorable characters continue to inspire young imaginations. She passed away in 2014, leaving a lasting legacy in children's literature.