March 28

Andrew Kippis (1725–1795) was an English nonconformist minister, scholar, and prolific biographer. He served as a clergyman at various chapels while contributing to the Biographia Britannica with insightful lives of eminent British figures. Kippis emphasized rigorous scholarship and empirical research, pioneering a more critical approach to writing history. His separate biographies of figures such as Captain Cook displayed his narrative skill and commitment to accuracy. A supporter of religious toleration and education reform, he embodied Enlightenment ideals in both his sermons and writings. Kippis's scholarly dedication and literary style influenced the development of modern biography as a respected historical genre.

Georg Heinrich Pertz, born in 1795, was a German historian whose critical editions of medieval and early modern sources transformed the study of German history. As the founding editor of the Monumenta Germaniae Historica, he organized and published essential documents from the early Middle Ages to the modern era. Pertz worked at the Prussian Academy of Sciences and later served as its director, overseeing rigorous scholarly standards. His systematic approach to source criticism influenced generations of historians. Beyond editing, he authored biographical and editorial prefaces that contextualized complex historical records for scholars across Europe.

Born in 1815, Arsène Houssaye was a prolific French writer celebrated for his novels, essays, and poetry that captured the spirit of his era. He served as director of the Théâtre Français and later as director of the Comédie-Française, shaping French theatrical life. Houssaye’s literary salons attracted leading artists, writers, and intellectuals, making him a central figure in the Parisian cultural scene. His works, including historical romances and critical essays, reflected his deep knowledge of literature and the arts. Commemorated for his wit and patronage of emerging talent, Houssaye influenced generations of French writers before his death in 1896.

Maxim Gorky, born Alexei Peshkov in 1868, grew up in poverty and turned to writing to expose social injustices. He achieved fame with early works such as 'Twenty-six Men and a Girl' and the novel 'Foma Gordeyev'. Gorky became a leading proponent of socialist realism, depicting the lives of workers and revolutionaries. He founded the literary group Sreda and mentored younger writers, including those of the Soviet era. Gorky’s autobiographical trilogy remains a classic of Russian literature. Though he spent periods in exile, he returned to the Soviet Union and maintained ties with its leadership. He died in 1936, leaving a profound legacy on 20th-century literature.

Born on the island of Lefkada, Angelos Sikelianos became a leading figure in the Greek literary renaissance. His poetry fused classical motifs with mysticism and national identity, earning him widespread acclaim. In the 1920s, he and his wife Eva Palmer organized the Delphic Festivals in Delphi to promote peace and Hellenic culture. His major works include the tragedy 'Daedalus in Crete' and the poetic drama 'Sibylla', both exploring themes of destiny and spirituality. Sikelianos traveled extensively, drawing inspiration from various cultural traditions. He influenced modern Greek theater and inspired future generations of writers. He passed away in Athens in 1951, leaving behind a rich and enduring literary legacy.

Edward Wagenknecht was born in 1900 in Baltimore, Maryland. He taught English literature at Bryn Mawr College for over five decades. Wagenknecht authored extensive critical studies on writers such as Dickens, Poe, and Mark Twain. His accessible biographies and essays brought classic literature to wider audiences. He was recognized for his meticulous research and engaging writing style. Wagenknecht's scholarship influenced generations of students and critics until his death in 2004.

Margaret Tucker was born in 1904 in Wombat, Victoria, Australia. As a member of the Gunditjmara community, she experienced the effects of colonial policies firsthand. Tucker became a founding member of the Australian Aborigines League, championing Indigenous rights. In 1977, she published her memoir 'If Everyone Cared', one of the first autobiographies by an Aboriginal woman. Her activism raised national awareness of social injustices faced by Aboriginal people. Tucker's courage and writings laid groundwork for later Indigenous movements until her death in 1996.

Dorothy Knowles pursued her passion for literature and sport throughout her life, producing works that explored cultural identity and human resilience. As a fencer, she competed at national level events, demonstrating discipline and strategic skill. In academia, she lectured on English literature at prominent universities, mentoring students and publishing critical essays. Her dual career highlighted the interplay between physical rigor and intellectual inquiry. Through her writing and teaching, Knowles left a diverse legacy that continues to inspire in both literary and athletic circles.

Born in Detroit and raised in Chicago, Nelson Algren drew on the struggles of the urban poor to craft his narratives. His 1949 novel The Man with the Golden Arm, centered on addiction and survival, was adapted into a 1955 film starring Frank Sinatra. Algren's short story collection Chicago: City on the Make further cemented his reputation for raw, empathetic storytelling. He received a Guggenheim Fellowship and was praised for his vivid characterizations and social commentary. Algren's work influenced later generations of writers exploring themes of marginalization. His legacy endures in American literature as a voice for those on society's fringes.

Born in Aldershot, England, A. Bertram Chandler served in the Royal Navy before emigrating to Australia. He began writing science fiction in the late 1950s, drawing on his maritime experience to craft the John Grimes series, which blends naval tradition with space opera. His first Grimes novel Rim World was published in 1961, followed by over a dozen sequels that garnered a dedicated fan base. Chandler also wrote short stories and collaborated on anthologies, showcasing his wit and command of speculative technologies. He was praised for creating believable interstellar cultures and a vivid sense of adventure. Chandler's work influenced later writers in the space opera subgenre and remains in print decades after his death.

Edward Anhalt was an Academy Award-winning American screenwriter and producer. He began his career as part of the Documentary Unit in World War II before moving to Hollywood. Anhalt co-wrote the screenplay for Panic in the Streets, earning his first Oscar in 1951. He won a second Academy Award for Becket in 1964. Throughout his career, he wrote more than a dozen feature films and worked with top directors and actors. In addition to film, he wrote for television and theater, influencing postwar American cinema. His work is remembered for its sharp dialogue and historical attention to detail.

Bohumil Hrabal was one of the most celebrated Czech writers of the 20th century. He served briefly in labor camps during World War II before studying law and philosophy at Charles University. Hrabal's writing is known for its lyrical humor, stream-of-consciousness style, and vivid portraits of ordinary people. His novels, such as Closely Observed Trains and I Served the King of England, were adapted into award-winning films. Despite political censorship in his homeland, he reached an international audience after the Velvet Revolution. Hrabal's work remains a touchstone of Czech literature for its mix of tragedy, comedy, and social commentary.