July 12

Born in 1468, Juan del Encina served as both a poet and composer at the royal courts of Spain. He wrote some of the earliest secular Spanish plays, blending music and theatre in innovative ways. His pastoral eclogues and lyrical compositions laid foundations for Spanish literature and music. Del Encina traveled to Italy, absorbing humanist influences that enriched his artistic style. His surviving works include dozens of villancicos and dramatic interludes still studied as landmarks of the period. He died around 1530, leaving a lasting legacy on the Spanish Golden Age of arts.

Thoreau was a leading figure in the American transcendentalist movement alongside Ralph Waldo Emerson. He spent two years living simply at Walden Pond, reflecting on nature, society, and self-reliance. His book 'Walden' offered a seminal critique of materialism and an enduring call to return to nature. In his essay 'Civil Disobedience', Thoreau championed the moral importance of resisting unjust laws. His writings have inspired social and environmental movements around the world. Thoreau's blend of lyrical prose and ethical conviction continues to influence writers, activists, and thinkers today.

Stefan George was born in Bingen am Rhein in 1868 and emerged as a central figure in German Symbolism. His poetry collections, such as ‘Pilgerfahrten’ and ‘Hymnen’, showcased his precise, ritualistic style and exploration of aesthetic ideals. George founded the George-Kreis, an exclusive literary circle that included writers and intellectuals devoted to his artistic vision. He translated works from ancient Greek and modern French poets, furthering cultural exchange. George’s influence extended to political thinkers and artists of the time, despite his reclusive nature. He died in 1933, and his work continues to be studied for its formal innovation and ideological undertones.

Max Jacob was born in Quimper, France in 1876 and moved to Paris, where he became involved with the Symbolist and later Cubist movements. He published collections of poetry, such as ‘Le cornet à dés’ and ‘La défense de Tartuffe’, blending humor and religious themes. Jacob also created paintings and caricatures, contributing to early 20th-century art criticism. A convert to Catholicism, he explored spiritual themes in his work. During World War II, Jacob was arrested as a Jew and interned at Drancy before being released due to ill health; he died in 1944. His multidisciplinary talents and connections with artists like Guillaume Apollinaire and Pablo Picasso cemented his place in modern art history.

Han Yong-un (1879–1944), also known by his pen name Manhae, was a Korean Buddhist monk, poet, and political reformer. He played a central role in the March 1st Movement of 1919 and faced imprisonment for his activism. His landmark poetry collection "Nimui Chimmu" (Silence of Love) is celebrated for its emotional depth and modern style. As a leading advocate for Buddhist modernism, he wrote extensively on religion, nationalism, and social change. Han’s blend of spirituality and political engagement helped inspire Korea’s cultural revival and independence movement.

Bruno Schulz (1892–1942) grew up in the multicultural town of Drohobych, where he drew inspiration for his dreamlike narratives. His collections, The Street of Crocodiles and Cinnamon Shops, blend personal memories with mythic imagery, influencing generations of writers and artists. Schulz was also a gifted illustrator and painter, creating haunting self-portraits and interior scenes marked by rich symbolism. During the Nazi occupation of Poland, he was forced to teach at a Jewish ghetto school and was executed in 1942. Despite his premature death, Schulz's poetic prose and visual art continue to captivate readers and scholars worldwide.

Pablo Neruda was a Chilean poet, diplomat, and politician, widely regarded as one of the greatest literary figures of the 20th century. He published his first collection, Twenty Love Poems and a Song of Despair, at age 20, which remains a landmark in romantic poetry. Neruda’s work ranged from surrealist verse to epic celebrations of politics and nature, reflecting his communist beliefs and love for his homeland. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1971, he served as Chile’s consul in various countries and briefly as a senator. His poetic legacy endures, inspiring readers with its emotional depth, social conscience, and lyrical beauty.

Pierre Berton rose to fame with his vivid narratives of Canadian frontier history. His bestselling works include The National Dream and The Last Spike. As a CBC broadcaster and magazine columnist, he made history accessible to many. He earned the Officer of the Order of Canada for his literary contributions. His engaging style inspired generations to explore Canada's past. Berton remained a beloved public figure until his death in 2004.

James E. Gunn published his first short story in 1948 and became a prolific writer. He founded the Center for the Study of Science Fiction at the University of Kansas. Gunn served as president of the Science Fiction Writers of America and world conventions. His works, such as The Immortals, explored themes of humanity and technology. He received the SFWA Grand Master Award and the Pilgrim Award for lifetime achievement. Gunn continued writing and mentoring young authors until his death in 2020.

Born in New York City, Westlake wrote over 100 novels under his name and pseudonyms like Richard Stark. He created the hard-boiled Parker series and the comedic Dortmunder books, blending sharp wit with caper plots. Several of his works were adapted into films, including The Hot Rock and The Grifters. Westlake also penned screenplays for Hollywood productions and won multiple Edgar Awards. In 2009, he was posthumously named a Mystery Writers of America Grand Master. His influence on crime fiction endures through his unforgettable characters and clever storytelling.

Delia Ephron is an American author, playwright, and screenwriter born on July 12, 1944. She began her career writing comedic novels and plays, earning recognition for her sharp dialogue and keen observations of modern life. Transitioning to film, she co-wrote screenplays for movies such as This Is My Life (1992) and You've Got Mail (1998), collaborating with her sister Nora Ephron. Her writings blend humor with heartfelt storytelling, resonating with audiences across mediums. Over a career spanning decades, she has influenced both literary and cinematic landscapes with her distinctive voice.

Elias Khoury (July 12, 1948 – 2024) was a Lebanese novelist, playwright, and leading intellectual whose work delved into the complexities of the Middle East. His acclaimed novel 'Gate of the Sun' is considered a seminal text on the Palestinian refugee experience, blending historical narrative with personal testimony. Khoury's plays and essays addressed themes of memory, nationalism, and social upheaval. He co-founded the Beirut newspaper Al-Nahar and taught at universities worldwide, fostering dialogue on culture and politics. Recognized with numerous literary awards, his writing left an enduring impact on Arab literature and global human rights discourse.