May 05

Born in 1282 as a grandson of King Alfonso X, Juan Manuel became Prince of Villena in Spain. He is considered one of the earliest writers of prose fiction in Spanish literature. His most famous work, "El Conde Lucanor", is a collection of didactic stories blending folklore and moral instruction. A skilled politician and military leader, he served as governor in several regions and acted as a mediator in royal conflicts. Juan Manuel’s literary legacy influenced generations of Spanish authors and helped standardize the Castilian language.

Henryk Sienkiewicz was a Polish novelist, journalist, and Nobel laureate born in 1846. He gained fame for his epic historical novels, including 'Quo Vadis', 'With Fire and Sword', and 'The Deluge', which vividly depicted Poland's past. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1905, he was honored for his outstanding merits as an epic writer. Sienkiewicz began his career as a foreign correspondent, reporting on the Franco-Prussian War and the Russo-Turkish War. His works combined adventure, romance, and patriotic fervor that resonated with readers worldwide. During his lifetime, he used his popularity to support Polish refugees and promote national causes. He died in Switzerland in 1916, leaving a legacy as one of Poland's most celebrated literary figures.

Nellie Bly, born in 1864 as Elizabeth Cochran, became one of America's first investigative reporters. She gained fame in 1887 by feigning insanity to report on conditions in a women's asylum, publishing her findings in the 'World' newspaper. Bly's daring approach challenged social norms and improved mental health care. In 1889 she set out to circumnavigate the globe, completing the journey in 72 days and capturing public imagination. Beyond reporting, she wrote books, including 'Around the World in Seventy-Two Days', and advocated for women's rights. Throughout her career, she worked to expose injustice and promote reform. Bly died in 1922, leaving a legacy as a trailblazer in journalism.

Helen Maud Merrill was an American poet whose work often explored themes of nature, love, and introspection. Born in 1865, she contributed lyrical poems to various literary magazines of her time. Merrill's verses displayed delicate imagery and a melodic sense of rhythm. She was active in regional literary circles and shared her work in poetry salons and journals. Her writing reflected the influence of Romantic and Victorian traditions. Though less known today, her poetry resonated with contemporary readers and offers insight into the literary culture of her era.

A graduate of Haverford and Oxford, Morley began his career as a journalist in New York. He authored over 75 books, including the best-selling novel "Kitty Foyle" and charming travel essays. Morley co-founded the literary magazine The Saturday Review in 1924, shaping American literary culture. A passionate book collector, he was a founding member of the Baker Street Irregulars, a Sherlock Holmes society. His engaging style and humor influenced generations of readers and writers.

Daryna Dmytrivna Polotniuk was a prominent voice in Bukovinian journalism, capturing the social and cultural life of her region in the mid-20th century. Her articles and essays appeared in leading local publications, where she advocated for Ukrainian language and heritage. Polotniuk authored several books of reportage and memoirs that provided valuable insights into Bukovina's wartime and postwar experiences. She combined journalistic rigor with literary style, earning recognition among peers and readers alike. Her work helped document the voices of ordinary people during times of political upheaval. Through her writing, Polotniuk preserved the historical memory of Bukovina for future generations.

Leo Lionni revolutionized children's literature with books like 'Frederick' and 'Swimmy', combining simple narratives with striking collage artwork. After a career in graphic design and advertising, he turned to writing and illustrating books that explore themes of community, individuality, and creativity. Lionni's distinctive visual style used torn paper and bold colors to captivate young readers. He won multiple awards, including the Newbery Honor and Caldecott Honors, for his contributions to children's literature. His stories have been translated into numerous languages and remain beloved worldwide. Lionni's legacy endures in the countless artists and authors inspired by his innovative approach to picture books.

Eddie Linden was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and became an active figure in the British literary scene after moving to London in the 1960s. He founded and edited the poetry magazine Aquarius, which showcased emerging writers and poets. Linden’s own poetry explored themes of identity, spirituality, and social justice, reflecting his deep compassion. He collaborated with prominent poets such as W.H. Auden and Allen Ginsberg, fostering creative communities. Linden worked as a bookseller and music promoter, bridging literary and cultural circles. In 2007, he received the Cholmondeley Award for Poets in recognition of his contributions to poetry. He continued mentoring young writers until his passing in 2023, leaving a legacy of literary support and advocacy.

Michael Palin first gained fame as part of the Monty Python comedy troupe, writing and performing in groundbreaking sketch shows and films like 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail'. Transitioning to solo work, he starred in television series such as 'Ripping Yarns' and co-wrote award-winning screenplays. In the 1980s, Palin embarked on a new career as a travel presenter, producing acclaimed BBC documentary series that took him around the world. His travel books, based on these journeys, blend humor with thoughtful cultural observations. An accomplished actor, writer, and adventurer, Palin has charmed audiences for decades with his wit and curiosity.

Ignacio Ramonet began his career in print journalism before becoming editor-in-chief of the influential French newspaper Le Monde diplomatique. He has authored seminal works on media theory, globalization, and geopolitics, including 'The Torture of Images' and 'Empire of the Image'. Ramonet's research blends academic rigor with clear prose, making complex topics accessible to a broad readership. He has lectured at universities worldwide and founded media studies programs. His work critiques corporate journalism and advocates for media democracy. Ramonet's insights have shaped discussions on information power in the digital age.

Born in 1944 and raised in Wales, John Rhys-Davies gained fame as Sallah in Raiders of the Lost Ark and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. He portrayed the dwarf warrior Gimli in Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy. Rhys-Davies co-starred in the science fiction series Sliders as Professor Maximilian Arturo. In addition to acting, he has worked as a screenwriter and voice actor in various film and video game projects. Known for his commanding presence and versatility, he continues to perform on stage and screen.

Starting as a Rolling Stone music critic, Loder profiled major rock acts and trends. He became MTV News’s first on-air anchor in the early 1980s, pioneering music television journalism. Authored several books on rock music history and pop culture. Known for incisive interviews with artists such as Madonna and Nirvana. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the Musical Excellence (Press) category. Continues to shape music media as a commentator and critic.