April 09

Born in 1680 in Tours, France. He served in the diplomatic corps before turning to playwriting. Destouches wrote popular comedies such as "Le Glorieux" and "L’Ingrat Aussi Bien Que Mal Récompensé". His works blended moral instruction with social satire, appealing to Parisian audiences. He became a member of the Académie Française in 1728 and collaborated with the Comédie-Française. His plays influenced the development of French classical theatre until his death in 1754.

Born in 1773 in Paris, France. He studied law and soon devoted himself to literature. Aignan wrote tragedies, poems, and translations of Greek classics, bringing works of Euripides to French audiences. He held administrative posts in the Ministry of the Interior during the Bourbon Restoration. Beloved for his versatile contributions, he shaped early 19th-century French theatre and criticism. He died in 1824, remembered as a prolific literary figure.

Charles Baudelaire (1821–1867) was a seminal French poet best known for Les Fleurs du mal. His evocative and often controversial poems explored themes of beauty, decadence, and modern urban life. Baudelaire's critical essays championed the works of Edgar Allan Poe and introduced modern aesthetic theory. He challenged literary conventions, influencing Symbolists, Modernists, and the Decadent movement. Despite legal troubles and personal struggles, his work reshaped French literature and criticism. Baudelaire's legacy endures as one of the pioneers of modern poetry.

Jacques Futrelle (1875–1912) was an American writer and journalist renowned for his creation of the detective Professor Augustus S. F. X. Van Dusen, also known as "The Thinking Machine." His mystery stories combined logical puzzles with suspense and were popular in magazines such as Collier’s Weekly. Futrelle’s engaging style influenced the detective fiction genre in the early 20th century. He worked as a reporter for several newspapers before turning to fiction writing. Tragically, Futrelle died on the RMS Titanic in 1912, cementing his legacy as one of the ship’s notable victims. His unfinished works and short stories continue to be reprinted and celebrated by mystery enthusiasts.

Konrad Tom was a versatile performer who left a lasting mark on Polish entertainment.\nHe starred in numerous theatrical productions and silent films, showcasing his dynamic acting skills.\nHe contributed original songs and screenplays, blending humor and social commentary in his work.\nAs a cabaret artist, he helped popularize the genre in Poland during the interwar period.\nTom also directed stage plays and films, demonstrating his multifaceted talents behind the scenes.\nHis legacy endures in Polish cultural history as a trailblazer of modern performing arts.

Jean Bruchési was a distinguished Canadian historian and author whose research focused on the history of New France and cultural heritage of French Canada. Born in Montreal, he earned his doctorate in history and began teaching at the Université de Montréal, where he influenced generations of students. Bruchési authored several scholarly works and popular histories that shed light on colonial administration, religious missions, and Franco-Canadian identity. He held leadership roles in the Canadian Historical Association and served on national councils dedicated to heritage preservation. Bruchési's writing combined rigorous scholarship with engaging narrative, earning him recognition across Canada. He passed away in 1979, leaving a significant legacy in Canadian historiography.

Joseph Krumgold was born in New York City in 1908 and began his career as a Hollywood screenwriter. He transitioned to writing for young readers, drawing on his wartime experiences and narrative skill. Krumgold became the first author to win two Newbery Medals for his novels And Now Miguel and Onion John. His work is praised for its authenticity, emotional depth, and vivid portrayal of youth. He also served in the U.S. Army during World War II and later taught writing workshops. Krumgold's legacy endures in the world of American children's literature.

Lev Kopelev was born in Kyiv in 1912 and studied philology at Moscow State University. He served in the Red Army during World War II and was wounded at Stalingrad. In 1968 he was arrested for criticizing Stalinism and later stripped of his Soviet citizenship. Kopelev moved to West Germany, where he taught at the University of Konstanz and continued to write. His memoirs, including The Education of a True Believer, offer a poignant account of moral awakening under totalitarianism. Kopelev's work influenced human rights discourse until his death in 1997.

Johannes Bobrowski was born in East Prussia and studied law before turning to writing. His work combined poetry and song lyrics, drawing on Pomeranian folklore to explore themes of memory, loss, and identity. His first collection Sarmatische Zeit established him as a distinctive voice in postwar German literature. He collaborated with composers to set many of his poems to music, extending his influence beyond the page. Bobrowski's realist style and evocative imagery captured the tensions of a generation rebuilding after World War II. He published several successful volumes before his death in 1965. His legacy endures in German letters and in the songs that continue to carry his words to new audiences.

Henry Hewes was born in 1917 and became one of America's most respected theater critics. Writing for publications such as Saturday Review, he championed both Broadway hits and avant-garde productions. In 1955, he established the Drama Desk Awards to honor excellence across New York theater venues. Hewes's insightful reviews and advocacy helped bring attention to emerging playwrights and companies. His books on theater history and criticism remain essential reading for scholars and practitioners. He continued writing and lecturing until his death in 2006, leaving a lasting impact on American theater.

Born Christian Anton Mayer, he wrote imaginative novels that combine historical detail with environmental concerns. Amery was a key figure in Germany's ecological literary scene from the 1960s onward. His works often explore the impact of human activity on nature through speculative narratives. He was active in environmental movements and used his writing to advocate for ecological awareness. His innovative style earned him recognition as one of Germany's leading literary voices. He continued to publish acclaimed novels and essays until his death in 2005.

A distinguished professor of history, he dedicated his career to exploring the origins and interpretations of the U.S. Constitution. Levy authored numerous influential books, including studies on the First and Fifth Amendments. His meticulous research shed light on the development of American legal principles from the founding era to modern times. He served on academic boards and received multiple awards for his contributions to historical scholarship. Levy's work continues to be a cornerstone in the field of constitutional history. He passed away in 2006, leaving a lasting legacy among legal historians.