May 27

Born in 1378 as the sixteenth son of the Hongwu Emperor, he was appointed Prince of Ning and led campaigns against rebels and pirates. A scholar at court, he compiled historical records and wrote treatises on tea culture and music. An accomplished playwright, he authored several dramas that reflected Ming politics and aesthetics. He also amassed an impressive art collection and patronized artists and scholars. His diverse talents bridged military leadership, historiography, and literature in early Ming China. He died in 1448 after a life of service and creativity.

Julia Ward Howe was born in New York City in 1819 and showed early talent as a writer. In 1861 she penned the lyrics to 'The Battle Hymn of the Republic,' which became an enduring anthem of the Union cause. A committed abolitionist, she used her literary gifts to campaign against slavery and later for women’s suffrage. In 1870 she helped convene the Women’s Peace Congress and in 1872 founded the New England Woman Suffrage Association. As the first president of the American Woman Suffrage Association, she worked tirelessly for voting rights and social reform. Howe’s contributions to poetry, music, and social justice made her a prominent figure in 19th-century America. She died in 1910, leaving a legacy of art and activism that continues to inspire.

Arnold Bennett found literary fame with novels such as 'The Old Wives' Tale' and 'Clayhanger,' which vividly portrayed characters in Staffordshire’s pottery towns. Born in Hanley, he drew on his upbringing amid industrial landscapes to explore themes of aspiration and social change. Bennett also wrote plays, journalism, and practical guides on writing and etiquette. His blend of realism and wit earned him international acclaim, influencing both literature and theater. Beyond fiction, he published essays and travel writing, showcasing versatility across genres. Bennett’s works continue to be studied for their rich social commentary and narrative skill.

Aleksa Šantić was a Bosnian Serb poet born in Mostar in 1868. He became one of the leading figures in the cultural revival of Bosnia and Herzegovina at the turn of the 20th century. His verse often combined romantic, patriotic, and social themes. His notable works include the poem 'Emina' and the collection 'Pjesme'. Šantić also worked as a journalist and translator, advocating for the rights of Serbs and Bosniaks under Austro-Hungarian rule. His legacy continues to influence poets in the Balkans, with his poems frequently set to music and recited in literary circles.

Ferdynand Antoni Ossendowski was born in 1876 and began his career as a political activist and journalist. He traveled extensively through Asia, documenting his experiences in books such as 'Beasts, Men and Gods'. His vivid narratives combined keen observation with a flair for adventure, earning him international acclaim. During the Russian Revolution, Ossendowski led an arduous escape across Siberia, further cementing his reputation as an intrepid explorer. Settling in Poland, he continued writing novels, essays, and scientific works, influencing both literary and academic circles.

Max Brod was born in Prague and became a central figure in early 20th-century literature and music. He was a lifelong friend and biographer of Franz Kafka, preserving Kafka's manuscripts against the author's wishes. As a journalist and critic, he supported avant-garde movements and wrote novels, plays, and essays. An accomplished composer, he set many German and Hebrew texts to music for choir and piano. In 1939, he emigrated to Mandatory Palestine, where he continued to write and direct theaters. His efforts ensured Kafka's works became world-renowned classics.

Estonian poet and author Jaan Kärner emerged as a prominent literary voice in the early 20th century. His lyrical poetry collections, such as "Nooruse laulud", celebrate nature, youth, and the human spirit with vivid imagery. Kärner also wrote essays, short stories, and translated works, contributing to the development of modern Estonian prose. He collaborated with Estonian literary circles and periodicals, influencing cultural life during the interwar years. Despite political upheaval, his writings endured, securing his place among Estonia's most beloved poets.

Louis-Ferdinand Céline trained and practiced as a doctor before publishing his first novel in 1932. His debut work, "Journey to the End of the Night", revolutionized literature with its raw, colloquial style and dark humor. He authored a string of novels, blending autobiography and fiction to critique war, colonialism, and human folly. Céline's literary innovations influenced countless writers, though his self-published political pamphlets cast a long shadow over his reputation. After years of exile, he returned to France where he continued writing until his death in 1961.

Dashiell Hammett served as a Pinkerton detective before turning his experiences into gritty crime fiction. His novels "Red Harvest" and "The Maltese Falcon" introduced the hard-boiled detective Sam Spade and redefined the genre. Working also as a screenwriter, he adapted his own works for Hollywood while influencing film noir. Hammett's terse prose, moral ambiguity, and realistic dialogue set a new standard for popular fiction. He was politically active in later years and faced blacklisting during the Red Scare, yet his legacy endures.

Uładzimir Žyłka was a pioneering figure in early 20th-century Belarusian literature. He blended symbolism with national themes in his poetry, capturing the spirit of Belarusian identity. Žyłka also translated major works of world literature into Belarusian, enriching his country's linguistic and cultural heritage. His verses often explored nature, freedom, and the resilience of the human spirit. Under Soviet rule, he faced political repression and was arrested for his nationalist writings. He died in captivity in 1933, but his work continued to inspire future generations of Belarusian writers and poets.

Born Nikos Kalamaris, Nicolas Calas became an influential voice in Surrealist poetry and art criticism during the 20th century. After contributing to avant-garde journals in Paris, he emigrated to the United States in 1939, where he continued his interdisciplinary work. Calas authored poetry collections such as 'Scorpio' and wrote critical essays on modern art, architecture, and literature. His writings explored themes of identity, exile, and the unconscious mind, bridging European and American intellectual circles. As a teacher and lecturer, he mentored young writers and artists, leaving a mark on academic and creative communities. His innovative approach to criticism and verse cemented his reputation as a key figure in transatlantic modernism.

Born in 1912 in Quincy, Massachusetts, John Cheever earned acclaim as a leading voice in American literature. Often called 'the Chekhov of the suburbs,' he explored themes of social status, identity, and moral conflict. His breakthrough came with the short story 'The Swimmer,' published in The New Yorker, which later became a film. Cheever won the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award for his novel 'The Wapshot Chronicle' in 1958. Over his career, he published several novels and numerous stories that delved into the complexities of modern life. His richly drawn characters and elegant prose secured his place among the 20th century's literary greats. He passed away in 1982, leaving behind a profound influence on American fiction.