August 20

Thomas Corneille wrote over thirty plays, including tragedies, comedies, and operatic libretti. His works often adapted classical and contemporary sources, achieving great success on the Parisian stage. A respected philologist, he published studies on ancient and modern languages and served as historiographer to Louis XIV. Corneille was elected to the Académie Française in 1671, recognizing his literary achievements. He collaborated with Jean-Baptiste Lully on several operas and ballet-pantomimes. His influence extended through his translations, essays, and contributions to the theatre of the Grand Siècle.

Bolesław Prus was the pen name of Aleksander Głowacki, a leading figure in Polish literature. He worked as a journalist and editor, using his platform to advocate for social reform. Prus's novels, including 'The Doll' and 'Pharaoh', are celebrated for their psychological depth and realism. His short stories and essays captured the struggles of Polish society under partition. Prus's literary legacy continues to shape Polish cultural and national identity.

Jakub Bart-Ćišinski was a Sorbian writer, poet, and dramatist committed to preserving Sorbian heritage. He authored poetry collections and plays that celebrated folk traditions and rural life. Bart-Ćišinski also worked as a translator, bringing world literature into the Sorbian language. His efforts were central to the Sorbian national revival in the late 19th century. He is remembered as a pioneering voice of the Sorbian literary renaissance.

George Griffith was a Victorian-era writer and journalist who pushed the boundaries of speculative fiction. He gained popularity with works like 'The Angel of the Revolution' and 'A Honeymoon in Space'. Griffith's novels featured advanced technologies, airships, and utopian visions. His serialized stories in magazines reached wide audiences and influenced early science fiction. Despite criticism for scientific inaccuracies, his creative world-building inspired future authors.

Born in Birmingham, England, in 1881, Edgar Albert Guest emigrated to Detroit with his family. He published over 10,000 poems focused on everyday life, hope, and perseverance. Guest's work appeared in newspapers nationwide, earning him the affectionate title "the People's Poet." His verse inspired readers with themes of hard work, family, and moral values. He also wrote essays and delivered lectures, becoming a popular speaker. Guest's legacy endures through his uplifting messages that resonated during challenging times.

Born in Marradi, Italy, in 1885, Dino Campana authored "Canti Orfici," a highly original poetry collection blending vivid imagery and fragmented narrative. His visionary style broke from traditional forms, influencing the Italian avant-garde. Campana's life was marked by mental health struggles and brief periods of intense creativity. Despite publishing only one book in his lifetime, his work achieved cult status among modernist writers. Scholars praise his daring language and emotional depth. Campana's legacy endures as a symbol of literary innovation and passion.

Howard Phillips Lovecraft (1890–1937) was an American writer who pioneered cosmic horror in the early 20th century. His works blend gothic atmosphere with philosophical themes about humanity's insignificance in the universe. He created the Cthulhu Mythos, introducing iconic entities like Cthulhu and Nyarlathotep. Lovecraft's masterful short stories, including 'The Call of Cthulhu' and 'At the Mountains of Madness,' influenced generations of writers and filmmakers. Though largely unrecognized during his lifetime, his posthumous fame reshaped the horror genre and pop culture worldwide.

Tarjei Vesaas (1897–1970) was a leading Norwegian author whose works delved into the complexities of rural life and the human psyche. His poetic language and atmospheric settings are showcased in novels like 'The Ice Palace' and 'The Birds'. Vesaas won the Nordic Council's Literature Prize in 1964 for 'The House in the Dark'. His writings often explore themes of isolation, identity, and the forces of nature. Translated into multiple languages, Vesaas's stories continue to resonate for their universal insight and haunting beauty.

Vilhelm Moberg (1898–1973) was a Swedish historian, journalist, novelist, and playwright whose works chronicled the lives of immigrants and the working class. His most famous work, 'The Emigrants' series, follows a family's journey from Smaland to America in the 19th century, earning international acclaim. Moberg's meticulous research and vivid storytelling brought historical events to life, shedding light on social and cultural struggles. Besides novels, he wrote plays and essays critiquing modern society. His commitment to truth and empathy has made him one of Sweden's most beloved literary figures.

Salvatore Quasimodo (1901–1968) was an influential Italian poet associated with the Hermetic movement, known for his concise and evocative language. He published collections like 'Acque e terre' and 'Ed è subito sera,' blending classical themes with modern sensibilities. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1959, Quasimodo was praised for his profound reflections on human suffering and hope. He also worked as a translator and critic, promoting European literature in Italy. His poetry remains celebrated for its musicality and emotional depth.

Jean Gebser (1905–1973) was a German linguist, poet, and philosopher best known for 'The Ever-Present Origin,' which described the evolution of human consciousness through structures he called archaic, magic, mythic, mental, and integral. His interdisciplinary approach bridged anthropology, history, and psychology, influencing fields from literary theory to cultural studies. As a poet, Gebser wrote lyrical verses reflecting his philosophical ideas. He emigrated to Switzerland in the 1930s, where he taught and wrote until his death. His legacy endures among scholars exploring alternatives to modern rationalism.

Jacqueline Susann was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1918. She began her career as a stage and screen actress in New York City before turning to writing. In 1963 she published her debut novel 'Every Night, Josephine', but achieved fame with 'Valley of the Dolls' in 1966. The book became an international bestseller and a cultural phenomenon for its candid portrayal of fame and scandal. She went on to write other bestsellers, including 'Once Is Not Enough', despite mixed critical reviews. Susann’s flair for melodrama and sensational storytelling has secured her place in popular literary history.