October 17

Steinvör Sighvatsdóttir (died 1271) was a member of Iceland’s chieftain class and a respected skaldic poet in the High Middle Ages. Born into the influential Sighvatr clan, she was versed in both poetry and the law that governed Icelandic society under the Commonwealth. Her surviving verses reflect the cultural interplay of honor, family loyalty, and Norse myth. Though few of her works have endured, she is celebrated in sagas for her eloquence and status as a learned woman in a predominantly male literary tradition. Her life illustrates the important role aristocratic women could play in the cultural and political life of medieval Iceland. Steinvör’s legacy endures through Icelandic saga manuscripts that preserve her name and poetry.

Philip Sidney (1554–1586) was a celebrated Elizabethan poet, courtier to Queen Elizabeth I, and military commander in the Netherlands. Renowned for his sonnet sequence Astrophil and Stella and the prose work The Countess of Pembroke’s Arcadia, he shaped English literature with his elegant style and humanist ideals. Sidney also championed educational reform and served as Governor of Flushing during the Dutch Revolt. At the Battle of Zutphen, he was mortally wounded, famously giving his water bottle to a dying comrade. His early death at 31 amplified his legendary status as a model of chivalry, intellect, and artistic achievement.

Pierre François le Courayer (1681–1776) was a French Catholic theologian whose Dissertation sur la validité de la consécration des évêques anglicans challenged traditional views and led to his exile. Settling in England under royal protection, he published extensively in defense of unity between Anglican and Catholic traditions. His scholarship earned him the favor of King George II, who granted him a pension and a residence at St James’s. Le Courayer’s writings laid early groundwork for ecumenical dialogue, challenging rigid confessional boundaries. He continued to publish theological and historical studies until his death, leaving a legacy of intellectual openness and conciliatory spirit.

Julia Ward Howe was born in New York City in 1819 and became a prominent figure in American literature and reform movements. In 1861, she penned the stirring lyrics to 'The Battle Hymn of the Republic,' which became an iconic anthem of the Union cause during the Civil War. Howe was also a dedicated advocate for abolition, women's suffrage, and pacifism throughout her life. She co-founded the New England Woman Suffrage Association and held the first National Woman's Rights Conference in 1873. Her literary works include essays, poetry collections, and travel memoirs that reflect her commitment to social justice and moral reform.

Malak Hifni Nasif was born in Cairo in 1886 to an intellectually prominent family and became one of Egypt’s earliest feminist thinkers. Through essays and poetry, she critiqued the status of women, advocated for education, and called for legal reforms. Nasif founded and edited women's journals, providing a platform for female voices in early 20th-century Egypt. Her works often drew on Islamic teachings to argue for gender equality and social innovation. Despite facing opposition from conservative circles, she inspired future generations of Arab feminists before her untimely death in 1918.

Royal Cortissoz was born in 1869 and became the chief art critic for The New York Herald Tribune. He wrote extensively on American and European art, advocating for modernist movements while maintaining respect for traditional techniques. Cortissoz authored several books on art history and criticism, influencing public appreciation of artists such as James McNeill Whistler and John Singer Sargent. His essays and reviews helped shape museum collections and exhibitions in the United States. Cortissoz remained an authoritative voice in art until his death in 1948.

Born in 1926 in Klagenfurt, Bachmann rose to prominence in postwar Austria with her evocative poetry collections. Her novel "Malina" is celebrated for its psychological depth and innovative narrative style. A vocal critic of nationalist ideologies, she engaged in public debates on culture and politics throughout Europe. Bachmann's radio plays and essays further showcased her literary versatility and intellectual engagement. Her untimely death in 1973 marked the loss of one of the German language's most influential postwar voices.

Born in 1904, Sidney Jacob Perelman became a star writer for The New Yorker, crafting surreal and witty humor pieces. His works satirized contemporary society, literature, and film, influencing a generation of humorists. Perelman later transitioned to Hollywood, co-writing screenplays for classics like "Monkey Business" and "Around the World in 80 Days." He received Academy Award nominations for his sharp dialogue and comedic timing on screen. Perelman's unique comedic voice remains a touchstone in American humor writing.

Kannadasan, born Muthiah in 1927, became one of the most celebrated lyricists in Tamil cinema. Over his career, he penned thousands of songs that blended poetic depth with popular appeal. His verses explored themes of love, philosophy, and social issues, earning him both critical and public acclaim. He authored several books on philosophy, religion, and literature, influencing generations of writers. Kannadasan’s work continues to resonate in South Indian music, and he is remembered as a cultural icon.

Albert Cohen was born in Corfu in 1895 and later moved to Switzerland, where he served in the civil service. He achieved literary fame with his novels, most notably 'Belle du Seigneur', acclaimed for its passionate prose and wit. His work deftly examined themes of exile, faith, and the human condition, blending humor with profound insight. Cohen received prestigious awards, including the Grand prix du roman de l'Académie française, cementing his place in world literature. His novels remain admired for their elegant language and enduring emotional depth.

Born in 1908, Orestis Laskos began his career on stage before moving to the emerging Greek film industry. In 1932, he directed 'Daphnis and Chloe', recognized as Greece’s first talkie, which blended classical themes with modern cinema. He wrote and directed numerous films, showcasing his talent for storytelling and visual style. As an actor, Laskos appeared in early silent and sound films, contributing to the art form’s evolution in Greece. His work laid the foundation for future generations of Greek filmmakers and screenwriters.

Urmas Ott (1955-2008) was an influential Estonian journalist and television presenter. Born in Oru village, he became known for his warm interviewing style on Eesti Televisioon. Over his career, he conducted in-depth interviews with political leaders and cultural figures from around the world. Ott also authored several books, blending personal insights with journalistic storytelling. His work contributed to the development of independent media in post-Soviet Estonia. He remains celebrated for his ability to connect with audiences and elevate public discourse.