August 21

Emilio Salgari was an Italian journalist and prolific author of adventure novels. He pioneered the genre of swashbuckling tales set in exotic locations across Asia and the Americas. His most famous character, Sandokan the Pirate, became an icon of Italian popular literature. Salgari wrote over 100 novels and numerous short stories in his career. He had no formal training and conducted much of his research in public libraries. His works inspired countless adaptations for film, theater, and comics. Despite his literary success, Salgari struggled financially throughout his life and faced personal tragedy. He died in 1911, leaving a legacy that endures in Italian culture and beyond.

William Henry Ogilvie was a Scottish-Australian poet celebrated for his lyrical bush ballads. Born in Scotland, he emigrated to Australia in the late 19th century and immersed himself in rural life. His poetry captured the spirit of the Australian outback, depicting drovers, stockmen, and wide-open landscapes. Ogilvie published several collections, including "Fair Girls and Gray Horses" and "Hearts of Gold". His work influenced the Bulletin school of Australian poetry and remains a touchstone for bush literature. He later returned to the United Kingdom but continued to write about Australia. Ogilvie died in 1963, leaving behind a rich legacy of verse.

Ruth Manning-Sanders was a prolific writer who brought traditional fairy tales to new audiences. Born in 1886 in Wales, she wrote over 90 books, including more than 30 anthologies of folk tales from around the world. Her retellings were praised for their lyrical style and faithful presentation of cultural themes. Manning-Sanders also published poetry, biographies, and novels. Her work played a significant role in preserving and popularizing global folklore in the mid-20th century. She travelled extensively to research tales and often included her own introspective commentary. She died in 1988, leaving a rich legacy in children's literature.

Angel Karaliychev (1902–1972) was a Bulgarian writer whose imaginative works helped define modern children's literature in Bulgaria. Beginning his career in the interwar period, he authored fairy tales, short stories, and novels that blended folklore with contemporary themes. Karaliychev was an active member of Bulgarian literary circles, promoting cultural dialogue and preserving national heritage. His writings often explored social issues and the human spirit through accessible language. Over a career spanning five decades, Karaliychev's influence extended through his editorial work and mentorship of younger writers.

Can Yücel is regarded as one of Turkey's most influential modern poets, known for his free verse and witty language. Born in Istanbul, he studied linguistics before devoting himself to poetry and translation. Yücel translated major works by Shakespeare, García Lorca, and Pablo Neruda into Turkish, making world literature accessible to Turkish readers. His poems often mixed humor, eroticism, and social critique, earning him both acclaim and controversy. He continued to write and lecture until his death in 1999, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking literary contributions.

X. J. Kennedy introduced readers to traditional poetic forms with a modern sensibility, producing collections like The Battle of the Ants and Nerve House. As a translator, he brought works by Claudio Rodríguez and other contemporary poets into English. Kennedy co-authored several influential poetry anthologies and taught creative writing for decades at Montclair State University. His children's poetry, including The Nickelodeon, remains widely used in schools. Celebrated for his precision and humor, Kennedy has shaped American poetry and education across six decades.

Barry Norman was a respected authority on cinema for over three decades. He hosted the BBC's flagship film review show, offering insightful commentary and interviews. Norman authored several books on film and biographies of cinematic icons. His trademark quiff and understated style made him instantly recognizable. He championed both mainstream and independent films, forgoing industry hype. Through radio and print, he expanded his influence beyond television. His legacy endures in the way audiences engage with film criticism today.

Robert Stone was an acclaimed author known for his gritty narratives and complex characters. His 1974 novel 'Dog Soldiers' won the National Book Award and solidified his place in American literature. Stone's works often explore themes of moral ambiguity, war, and personal redemption. He taught writing at various universities and inspired a new generation of writers. Over his four-decade career, he published ten novels and numerous short stories.

Dominick Harrod built a reputation as a leading financial journalist at the BBC, interpreting complex economic issues for a broad audience. He served as BBC's Economics Editor throughout the 1980s and 1990s, covering major events like the Thatcher era and global market shifts. An accomplished author, he wrote several books on economic history and financial policy. Educated at Oxford, Harrod combined rigorous scholarship with accessible writing. He mentored young journalists and remained an influential voice until his passing in 2013.

Jonathan Schell reported on global politics and environmental issues for publications like The Nation and The New Yorker. His book 'The Fate of the Earth' brought public attention to the existential threat of nuclear war. He explored themes of power, nonviolence, and moral responsibility in works such as 'The Unconquerable World'. A Yale graduate, he received critical acclaim for blending rigorous research with compelling narrative. His advocacy for peace and disarmament left a lasting legacy in journalism and activism until his death in 2014.

Lucius Shepard emerged as a leading voice in science fiction and fantasy during the 1980s. His novella 'Life During Wartime' earned him the World Fantasy Award, showcasing his vivid storytelling and thematic depth. Shepard's work often fused magical realism with geopolitical and psychological themes, as seen in stories like 'The Man Who Painted the Dragon Griaule'. He won multiple Nebula and Hugo nominations and served as a critic for the Science Fiction Writers of America. His narratives, noted for their lush prose and moral complexity, continue to influence speculative fiction since his passing in 2014.

Celia Brayfield is an English journalist and novelist whose work spans both non-fiction and fiction. She began her career as a newspaper columnist before publishing her first novel. Brayfield's books often explore contemporary social themes with wit and drama. She has written for major British newspapers and magazines, sharing her sharp cultural commentary. In addition to novels, she has authored guidebooks on creative writing. Her engaging writing style has earned her a dedicated readership. Brayfield also lectures and teaches writing workshops, mentoring aspiring authors.