August 22

Born in Le Havre in 1601, Georges de Scudéry rose to prominence as a versatile literary figure. He authored heroic novels such as 'Ibrahim, ou l'Illustre Bassa', shaping the French romantic hero narrative. As a participant in Parisian salons, he engaged in spirited debates with leading writers of his day. His plays combined classical themes with ornate baroque style, reflecting contemporary tastes. De Scudéry translated works from Spanish and Italian, enriching French literary culture. He served as royal commissioner for poetry and was elected to the Académie Française. He died in 1667, leaving a mark on early modern French literature.

Jean Regnault de Segrais was born in Tours in 1624 and became a notable figure among 17th-century French literati. He authored refined novels and stories that captured the wit and manners of Parisian salons. His poetry, published in prominent journals, reflected classical influences and lyrical grace. Regnault de Segrais collaborated with leading writers, contributing to the evolution of the French novel. He also wrote dramas performed at Parisian theaters, showcasing his versatility. Active within the vibrant literary circles of his time, he influenced subsequent generations of authors. He died in 1701, leaving a legacy of stylistic refinement and narrative innovation.

James Kirke Paulding was born in New York City in 1778. He gained recognition as a poet and satirist, co-authoring the Salmagundi Papers with Washington Irving. Paulding also wrote several plays and contributed to the early American literary scene. In 1838, President Martin Van Buren appointed him as the 11th United States Secretary of the Navy. He oversaw naval administration during a period of modernization and growth. After leaving office, he returned to writing and public affairs. Paulding died in 1860, and he is remembered for his contributions to both American literature and government service.

Samuel David Luzzatto was born in 1800 in Trieste, Italy, into a family of Jewish scholars. He studied classical languages and theology before becoming a professor of Hebrew at the University of Padua. Luzzatto published important critical commentaries on the Hebrew Bible and championed the Wissenschaft des Judentums movement. His poetic works blended traditional Jewish themes with the spirit of the Italian Renaissance. He advocated for religious reform and intellectual freedom within the Jewish community. Luzzatto's scholarly writings influenced generations of biblical scholars and Hebraists. He died in 1865, leaving behind a rich legacy of literary and theological contributions.

Gorch Fock was the pen name of Johann Kinau, a German author and poet renowned for his maritime literature. Born in Finkenwerder in 1880, he captured the life and struggles of sailors in works such as "Seefahrt ist Not". His vivid descriptions of the North Sea and sailor's camaraderie won him a loyal readership across Germany. At the outbreak of World War I, Fock enlisted and served on the Western Front. He was killed in action in 1916 near the Somme, cutting short a promising literary career. His legacy lives on through the German Navy training ship Gorch Fock, named in his honor. Fock's works remain staples of German maritime literature, evoking the rugged spirit of seafaring life.

Dorothy Parker was born in 1893 in New Jersey and rose to prominence in New York City's literary circles. She wrote for Vanity Fair and The New Yorker, gaining fame for her clever poetry and biting social commentary. As a founding member of the Algonquin Round Table, her humor and insight made her a leading wit of the Jazz Age. Parker's work spanned poetry, short stories, and critical reviews, often exposing hypocrisy with irony. She also supported civil rights and co-founded the Hollywood Anti-Nazi League. Despite personal struggles, her legacy endures through her memorable quips and influential writings.

Edward Rowe Snow was an American historian and author born in 1902 who specialized in crafting accessible and entertaining histories for a broad audience. Over his career, he penned numerous books and articles that brought to life tales of American lore, from early settlements to frontier adventures. His engaging style combined rigorous research with vivid storytelling, making complex historical events relatable. Snow's work helped popularize local and maritime history, preserving stories that might otherwise have been forgotten. He engaged with historical societies and lectured widely, earning a dedicated following among history enthusiasts. His writings remain valued for their detailed accounts and narrative flair, ensuring his legacy endures decades after his passing in 1982.

Born in 1909 in New York City, Julius J. Epstein moved to Hollywood and began writing scripts in the late 1930s alongside his twin brother, Philip. The pair co-wrote the screenplay for Casablanca (1942), earning an Academy Award for Best Screenplay. Epstein also penned the script for the dark comedy Arsenic and Old Lace (1944), showcasing his versatility across genres. He later ventured into producing, overseeing film projects that benefited from his narrative expertise. Over a career spanning three decades, Epstein contributed to dozens of films that became staples of American cinema. He served on the Academy's board, advocating for the recognition of screenwriting as a vital art form. Epstein died in 2000, celebrated for his sharp dialogue and enduring influence on Hollywood storytelling.

Jack Dunphy was born in 1914 and began his writing career with short stories in various magazines. He published novels and wrote plays, several of which were staged in New York theaters during the mid-20th century. Dunphy gained wider attention through his personal and professional partnership with Truman Capote, living together for over four decades. His literary works often drew on his own experiences and explored themes of friendship, identity, and creativity. After Capote's death in 1984, Dunphy managed his partner's estate and worked to preserve Capote's literary legacy. Dunphy's blend of candid reflection and theatrical flair earned him respect among readers and theater audiences alike. He passed away in 1992, leaving a unique mark on American literature and drama.

Mary McGrory was a distinguished political columnist whose work appeared in The Washington Star and The Washington Post. Renowned for her wit and compassion, she covered presidential elections and the Vietnam War era with insight and humanity. In 1975, McGrory received the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary, becoming the first woman to win in that category. She interviewed presidents from John F. Kennedy to Bill Clinton, capturing both policy and personality. Beyond journalism, McGrory penned books and taught at Harvard's Nieman Foundation, inspiring future writers.

Ray Bradbury was a master of speculative fiction, whose lyrical prose explored technology's impact on society. He gained fame with The Martian Chronicles, a poetic vision of humanity's colonization of Mars. His dystopian novel Fahrenheit 451 remains a seminal critique of censorship and authoritarianism. Bradbury wrote for television and film, adapting many of his own stories and scripting episodes of The Twilight Zone. Throughout his career, he championed the power of imagination, earning the National Medal of Arts and influencing countless writers.

Dinos Dimopoulos was a prolific Greek film director and screenwriter whose career spanned over four decades. He directed more than 60 films, ranging from light-hearted comedies to poignant dramas reflecting post-war Greek society. As a screenwriter, he crafted engaging stories that balanced social commentary with popular entertainment. Dimopoulos collaborated with prominent actors and helped launch the careers of many Hellenic stars. His works received accolades at international festivals and remain touchstones of classic Greek cinema.