June 05

Pu Songling, born on 5 June 1640 in Zibo, Shandong Province, was a Qing dynasty scholar. Disenchanted with official service, he turned to writing and collected folk legends and ghost stories. His masterpiece, 'Liaozhai Zhiyi' ('Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio'), blends the supernatural with social critique. Unpublished during his lifetime, it gained fame posthumously and influenced Chinese literature. Pu's vivid storytelling and moral insight made his tales enduring classics of vernacular fiction. He died in 1715, remembered as one of China's greatest early modern storytellers.

Born in 1884 in London, Ivy Compton-Burnett became one of the most original voices in 20th-century English literature. Choosing to focus almost exclusively on dialogue, her novels expose power struggles and hidden tensions within aristocratic families. Her keen insights into human behavior earned her critical acclaim and the James Tait Black Memorial Prize in 1957. Notable works include Mother and Son, Manservant and Maidservant, and A House and Its Head. Compton-Burnett’s innovative style continues to influence writers intrigued by the drama of the unspoken.

Born in 1898 in Fuente Vaqueros, Spain, García Lorca was an influential voice in Spanish literature. He published acclaimed poetry collections such as 'Romancero Gitano', blending folklore and symbolism. As a playwright, his works such as 'Blood Wedding' and 'The House of Bernarda Alba' reshaped modern drama. He founded a theatre company and directed innovative stage productions across Spain. Lorca's writing explored themes of love, identity, and social injustice with lyrical intensity. In 1936, amid the Spanish Civil War, he was tragically executed, becoming a symbol of artistic martyrdom. His poetry and plays continue to inspire artists and writers around the world.

Born in 1899 in British Burma, Theippan Maung Wa emerged as a leading literary voice in the early 20th century. Writing under the pen name Theippan Maung Wa, he published realistic short stories in popular journals. His narratives blended satire and social observation, capturing rural life under colonial rule. He also wrote influential essays on education, culture, and national identity. Maung Wa's work laid the groundwork for modern Burmese prose and literary expression. Despite his untimely death in 1942, his stories remain celebrated in Myanmar's literary canon. His influence continues to resonate with writers exploring social realities.

Richard Scarry was born in Boston and served as a photojournalist during World War II. After the war, he created more than 300 children's books, selling over 100 million copies worldwide. His Busytown series featured anthropomorphic animal characters in detailed, busy illustrations that taught young readers vocabulary and social skills. Scarry's warm, humorous style earned him international acclaim and influenced generations of children's literature. He also worked in animation and advertising before focusing solely on books. Scarry died in 1994, leaving an enduring legacy in children's publishing.

Cornelius Ryan was born in Dublin and began his career as a reporter for Reuters and The Daily Telegraph. He gained fame for his meticulous research and vivid storytelling in books such as 'The Longest Day' (1959) and 'A Bridge Too Far' (1974). Ryan's works combined firsthand accounts with strategic analysis, making complex military operations accessible to general readers. His books were adapted into acclaimed Hollywood films that further cemented his reputation. Ryan was awarded several literary honors for his contributions to war history. He died in 1974, leaving a legacy as one of the foremost chroniclers of World War II.

Alifa Rifaat (1930–1996) was an Egyptian writer whose short stories poignantly depicted the inner lives of women within traditional Islamic culture. Trained as a teacher of Arabic language and English literature, she began publishing in the 1970s, earning acclaim for her stark, empathetic narratives. Rifaat's debut collection, Distant Scent, addressed themes of female desire, social constraint, and spiritual longing, and her work was translated into multiple languages. She balanced a modernist literary approach with deep respect for Egyptian heritage and religious values. Beyond fiction, Rifaat wrote articles on women's rights and education in Egyptian newspapers. Her courageous storytelling continues to influence writers and feminists across the Arab world and beyond.

Born in Dublin in 1932 with cerebral palsy, Christy Brown learned to write and paint using his only fully functional limb—his left foot. His 1954 autobiography "My Left Foot" was acclaimed worldwide and adapted into an Oscar-winning film. Brown’s paintings and writings reflected his wit, intelligence, and deep emotional insight. He produced novels, poems, and essays that challenged perceptions of disability and creativity. Despite physical limitations, Brown’s talent and determination made him a cultural icon. He continued to create groundbreaking work until his death in 1981.

Born in 1937 in Oran, Algeria, Hélène Cixous emerged as a leading voice in poststructuralist and feminist thought. Her seminal essay "The Laugh of the Medusa" (1975) challenged traditional literary criticism and advocated for female empowerment through writing. Cixous has published numerous novels, plays, and essays exploring themes of identity, language, and desire. She co-founded the Centre of French and Francophone Studies at the University of California, Berkeley. Her innovative approach to écriture féminine has influenced generations of writers and scholars. Cixous continues to teach, write, and lecture around the world.

Margaret Drabble emerged as a leading literary voice in the 1960s with her debut novel 'The Millstone'. She has explored themes of feminism, family, and social change through a prolific career that includes biographical works on figures like Virginia Woolf. Drabble served as President of the Royal Society of Literature and has received numerous awards for her novels and essays. Her writing is celebrated for its sharp character studies and elegant prose style. She continues to influence contemporary literature with her critical analyses and fictional narratives.

David Hare was born in St. Leonards-on-Sea in 1947 and became known for his incisive plays exploring politics, society, and morality. His works, including 'Plenty', 'Racing Demon', and 'Skylight', have earned Olivier Awards and international acclaim. As a screenwriter and director, Hare adapted novels and original scripts for film, notably 'The Hours' and 'Paris by Night'. His writing combines sharp dialogue with deep examinations of contemporary issues. Hare remains one of Britain's most respected dramatists, with a career spanning theatre and cinema.

Ken Follett was born in Cardiff, Wales in 1949 and achieved global success with his epic historical novel 'The Pillars of the Earth'. His meticulously researched sagas and thrillers, such as 'World Without End' and 'Fall of Giants', have sold over 160 million copies worldwide. Follett's storytelling combines rich historical detail with suspenseful plotting, appealing to a broad readership. He has been honored with numerous literary awards and remains one of the most influential contemporary novelists. Follett continues to publish new works that captivate audiences around the globe.