August 15

Born in Florence in 1432, Luigi Pulci was a prominent literary figure in Lorenzo de' Medici's circle. His masterpiece Morgante is a burlesque epic blending chivalric romance with humorous satire. He also wrote political satires and shorter poetic works. Pulci's writings influenced later Renaissance literature by challenging traditional epic forms. He died in 1484, leaving behind a colorful legacy in Italian letters.

Matthias Claudius was born in Reinfeld, Germany, in 1740 and initially studied law before committing to writing. In 1771, he founded and edited the influential weekly journal 'Der Wandsbecker Bote,' where he published essays and poems marked by simplicity and introspection. His lyrical works, including the beloved evening song 'Der Mond ist aufgegangen,' captured the somber beauty of rural life and human emotion. Claudius’s poetry became a cornerstone of the German sentimentalist movement and influenced Romantic writers. He also worked as a translator, bringing English literary works to German readers. Claudius remained active until his death in 1815, and his contributions continue to be celebrated in German literature.

Sir Walter Scott was born in Edinburgh in 1771 and trained as a lawyer while nurturing a passion for poetry and history. His anonymously published novel 'Waverley' (1814) pioneered the genre of historical romance and achieved great success. Scott’s subsequent works, including 'Rob Roy,' 'Ivanhoe,' and 'The Lady of the Lake,' combined adventure, folklore, and vivid character studies rooted in Scottish history. He served as Clerk of Session in Edinburgh and co-founded 'The Edinburgh Review,' influencing British literary culture. Knighted in 1820 by King George IV, Scott enjoyed international fame but faced financial difficulties later in life. He continued to write prolifically until his death in 1832, and his impact on historical fiction endures to this day.

Thomas De Quincey was an English essayist and literary critic born on August 15, 1785. He rose to prominence with his autobiographical work 'Confessions of an English Opium-Eater', published in 1821, offering a candid account of addiction. His lyrical prose and reflective essays influenced the Romantic movement and later writers such as Baudelaire and Poe. De Quincey contributed articles to leading periodicals, exploring literature, philosophy, and politics. Despite health and financial struggles, he produced a substantial body of essays, reviews, and translations. His vivid style and introspective narratives continue to be celebrated for their psychological depth and innovation.

Eliza Lee Cabot Follen was an American author and abolitionist born on August 15, 1787. She wrote poetry, hymns, and moral tales for children, emphasizing virtues and compassion. As an editor, she compiled influential anthologies and championed educational and religious literature. A committed abolitionist, Follen used her writings to speak out against slavery alongside leading activists. She balanced literary pursuits with philanthropic efforts, advocating for social justice and moral improvement. Her legacy endures in early American literature and the history of the abolitionist movement.

Louise Colet was born on August 15, 1810, and became a prominent figure in French literary circles. She authored collections of poetry that explored love, nature, and human emotion with vivid imagery. Colet hosted a celebrated Paris salon, attracting writers like Gustave Flaubert and Victor Hugo. Her relationship with Flaubert influenced both their works, with notable correspondence revealing intellectual exchanges. A pioneer among women writers, she challenged social norms and advocated for female artistic expression. Though later overshadowed by successors, her contributions helped shape Romantic and realist literary trends. She died in 1876, leaving a legacy of poetic innovation and cultural engagement.

Born Edith Nesbit in 1858, she co-founded the Fabian Society and blended social awareness with imaginative storytelling. Her groundbreaking approach treated child readers as intelligent peers, inspiring generations of writers. Works like "The Railway Children" and her fantasy tales introduced everyday magic grounded in domestic life. Beyond fiction, she wrote poetry, plays, and essays on education and social reform. Nesbit’s friendship with fellow writers, including H. G. Wells, enriched her creative circle. Her influence endures in children’s literature, celebrated for empathy and innovation.

Edna Ferber was born in 1885 and began her writing career as a newspaper reporter in Chicago. She won the Pulitzer Prize for her novel 'So Big' in 1924 and wrote bestsellers such as 'Show Boat', 'Cimarron', and 'Giant'. Many of her stories were adapted into successful films and Broadway shows, solidifying her impact on both literature and popular culture. Ferber's writing often addressed themes of ambition, identity, and social change. She became one of the most commercially successful American authors of her time.

Jan Brzechwa was born in 1898 and became one of Poland's most beloved literary figures. His playful verses, including classics like 'Pan Kleks,' delighted children across generations. Brzechwa also translated works from other languages and balanced his writing career with a profession as a Warsaw lawyer. His inventive wordplay and humorous storytelling made him a staple in schools and libraries. Over his lifetime, he wrote dozens of books that combined satire, fantasy, and moral lessons. He passed away in 1966, leaving behind a rich legacy in Polish children's literature.

Jan Campert was a Dutch journalist and literary critic born in 1902. He contributed articles and reviews to leading Amsterdam newspapers and magazines during the interwar period. Campert is best known for his poem 'De achttien dooden', written in tribute to resistance fighters executed by the Nazis. He joined the Dutch Resistance during World War II, aiding underground publications and helping escapees. Arrested in 1941, he died in Neuengamme concentration camp in 1943 but remains a symbol of courage and artistic defiance.

Aleks Çaçi was an Albanian writer and journalist born in 1916, who played a significant role in his country's literary scene. He worked for leading newspapers and cultural journals, using his platform to explore social themes and national identity. Çaçi authored novels, short stories, and essays that depicted everyday life in Albania, blending realism with a poetic sensibility. He served in editorial roles and mentored young writers, helping to shape the post-war generation of Albanian literature. His works are celebrated for their empathy, insight, and vivid portrayal of community.

Born in Derry in 1919, Benedict Kiely studied at University College Dublin before embarking on a prolific writing career. He served as a literary editor and columnist for several Irish newspapers and magazines, shaping public discourse through his journalism. Kiely wrote novels, short stories, and essays that explored Irish culture, identity, and folklore. His contributions earned him critical acclaim and multiple literary awards. Later in life, he lectured at universities in the United States and Ireland, sharing his passion for literature. He died in 2007, remembered as a leading voice in twentieth-century Irish letters.