October 22

Charles Marie René Leconte de Lisle was born on the island of Réunion but made his literary career in France. He became a central figure of the Parnassian school, emphasizing formal discipline and objective imagery in poetry. His collections such as 'Poèmes antiques' and 'Poèmes barbares' showcased his mastery of classical themes and rich visual language. Leconte de Lisle translated works from ancient Greek and Latin, furthering his dedication to antique poetics. He held a seat in the prestigious Académie Française, influencing generations of poets with his fusion of classical motifs and modern sensibility.

Ivan Bunin was born in 1870 and gained acclaim as a master of prose and a lyrical poet. His stories and poems captured the beauty and melancholy of the Russian countryside and aristocratic life. Bunin emigrated after the Russian Revolution, settling in France where he continued to write in Russian. In 1933, he became the first Russian to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature for his artistry and narrative mastery. His major works include “The Village,” “Dry Valley,” and his celebrated short stories. Bunin’s writings influenced modern Russian literature and inspired authors worldwide. He died in 1953, leaving a profound literary heritage.

Lord Alfred Douglas was born in 1870 as the second son of the Marquess of Queensberry and became known in literary circles for his poetry and prose. His intimate relationship with Oscar Wilde led to scandal and Wilde’s imprisonment, shaping both their lives. Douglas published several volumes of poetry, exploring themes of love, loss, and spirituality. He later converted to Catholicism and advocated for traditional values in his writings. His feud with his father over Wilde’s treatment culminated in high-profile libel trials in the early 20th century. Douglas’s complex life and works provide insight into the cultural and social tensions of the Edwardian era. He died in 1945, remembered for both his literary contributions and his controversial personal life.

John Reed was an American journalist, poet, and socialist activist whose vivid reporting captured the spirit of his era. He traveled to Soviet Russia in 1917 and witnessed the Bolshevik uprising firsthand. His seminal work, Ten Days That Shook the World, remains a classic account of the Russian Revolution. Reed co-founded the Communist Labor Party of America and passionately advocated for social change. His dynamic writing style and political commitment made him both celebrated and controversial. Reed died in Moscow in 1920 and was honored with a burial in the Kremlin Wall Necropolis, a rare distinction for an American.

José Leitão de Barros was a pioneering Portuguese film director and playwright known for merging theatrical storytelling with cinematic innovation. He directed 'A Severa' (1931), the first Portuguese feature-length sound film, setting a milestone in the nation's film history. His works often explored Portuguese folklore, history, and cultural identity through expressive visuals and narratives. As a playwright, he challenged conventional theater forms, contributing thought-provoking scripts to the stage. Leitão de Barros mentored emerging filmmakers and advocated for a distinct national cinema. His legacy endures in Portugal's cultural heritage and continues to inspire filmmakers today.

Marjorie Flack was a prolific American children's author and illustrator whose gentle stories and watercolor artwork charmed generations of readers. Her 1933 book 'The Story about Ping' introduced audiences to a lovable duck's adventure along the Yangtze River. Collaborating with illustrators and designers, she created vivid characters and engaging narratives that stood the test of time. Flack wrote and illustrated more than twenty books, earning critical acclaim for her storytelling and artistry. Her illustrations combined simplicity with expressive detail, captivating young imaginations. Decades after her death, her works remain in print and continue to influence children's literature and illustration.

Dámaso Alonso was a key figure of Spain's Generation of '27 literary movement, celebrated for his passionate and introspective poetry. His 1944 collection 'Hijos de la ira' ('Sons of Wrath') became a landmark work reflecting post-war anguish and existential themes. As a philologist, he served at the University of Madrid, producing influential research on medieval Spanish literature and language. Alonso held leadership roles in cultural institutions, including the Royal Spanish Academy, shaping Spain's literary and academic landscape. His dual contributions as poet and scholar earned him national and international recognition. Alonso's legacy endures through his poetic masterpieces and scholarly works, which continue to inspire writers and academics.

Salvador Salazar Arrué, known by his pseudonym Salarrué, was a pioneering Salvadoran writer and painter who captured the essence of Central American culture. His short story collections, such as 'Cuentos de barro,' blended folklore and lyrical prose to depict peasant life and indigenous traditions. As a painter, he produced vibrant watercolors that reflected the landscapes and people of his homeland. Salarrué also worked as a journalist and co-founded cultural magazines that promoted Salvadoran arts. His mentorship of young writers and artists helped foster a national literary movement. His interdisciplinary legacy continues to influence literature and visual arts across Latin America.

Born in 1908, John Gould embarked on his journalism career at local newspapers. Over the years, he contributed to major American publications, earning recognition for his clear, engaging reporting. In addition to his newspaper work, Gould authored several books that examined social and political trends in 20th-century America. His writing blended thorough research with an accessible style, making complex topics approachable for general readers. He continued influencing journalism until his death in 2003, leaving behind a legacy of insightful commentary.

Born in Persia in 1919 and raised in Southern Rhodesia, Doris Lessing moved to England in 1949 to pursue writing. Her novel The Golden Notebook (1962) brought her international fame for its innovative structure and exploration of women’s struggles. Lessing’s work spans novels, short stories, poetry, and memoirs, often addressing colonialism, identity, and gender. In 2007, she was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for her epicist writings, combining storytelling with social critique. Lessing continued publishing well into her later years, influencing writers globally until her death in 2013.

Edith Kawelohea McKinzie (1925–2014) was a foremost authority on Hawaiian genealogy and cultural history. Born in Honolulu, she authored key reference works documenting the lineages of Hawaiian royal and noble families. McKinzie earned her doctorate focusing on Hawaiian studies and taught at the University of Hawai‘i. As a hula expert, she trained dancers in traditional styles and helped revive endangered chants and dances. She served on numerous cultural commissions and received honors from the Hawaiian community for her preservation efforts. Her books and teachings remain essential resources for scholars and practitioners of Hawaiian heritage. McKinzie's legacy continues to inspire cultural revitalization across the islands.

Ann Rule began her career as a police officer in the Seattle area before turning to writing. Her 1980 book “The Stranger Beside Me” offered a chilling insider’s account of serial killer Ted Bundy, whom she knew personally. She became one of the most prolific true crime writers, publishing over 30 books that delved into criminal psychology and victims’ stories. Her empathetic narrative style brought attention to victims’ experiences and led to greater public awareness of violent crime. She remains one of the best-selling true crime authors of all time, inspiring numerous adaptations in television and film.