November 04

Kyōka Izumi authored a rich body of work blending romanticism, folklore, and the uncanny. Born in Kanazawa in 1873, he published his first novel as a teenager and quickly gained acclaim for his lyrical prose. His plays and short stories often explore themes of fate, mysticism, and human desire. Izumi’s imaginative narratives influenced many writers and remain classics in Japan. Despite personal challenges and health issues, he continued writing until his death in 1939, leaving a legacy of haunting and elegant literature.

Alfred Henschke adopted the pseudonym Klabund to publish his diverse works, including plays, novels, and poetry. Influenced by East Asian literature, his most famous work, 'Der Kreidekreis' (The Chalk Circle), showcased his lyrical style and innovative narrative structure. Klabund’s writing often explored themes of identity and cultural fusion. Despite ill health and the challenges of World War I, he produced a significant body of work before his death in 1928 at age 38. His blend of Western and Eastern motifs left a lasting mark on German literature.

Dragutin Tadijanović (1905–2007) was one of Croatia's most enduring poets, whose work spanned more than eight decades. His lyrical verses captured the rhythms of rural landscapes and the subtleties of everyday human experience. Tadijanović’s poetry collections earned him national acclaim and influenced generations of writers. He also translated works from other languages, introducing global literature to Croatian readers. Honored with numerous awards, his legacy endures in the rich tradition of modern Croatian poetry.

Sterling North (1906–1974) was an American author and literary critic celebrated for his memoir 'Rascal.' Published in 1963, 'Rascal' recounts his childhood adventures with a pet raccoon and became a beloved classic. North worked as a columnist and book reviewer for major newspapers, advocating for quality children's literature. He authored several other novels and non-fiction works, drawing on his experiences growing up in Wisconsin. North's engaging storytelling and critical insights left a lasting mark on American literary culture.

Marguerite Patten, born November 4, 1915, pioneered home economics advice through BBC radio and Ministry of Food broadcasts during World War II. Her debut book, “Cooking with Cranks,” helped households create nutritious meals with limited rations. Over six decades, she authored more than 170 cookbooks covering everything from budget meals to festive feasts. A familiar face on television, she demystified new ingredients and kitchen techniques for generations of British cooks. Awarded an OBE in 1965, she continued writing and broadcasting well into her nineties. Patten passed away in 2015, leaving an enduring influence on home cooking and culinary education.

Born in The Bronx, New York, Martin Balsam studied at The Actors Studio under Lee Strasberg. He gained attention on Broadway before transitioning to film, debuting in '12 Angry Men' (1957). Balsam won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in 'A Thousand C lowns' (1965). He delivered memorable roles in classics such as 'Psycho' (1960), 'North by Northwest' (1959), and 'The Carpetbaggers' (1964). His career spanned television, film, and stage, demonstrating remarkable range in comedy and drama. As a screenwriter, he contributed to the art of storytelling behind the scenes. Balsam's reliable presence and nuanced performances made him a beloved figure in American cinema until his passing in 1996.

Born in Yverdon-les-Bains, Switzerland, Benno Besson trained as an actor before shifting to directing. He became a leading figure at the Deutsches Theater in East Berlin, collaborating with playwrights like Heiner Müller. Besson’s innovative productions blended realism and avant-garde techniques, influencing post-war European theater. He also acted in films and wrote screenplays, showcasing his diverse talents in performance arts. Throughout his career, he championed ensemble work and experimental staging. Besson mentored generations of actors and directors until his death in 2006. His legacy endures in the vibrant theatrical tradition he helped shape.

Eugene Bondurant Sledge (1923–2001) served as a U.S. Marine in the Pacific Theater during some of the war's most brutal battles, including Peleliu and Okinawa. After the war, he earned a master's and doctorate in biology and taught marine science at the University of Montevallo for over 30 years. His memoir With the Old Breed is celebrated as one of the most vivid firsthand accounts of combat and has influenced generations of readers and historians. Sledge's candid storytelling offered profound reflections on the horrors of war and the resilience of the human spirit. He later contributed as an academic and lecturer, bridging veteran experiences with scientific scholarship. His life and work have been featured in Ken Burns' documentary The War, cementing his legacy in both military history and natural science education.

Hannah Weiner (1928–1997) was an avant-garde poet and author best known for her 'clair-style' works, recording words as she clairvoyantly received them. Her unique approach blended free association with fantastical imagery, challenging conventional notions of poetic form. In addition to clair-style writing, Weiner created black-out poems by redacting newspaper text to reveal hidden narratives. She exhibited her work in galleries and performance spaces, collaborating with artists and composers. Her books, including The Magritte Poems and Clairvoyant Journal, influenced the conceptual poetry movement. Weiner's fearless exploration of language and perception continues to inspire experimental writers and artists.

Frank J. Prial (1930–2012) was a respected American journalist and wine critic for The New York Times, where his column 'Wine Talk' ran from 1972 to 2004. He introduced readers to the world’s finest wines and demystified wine tasting for a broad audience. Prial authored several influential books on wine, including 'The Wines of Bordeaux' and 'Barolo to Valpolicella.' He received multiple awards for excellence in wine writing and was inducted into the Wine Spectator Hall of Fame. His clear, engaging style helped popularize wine culture in the United States. Prial’s legacy endures through generations of wine enthusiasts and journalists inspired by his work.

Charles Kenneth Williams (1936–2015) emerged as a powerful voice in contemporary American poetry, winning the Pulitzer Prize in 2000 for his collection Failing and Flying. His work is known for its lyrical intensity and moral urgency, often exploring personal memory and social conscience. As a critic, Williams contributed essays to prominent literary journals, and his translations of Rimbaud brought new depth to anglophone readers. He taught at various universities, influencing generations of poets and writers. His body of work includes more than twenty collections of poems and several volumes of essays, cementing his legacy as a leading figure in late twentieth-century literature.

Born in Cedartown, Georgia in 1939, Gail E. Haley earned acclaim for her richly illustrated children’s stories. Her book A Story, A Story won the Caldecott Medal in 1971, and her work is noted for its intricate woodcut and watercolor techniques. Blending folklore with engaging narratives, Haley’s books invite young readers into immersive worlds. She has authored and illustrated over a dozen titles, each celebrated for artistic craftsmanship and storytelling charm. Haley’s contributions have influenced generations of picture book creators and continue to be treasured in children’s literature.