March 03

Born in 1606 in Beaconsfield, Waller gained fame with his elegant poems and odes, becoming one of the most popular lyricists of his day. He represented Amersham and later Windsor in Parliament, aligning with Royalist sympathies during the Civil War. In 1643 he was implicated in a plot against Parliament and imprisoned in the Tower of London. After his release, Waller reconciled with both sides and was knighted following the Restoration of Charles II. His smooth style influenced Augustan poets, and he served as prime warden of the Worshipful Company of Fishmongers. He died in 1687, leaving a legacy as a model of refined poetic craftsmanship.

Born in 1652 in Trotton, Sussex, Otway briefly attended Oxford before turning to the London stage. He wrote both comedies and tragedies, but achieved enduring fame with The Orphan (1680) and Venice Preserved (1682). His plays are noted for intense characterizations, lyrical dialogue, and explorations of love and betrayal. Despite his success, Otway struggled with debt and unrequited love, which fueled the passion in his work. He died in relative poverty in 1685 at just 33, yet his influence persisted in English drama. Theatre historians regard him as a master of Restoration tragedy.

Born in 1756 in Wisbech, Godwin began his career as a Unitarian minister before shifting to writing and political journalism. His seminal work, An Enquiry Concerning Political Justice (1793), critiqued government institutions and advocated for rational morality and social reform. In 1794 he published the novel Caleb Williams, an early example of the detective genre exploring themes of power and justice. Married to feminist writer Mary Wollstonecraft, he became stepfather to Mary Shelley and influenced the Romantic circle. Godwin’s ideas on individual liberty and critiques of marriage resonated throughout the 19th century. He died in 1836, leaving a legacy as a radical thinker.

Artur Lundkvist was a leading figure in Swedish modernist literature, renowned for his evocative poetry and critical essays. He published his first poetry collection in 1928, introducing free verse and surrealist influences to Swedish audiences. As a translator, he brought works by Pablo Neruda, Walt Whitman, and others into Swedish, broadening the country's literary horizons. Lundkvist served on the Swedish Academy from 1968, advocating for contemporary voices and international perspectives. His novels and travel writings reflected his fascination with exotic landscapes and cultures. Over a career spanning six decades, he authored more than fifty books, leaving an enduring mark on Scandinavian letters.

James Merrill (1926–1995) was an American poet and playwright known for his refined craftsmanship and exploration of metaphysical themes. He published several acclaimed collections and won the National Book Award for Poetry. Merrill’s most ambitious work, the epic poem "The Changing Light at Sandover", was inspired by supernatural Ouija board sessions conducted with his friend David Jackson. His writing blended confessional elements with classical forms, earning praise for its lyrical precision. Merrill also wrote for the stage, and his poetry continues to influence contemporary writers.

Born in Kentucky, Burkett began his career as a financial analyst before embracing Christian ministry. In 1976, he founded Christian Financial Concepts to teach personal finance from a biblical perspective. He authored over 40 books, including the bestseller 'Money Matters', which combined practical advice with scriptural principles. Burkett hosted the national 'Money Matters' radio show, reaching millions with his straightforward guidance. His work helped establish the modern Christian financial counseling movement. Burkett's legacy endures through the Larry Burkett Financial Center and ongoing radio programs.

Born in Bucaramanga, Castro Caycedo began his career as a newspaper reporter in the 1960s. He gained acclaim for his in-depth investigations into guerrilla movements and social inequalities. His novels and non-fiction works, such as 'El Alcaraván', blended reportage with literary storytelling. Throughout his career, he traveled extensively across Colombia and other countries to document marginalized communities. He received several national journalism awards for his fearless reportage. Even after his passing in 2021, his works continue to influence Latin American literature and journalism.

Clifton Snider was an American author, poet, and literary critic whose work spanned poetry, fiction, and academic scholarship. He taught English and creative writing at the University of Washington, where he mentored generations of writers. Snider’s poetry drew on Jungian archetypes and mythological motifs, exploring themes of identity and transformation. His novels and short stories experimented with narrative form and often addressed LGBTQ experiences. As a critic, he published essays on contemporary literature and contributed to the study of queer theory. He co-founded initiatives to support emerging voices in poetry and speculative fiction. Snider’s influence extended beyond academia through readings, workshops, and editorial work, leaving a lasting legacy in both literary and scholarly communities.

Ron Chernow is an American historian, journalist, and author whose work has reinvigorated interest in pivotal figures of American history. He won the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Biography with Alexander Hamilton, which inspired the hit Broadway musical Hamilton. Chernow’s meticulously researched biographies include Washington: A Life and Titan, the story of John D. Rockefeller. Before turning to full-time writing, he served as a financial columnist for The New York Times and Fortune magazine. His books are praised for their narrative flair, rigorous scholarship, and vivid character portraits. Chernow has lectured at universities and appeared on television programs to discuss his research. His authoritative biographies have shaped modern perceptions of the United States’ founding and industrial eras.

Born in 1957, Stephen Budiansky studied at Harvard University before embarking on a career in writing. He has authored several non-fiction books covering topics such as military intelligence, cryptography, and animal cognition. Budiansky's works include titles like 'Battle of Wits' and 'The Nature of Horses', blending scholarly research with accessible prose. He has written for publications such as The Atlantic, Smithsonian, and Wall Street Journal. His analysis often bridges the gap between science and history, engaging a broad readership. Budiansky continues to contribute to discussions on both historical and scientific subjects.

John Matteson (born March 3, 1961) is an American biographer and educator. He won the Pulitzer Prize for Biography in 2008 for his book Eden's Outcasts: The Story of Louisa May Alcott and Her Father. Matteson specializes in 19th-century American literature, exploring themes of abolition and social reform. He holds a professorship at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City. His research highlights the intersections of literature, gender, and political movements of the 1800s. Matteson has written for academic journals and public outlets, making scholarship accessible to wider audiences. He is recognized for his meticulous archival work and engaging narrative style.

Charlie Brooker is an English journalist, television presenter, producer, and author. He created and wrote the acclaimed anthology series Black Mirror, which explores the dark aspects of technology. Brooker began his career as a TV critic for The Guardian and later hosted shows like Screenwipe and Newswipe. His satirical writing extends to novels including Dead Souls and A Ridiculous Book About War. He has won multiple BAFTA awards for his television work. Brooker's sharp wit and social commentary have made him a prominent voice in modern media.