May 06

Born in Amiens in 1668, Lesage initially struggled to find success as a dramatist until his comedy Les Visionnaires (1705) gained attention. He achieved popularity with the satirical novel Le Diable boiteux (1707), which poked fun at Madrid society and morality. His masterpiece, the novel Gil Blas, serialized between 1715 and 1735, follows the adventures of a young valet navigating corruption and fortune across Spain. Lesage’s works combined sharp social critique, humor, and vivid characterizations, influencing later novelists across Europe. He also served as royal censor and translator, bringing Spanish literature to French audiences. After spending his final years in Madrid at the Spanish court, he died in 1747. Lesage is celebrated for his wit and pioneering contributions to the European novel genre.

Max Eyth was born in Kirchheimbolanden, Germany in 1836. He studied mechanical engineering at the University of Stuttgart and became a pioneer in agricultural machinery design. Eyth traveled extensively through Europe and the United States, documenting farming techniques and rural life. He authored several popular travel books that combined technical insights with vivid storytelling. His work influenced agricultural research and inspired the founding of experimental farms. He served as director of the German Agricultural Society and advocated for modern farming methods. Eyth's legacy endures through his writings and contributions to agricultural engineering.

Gaston Leroux was born in Paris, France in 1868. He began his career as a court reporter and journalist for Le Matin newspaper. Leroux turned to fiction and published detective novels featuring sleuth Joseph Rouletabille. In 1910 he released "Le Fantôme de l'Opéra" ("The Phantom of the Opera"), achieving global fame. His works combined gothic elements, mystery, and romantic melodrama. Leroux traveled extensively and often incorporated real locations into his settings. He influenced the mystery genre and saw many adaptations of his stories in film and theatre. Leroux passed away in 1927, leaving a legacy as a master of suspense and horror.

Christian Morgenstern was a German writer known for his inventive poetry in collections such as 'Galgenlieder' (Gallows Songs), which blend humor, paradox, and philosophical depth. He experimented with language to create playful effects that challenged conventional poetic forms. Beyond poetry, Morgenstern translated works by Walt Whitman and collaborated on essays on language and philosophy. Though his life was cut short by illness, his influence on 20th-century literary movements and surrealist writers endured. His work continues to inspire translators and poets exploring the boundaries of meaning and absurdity.

Júlio César de Mello e Souza was a Brazilian educator, mathematician, and author who gained worldwide fame under the pseudonym Malba Tahan. His 1938 book 'The Man Who Counted' uses engaging storytelling to teach mathematical concepts through the adventures of the fictional Arabian mathematician Beremiz Samir. As a passionate teacher, he wrote dozens of works aimed at making mathematics accessible to young readers, blending puzzles, history, and cultural anecdotes. He held professorial positions in Salvador, Brazil, and played a key role in educational reform. Souza’s unique fusion of narrative and pedagogy has inspired generations of students and educators, and his books remain classics in popular mathematics literature.

Paul Alverdes was born in 1897 and served on the Western Front during World War I, experiences that deeply influenced his writing. His works often reflect themes of camaraderie, loss, and the search for meaning in a fractured world. Alverdes published novels, short stories, and poetry that became part of Germany’s interwar literary scene. After World War II, he continued to write, exploring regional settings and rural life. His poetic language and narrative style have earned him a place among 20th-century German writers.

Born in 1904 to a humble working-class family, Harry Martinson spent his youth as a sailor and wanderer, experiences that inspired his writing. He gained acclaim with poems and essays that blend nature imagery with philosophical reflection. His children’s book "The Wonderful Adventures of Nils" became an international classic. In 1974, Martinson shared the Nobel Prize in Literature for a body of work characterized by poetic imagination and moral depth. His later years were marked by introspection and continued literary achievement until his death in 1978.

Guy des Cars began his career as a journalist before turning to fiction in the mid-20th century. He published more than 30 novels, many of which became best-sellers in post-war France. His works often explored social issues, complex moral dilemmas, and dramatic personal relationships. Des Cars's accessible style and vivid storytelling earned him a wide readership across Europe and beyond. He also wrote essays and memoirs, contributing significantly to French literary culture until his death in 1993.

Theodore H. White was renowned for his pioneering series "The Making of the President," which detailed American election campaigns. He won a Pulitzer Prize for his coverage of China in 1949, providing deep context to global audiences. White's narrative style combined rigorous research with vivid storytelling, influencing generations of political journalists. He taught at Harvard and wrote for prominent publications, shaping public understanding of politics and history. His work remains a cornerstone of modern political journalism.

Patricia Helen Kennedy, the eighth child of Joseph and Rose Kennedy, used her prominent family platform to advocate for civil rights and poverty alleviation. She worked with Catholic charities to support underprivileged communities and organized initiatives addressing homelessness in the United States. Kennedy also authored travel memoirs that chronicled her experiences abroad and provided insights into her humanitarian work. Throughout her life, she championed education and cultural exchange, participating in fact-finding missions across Europe and Latin America. Her writings combine personal anecdotes with thoughtful reflection on global social issues. Kennedy's lifelong commitment to activism and literature left a lasting mark beyond her socialite origins.

Ariel Dorfman is an Argentinian writer, playwright, and academic whose work explores exile, human rights, and political violence. Born in Buenos Aires in 1942, he spent his youth in Chile and was forced into exile after the 1973 coup against President Salvador Allende. He is best known for his 1991 play 'Death and the Maiden', which examines themes of justice and memory under dictatorship. Dorfman has published numerous works of fiction and non-fiction, including 'The Last Interview' and the poetry collection 'A Hand with Two Holes'. As a professor at institutions such as Duke University and the University of California, San Diego, he has taught courses on literature, human rights, and globalization. Dorfman's sharp critique of authoritarian regimes and his advocacy for social justice have made him a prominent voice in contemporary Latin American literature.

Jeffery Deaver (born 1950) is a former journalist turned crime fiction author whose novels have sold millions of copies worldwide. He achieved fame with the Lincoln Rhyme series, beginning with 'The Bone Collector', which was adapted into a major film. Deaver is celebrated for his meticulously plotted thrillers, forensic authenticity, and surprise twists that captivate readers. His work has received multiple awards from prominent literary organizations. Beyond writing, he contributes to journalism and conducts workshops on storytelling and investigative reporting.