August 28

Born in Inveresk in 1722, Alexander Carlyle studied divinity at the University of Edinburgh and was ordained in the Church of Scotland in 1748. He emerged as a leading figure among the Moderate party, promoting moral philosophy and cultural engagement within the church. Carlyle's friendships with Enlightenment thinkers like David Hume and Adam Smith placed him at the heart of intellectual life in 18th-century Scotland. His memoirs and correspondence provide vivid insights into Scottish society, politics, and ecclesiastical affairs of his time. Elected Moderator of the General Assembly in 1770, he combined pastoral duties with scholarly pursuits until his death in 1805.

Julius Krohn (1835–1888) was a Finnish poet, journalist, and folklorist who applied rigorous methods to collect and analyze traditional Finnish folk songs.\nHe founded the scholarly journal 'Kieletär' and played a key role in the Finnish national awakening by promoting the Finnish language and culture.\nKrohn’s work laid the groundwork for modern folkloristics and influenced the compilation of the Finnish national epic, the Kalevala.\nAs a journalist, he advocated for social and cultural reforms within the Grand Duchy of Finland.\nHis legacy endures in the preservation of folk traditions and the development of ethnographic studies.

Ruth Gordon (1896–1985) was an American actress and Oscar-winning screenwriter celebrated for her dynamic performances. She began her career on Broadway in the 1920s before transitioning to films in the 1940s. Gordon co-wrote the screenplay for 'Adam's Rib' and won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 'Rosemary's Baby.' Her comedic timing and strong presence made her a beloved character actress. Gordon's longevity in entertainment spanned vaudeville, stage, and screen, inspiring many performers.

John Huston (1906–1987) was an influential Irish-American film director, actor, and screenwriter. He directed classics such as 'The Maltese Falcon' and 'The Treasure of the Sierra Madre,' winning two Academy Awards. As a screenwriter, he crafted gripping narratives that blended adventure with deep character study. Huston also appeared on screen in films like 'Chinatown' and 'Prizzi's Honor.' His adventurous life and bold filmmaking style left an indelible mark on Hollywood cinema.

Max Shulman (1919–1988) was an American humorist and author best known for creating the character Dobie Gillis. His collegiate comedies, such as 'My Heart in a Football Goal,' satirized mid-century campus life. Shulman wrote for film and television, adapting his works into the popular 'Dobie Gillis' TV series. His witty, observational style influenced postwar American humor writing. Shulman's legacy endures in the enduring popularity of his characters and sharp social satire.

Born in 1950, John Steptoe made his mark in children's literature with vibrant illustrations and rich storytelling. He gained acclaim for works like 'Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters', which earned a Caldecott Honor in 1988. His debut book 'Stevie' won the Coretta Scott King Award. Steptoe's stories often draw on African folklore and everyday experiences, resonating with young readers. His innovative approach paved the way for diverse voices in picture books. He passed away in 1989 at the age of 38, leaving a lasting legacy in children's publishing.

Born in 1913 in Antwerp, Willy Vandersteen became one of Europe's most prolific comic artists. He launched 'Suske en Wiske' in 1945, captivating readers with adventurous tales and engaging characters. Over his career, he produced more than 350 stories, selling over 200 million copies worldwide. Vandersteen founded Studio Vandersteen to train young artists and expand his creative universe. Often called the 'Walt Disney of the Low Countries', his work played a pivotal role in popularizing the Franco-Belgian comic tradition. Vandersteen continued to innovate until his death in 1990.

Born in 1913, Sakellarios co-wrote and directed over 60 films that became staples of Greek popular culture. His screenplays blended comedy, satire, and social commentary, resonating with audiences across generations. Alongside his writing partner Christos Giannakopoulos, he penned more than 140 stage plays. Sakellarios's films, such as 'The Counterfeit Coin', remain classics in Hellenic cinema. He also contributed to radio and television, showcasing his versatile storytelling skills. His influence shaped the post-war Greek film industry until his death in 1991.

Born in 1914 in Kansas, Stafford served as U.S. Poet Laureate from 1970 to 1971. He authored over 60 books of poetry and essays, often emphasizing peace and compassion. His poem 'Traveling through the Dark' won the National Book Award in 1963. A conscientious objector during World War II, his experiences informed his pacifist themes. Stafford's teaching career spanned decades, inspiring students with his daily writing practice. He continued writing and lecturing until his passing in 1993, leaving a profound impact on American poetry.

Born in 1929 in Germany, Ende was the son of surrealist painter Edgar Ende. He wrote numerous novels, poems, and plays, but found global fame with 'The Neverending Story' in 1979. His work 'Momo', published in 1973, earned critical acclaim for its poignant critique of time and consumerism. Ende's storytelling combined rich fantasy worlds with philosophical depth, captivating both children and adults. His books have been translated into over 40 languages and adapted into films and stage productions. Ende died in 1995, leaving behind a legacy of enduring literary magic.

Francisco Umbral was a Spanish journalist and prolific author known for his vivid prose and cultural commentary. Over his career, he wrote numerous essays, novels, and columns that captured the spirit of contemporary Spain. His sharp observations and poetic style earned him critical acclaim and a loyal readership. Umbral's works often explored themes of identity, politics, and social change. He remains one of the most influential Spanish writers of the late 20th century.

Shulamith Firestone emerged as a leading voice in the second-wave feminist movement, co-founding New York Radical Women and the Redstockings in the late 1960s. Born in 1945, her seminal book 'The Dialectic of Sex' (1970) argued for radical reconstruction of gender roles and reproductive freedom. She advocated for the abolition of traditional family structures and advanced theories on technology and gender equality. Firestone’s writings inspired generations of activists and scholars. Struggling with mental health challenges later in life, she continued to write until her passing in 2012. Her provocative ideas remain central to feminist theory.