February 27

Born in 1620 in Wotton, Surrey, John Evelyn emerged as one of England's foremost diarists. His Diary, spanning over six decades, provides a vivid account of 17th-century social and political life. A founding member of the Royal Society, he advocated for scientific inquiry and environmental stewardship. His seminal work, "Sylva," promoted tree planting and forest conservation in England. Evelyn maintained friendships with Samuel Pepys, Christopher Wren, and other leading intellectuals. His writings influenced early environmental thought and remain valued historical records.

Konstantinos 'Kostis' Palamas was born in 1859 in Patras, Greece, and emerged as a central figure in the New Athenian School literary movement. He published poetry that blended folk themes, classical influences, and modern sensibilities, helping to shape the use of Demotic Greek in literature. Palamas wrote the lyrics for the Olympic Hymn in 1896, performed at the first modern Olympic Games in Athens. He also authored plays, essays, and literary criticism, and served as a professor of literature at the University of Athens. His work influenced generations of Greek writers and helped modernize the Greek language and identity. Palamas was celebrated in his lifetime and awarded numerous honors for his contributions to literature. He died in 1943, leaving a profound impact on Greek cultural history.

Born William Blake Everett, he began his career in the Golden Age of comics, drawing for Timely Comics and other publishers. In 1939 he co-created Namor the Sub-Mariner, one of Marvel's earliest antiheroes. He later introduced Daredevil in 1941, showcasing his flair for dynamic action and character design. Everett's watercolor and ink work influenced generations of comic artists. Despite the challenges of the comics industry, he maintained a prolific output across genres. His legacy lives on through his iconic characters and their enduring popularity in modern comics and film adaptations.

Born in Pennsylvania, Carr became one of the most acclaimed mystery novelists of the Golden Age of detective fiction. Writing also under the pseudonym Carter Dickson, he authored over 70 novels and numerous plays. His 1935 novel "The Hollow Man" is often cited as the definitive locked-room mystery. Carr's works are known for ingenious plots, atmospheric settings, and complex characters. He was a founding member of The Detection Club in London, alongside Agatha Christie. Carr's influence endures in the mystery genre, inspiring writers and readers with his puzzle-like narratives.

Spike Milligan (1918–2002) was an Irish-British entertainer whose inventive humor reshaped radio comedy in the mid-20th century. As a co-creator of The Goon Show, he blended surreal sketches, poetic verses, and sound effects to influence generations of comedians. Milligan served in the British Army during World War II, drawing on his experiences in collections of comic memoirs and poetry. He also appeared in films and authored bestselling books that showcased his whimsical style and poignant reflections. Throughout his career, Milligan battled mental health issues but continued to perform, publish, and tour widely. His groundbreaking work paved the way for alternative comedy and remains celebrated for its originality.

William F. Buckley Jr. was a towering figure in 20th-century American conservatism, launching National Review in 1955 to define and promote conservative principles. He authored over 50 books on politics, culture, and language, and hosted the influential television show Firing Line for more than three decades. Buckley’s eloquent debating style and distinctive vocabulary made him a popular and controversial public intellectual. He played a central role in shaping the postwar conservative movement and mentored future leaders. His legacy includes a vast body of commentary that continues to influence political discourse.

Aaron Allston was a pioneering American game designer and author born in 1960. He contributed extensively to popular role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons and the Star Wars role-playing series. His work on the X-Wing miniatures game and novels such as the X-Wing series expanded the Star Wars universe for fans worldwide. Allston also created original fantasy worlds and wrote numerous RPG supplements that influenced a generation of gamers. With a career spanning over three decades, he was known for his imaginative storytelling and engaging game mechanics. His sudden passing in 2014 was mourned by the gaming community for which he had been a beloved figure.