June 28

Born in 1508, Trubar became a Catholic priest before embracing Protestant ideas and helping introduce the Reformation to the Slovene lands. He authored and published the first known printed works in Slovene, including a catechism and primer, thus laying the foundations for Slovene literary culture. Trubar worked in various German cities and collaborated with fellow reformers on translating religious texts. His efforts promoted literacy and national identity among Slovene speakers. He died in 1586, leaving a lasting legacy as the father of Slovenian literature.

Alexandros Rizos Rangavis was born in 1810 on the island of Cephalonia and educated in Greece and Western Europe. He became a prolific writer of poetry, drama, and travel literature, helping to shape the modern Greek literary language. Rangavis also pursued a diplomatic career, representing Greece in various European capitals. He served as Greek Foreign Minister and worked to strengthen Greece's international standing after independence. His literary salons in Athens were venues for intellectual exchange among writers and politicians. Rangavis's oeuvre includes epics, odes, and translations that bridged classical themes with contemporary issues. He died in 1892, remembered as both a literary pioneer and a committed public servant.

Born in 1885 in Malye Derbety, Khlebnikov studied law and mathematics before embracing avant-garde art. He co-founded the Russian Futurist movement and coined the term zaum for his transrational language experiments. His poetry and dramatic works challenged conventional syntax and explored the musicality of words. Khlebnikov traveled through Central Asia to gather folklore, influencing his visionary writings. His innovative techniques and theoretical essays inspired later avant-garde and modernist artists.

Born in 1844 in Brighton, Carpenter studied at Cambridge but rejected the Anglican ministry in favor of socialism. A disciple of John Ruskin, he championed labor rights, vegetarianism, and communal living. His poetry blended romanticism with social critique, offering a visionary Utopian outlook. In 1908, he published The Intermediate Sex, one of the first modern works advocating for homosexual emancipation. Carpenter’s ideas influenced figures such as Mahatma Gandhi and shaped early 20th-century social movements.

Born in 1870 in Vilnius, Berkman immigrated to the United States in 1888 and embraced anarchist ideology. He attempted the assassination of industrialist Henry Clay Frick, leading to fourteen years in prison. His Prison Memoirs of an Anarchist (1912) offered a gripping account of his incarceration and political beliefs. Berkman edited radical newspapers, organized labor unions, and wrote extensively on workers’ rights. In later years, he moved to the Soviet Union but became disillusioned, spending his final years in Moscow. He died in 1936, leaving a legacy of uncompromising commitment to freedom and justice.

Stanislav Kostka Neumann (1875–1947) was a prominent Czech writer, poet, and journalist. He began his career as a Symbolist poet and later embraced anarchist and proletarian themes. Neumann contributed to the development of modern Czech literature through his experimental poetry and prose. He was also active in social and political movements, advocating for workers' rights and artistic freedom. As a journalist, he edited several literary journals, fostering emerging Czech authors. His legacy endures in the Czech literary canon as a pioneer of avant-garde literature.

Born in 1924 in Syracuse, New York, Serling began his career writing for radio dramas before transitioning to television in the 1950s. His sharp social commentary and twist endings defined The Twilight Zone, which aired from 1959 to 1964 and won multiple Emmy Awards. Serling was a vocal advocate for writers' rights and often fought censorship to preserve his creative vision. Beyond The Twilight Zone, he wrote award-winning teleplays such as Patterns and Planet of the Apes. His work has influenced generations of science fiction and speculative storytellers. Serling died in 1975, leaving a legacy as one of television's most innovative voices.

Born in Chicago in 1905, Ward studied art in the United States and Germany, mastering the techniques of wood engraving. In 1929 he published Gods' Man, regarded as the first American wordless novel, followed by masterpieces such as Madman's Drum and Wild Pilgrimage. His dramatic black-and-white visuals explored social and psychological themes, influencing the development of graphic novels and comics. Beyond his own books, Ward taught at the University of Wisconsin and contributed illustrations to literary magazines. His innovative fusion of narrative and art left a lasting imprint on visual storytelling. Ward died in 1985, but his work continues to inspire artists and writers alike.

Joan Lowery Nixon was born in Pasadena, California in 1927 and began her career as a journalist at the Houston Post. She transitioned to fiction writing and published over 100 books, including award-winning young adult mysteries and historical novels. Nixon won multiple Edgar Awards for works like The Other Side of Dark and The Kidnapping of Christina Lattimore. Her books are praised for their tightly plotted suspense, well-researched settings, and relatable characters. She influenced generations of young readers and aspiring writers with her compelling storytelling. Nixon’s legacy lives on through her enduring contributions to youth literature.

Anthony Buckeridge was born in 1912 and began his writing career contributing sketches to radio and magazines. He published the first Jennings book, Jennings Goes to School, in 1950, introducing the mischievous schoolboy character. The Jennings series captured the adventures and misadventures of its protagonist with wit and charm. Buckeridge wrote dozens of novels for children, many of which were translated into multiple languages. His stories were adapted for radio and television, endearing him to audiences across generations. He remains celebrated for his contribution to mid-20th-century children’s literature.

Robert Sabatier (1923-2012) was a prolific French writer whose works include poetry collections and the acclaimed childhood memoir trilogy starting with 'Les Allumettes Suédoises'. He grew up in Pantin, near Paris, and his writings often reflect his working-class roots and nostalgic reflections on youth. Sabatier also served as a literature professor and was a founding member of the Académie Mallarmé. His contributions to French letters earned him the Grand Prix de Poésie from the Académie Française. Known for his rich imagery and emotional depth, Sabatier left an enduring mark on 20th-century French literature.

F. D. Reeve was born in 1928 and became a distinguished professor of literature at City College of New York. He authored several collections of poetry and was praised for his lyrical style and thematic depth. As a translator, Reeve introduced English-speaking audiences to major Russian poets, earning acclaim for his accuracy and poetic sensitivity. He served as the father of actor Christopher Reeve and played an active role in New York's literary community. His contributions to both creative writing and literary scholarship have inspired students and readers across generations.