September 21

Ivan Ivanovich Dmitriev emerged as a leading literary voice during the early 19th century, celebrated for his lyrical poetry and patriotic themes. Born in 1760, he also pursued a distinguished career in government service under Tsar Alexander I. Appointed Minister of Justice in 1802, Dmitriev instituted legal reforms aimed at modernizing Russia's judiciary. He balanced his political duties with a passion for literature, publishing collections that resonated with the public. Dmitriev was a member of the influential Arzamas literary society, engaging with fellow writers and intellectuals. His diplomatic missions to Europe broadened his perspective on legal and cultural institutions. Dmitriev's work helped shape Russia's legal framework during a period of significant change. He passed away in 1837, remembered as both a statesman and a poet.

John Fitchett was an English poet and solicitor from Warrington. He devoted much of his life to composing the epic poem "King Alfred". His work spanned over 131,000 lines, making it one of the longest epic poems in English. Fitchett worked as a lawyer by profession, balancing his legal career with his literary pursuits. After his death, his poem was posthumously published and gained attention for its scale and ambition. He is remembered for his dedication to literary craftsmanship and the romantic epic tradition.

Mihály Kolossa was a Hungarian-Slovene writer and poet who contributed to bilingual literature. Born in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, he navigated dual cultural identities in his work. His poetry often explored themes of homeland, identity, and folklore. Kolossa published collections in both Hungarian and Slovene, enriching regional literature. He fostered cultural exchange at a time of rising national consciousness in Central Europe. His legacy endures in the literary traditions of Hungary and Slovenia.

James E. Talmage was an English-American scientist turned religious leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles from 1911 until his death in 1933. Talmage authored seminal works such as "Jesus the Christ" and "Articles of Faith", shaping LDS theology. An academic and polymath, he also held a doctorate in geology and taught at Brigham Young University. His writings combined scholarly rigor with faith, influencing generations of church members. Talmage's legacy endures through his contributions to both science and religion.

Born in 1866 in Kent, Herbert George Wells overcame poverty to study biology under Thomas Huxley. He gained fame with his ground-breaking novel 'The Time Machine' in 1895, pioneering the science fiction genre. Wells continued to shape speculative fiction with works such as 'The War of the Worlds', 'The Invisible Man', and 'The Island of Doctor Moreau'. Beyond novels, he wrote essays on social reform, history, and international politics, advocating for a better world order. His visionary ideas on time travel, alien invasion, and utopian societies have inspired generations of writers and filmmakers. Wells's blend of scientific curiosity and social commentary established him as a major literary figure of the early 20th century.

Luis Cernuda emerged as a significant voice in Spanish literature during the 1920s. As a member of the influential Generation of '27, his poetry explored themes of desire, exile, and identity with lyrical intensity. Cernuda’s first collection, 'Perfil del aire,' reflected his innovative style and bold imagery. Forced into exile during the Spanish Civil War, he taught at several universities in the United States and Mexico. His critical essays and translations further contributed to literary scholarship, leaving a lasting impact on 20th-century letters.

Juan José Arreola was a leading figure in Mexican literature, best known for his short story collection 'Confabulario'. He blended surrealism, irony, and humor to explore human nature and folklore. Born in Jalisco, he worked as an editor and professor, influencing generations of writers. He co-founded the literary magazine 'Pan' and championed experimental narrative forms. His award-winning works challenged traditional storytelling and left a lasting impact on Latin American literature. He also translated English and French authors, bridging global literary traditions.

Fereydoon Moshiri was born in Tehran and studied at the University of Tehran and in France. He emerged as a leading voice in modern Persian poetry, blending classical themes with contemporary sensibilities. Moshiri's lyrical style and emotional depth earned him widespread acclaim among readers and critics. He published numerous collections of poems and essays on literature, shaping Iran's literary landscape. His work remains celebrated for its grace, humanity, and nuanced reflections on life.

Edgar Valter was born in Tallinn and became a central figure in Estonian children's literature. He wrote and illustrated dozens of books, combining whimsical stories with vibrant, detailed illustrations. Valter's work often featured elements of fantasy and folklore, captivating young readers across generations. His illustrations were exhibited in galleries and influenced a generation of Estonian artists. Valter's creative vision earned him national honors and secured his place as a beloved cultural icon.

Shirley Conran was born in England and built a career as a trailblazing magazine journalist in the 1960s and '70s. Her 1982 novel 'Lace' became a global bestseller and spawned a popular television miniseries. Conran also wrote influential non-fiction works on female empowerment, including 'Superwoman' and 'Oxygen'. She founded and edited magazines that revolutionized lifestyle journalism for women. Her fearless voice and entrepreneurial spirit inspired generations of readers and writers.

Leonard Cohen (1934–2016) was a Canadian singer-songwriter, poet, and novelist whose work explored love, faith, and loneliness. He began his career as a poet and novelist before gaining fame with the release of his debut album, Songs of Leonard Cohen. His iconic songs like "Suzanne," "Hallelujah," and "Bird on the Wire" have become modern classics covered by countless artists. Cohen's rich baritone voice and enigmatic stage presence earned him international acclaim. He received numerous awards, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Cohen continued to record and tour into his late years, leaving an indelible mark on music and literature.

Marcus Binney is an English historian and author specializing in architectural conservation and heritage preservation. He co-founded the Victorian Society and has led campaigns to save historic buildings from demolition across the United Kingdom. Binney has written extensively on British architecture, publishing books such as 'Secret Bankside' and 'The Open Sky.' As Executive President of Save Britain’s Heritage, he has influenced public policy and raised awareness of the cultural value of historic sites. His work combines rigorous historical research with passionate advocacy, earning him honors from preservation societies. Binney remains a leading voice in preserving national heritage and educating future generations about architectural history.