November 09

Jami was one of the last great classical Persian poets and a prominent Sufi scholar. He wrote masterpieces such as 'Yusuf and Zulaikha' that combined mystical themes with refined poetic form. His extensive commentaries on Sufi texts made complex ideas accessible to a wider audience. Jami taught at the Timurid court and mentored disciples in the Naqshbandi order. His ghazals are still studied and performed across the Islamic world, reflecting his enduring legacy.

George Peele was an influential figure among the University Wits in late 16th-century England. He wrote plays such as 'The Arraignment of Paris' and 'Edward I', blending classical allusions with popular drama. Peele's poetry, including 'Polyhymnia', showcased his skill with meter and mythological themes. His translations brought Italian and French works to an English audience. Although his life was cloaked in mystery, Peele's contributions helped shape Elizabethan theatre.

Robert Blum was a German revolutionary, poet, and member of the Frankfurt Parliament during the Revolutions of 1848. He advocated for democratic reforms and the rights of the working class. Blum’s stirring speeches and political writings made him a symbol of liberal aspirations in German states. Captured and executed after leading an uprising in Vienna, he became a martyr for German democracy. His literary works also reflect his passion for social justice and national unity.

Howard Pyle was a seminal American illustrator, author, and teacher, best known for his vivid depictions of historical and adventure scenes. He founded the Brandywine School, mentoring artists like N.C. Wyeth. Pyle’s books, including "The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood," combined engaging narratives with dynamic illustrations. His work in magazines and novels helped establish the Golden Age of American Illustration. Pyle’s teaching methods and artistic vision left a lasting legacy on illustration and storytelling.

Guillaume Apollinaire was a pioneering Italian-French poet and art critic whose innovative works influenced European modernism. He authored acclaimed poetry collections such as "Alcools" and "Calligrammes," which broke traditional forms with visual experimentation. Apollinaire popularized the term "Surrealism" and supported avant-garde artists like Picasso. Wounded in World War I, he continued writing until his death during the 1918 flu pandemic. His visionary style reshaped 20th-century poetry and artistic expression.

Dylan Thomas (1914-1953) became one of the most influential Welsh poets of the 20th century with works marked by vivid imagery and emotional intensity. He gained international acclaim for poems such as Do not go gentle into that good night and And death shall have no dominion. Thomas's only full-length play, Under Milk Wood, showcased his talent for capturing the rhythms of Welsh speech and community life. He also delivered evocative radio broadcasts that expanded the reach of his storytelling. Despite his creative genius, Thomas struggled with personal demons, and his early death in 1953 cut short a promising literary career. His legacy continues to inspire poets and readers around the world with its blend of mythic resonance and linguistic innovation.

Aino Kallas (1878-1956) was born in Finland and became a key figure in early 20th-century Nordic literature. Her works, such as Barbara von Tisenhusen and The Wolf's Bride, are celebrated for their exploration of folklore, romance, and the supernatural. Kallas wrote in both Finnish and Swedish, and later in Estonian after her marriage. She was also a historian and feminist, advocating for women's rights through her writings and public lectures. Kallas's literary style combined lush descriptions with psychological depth, earning her recognition across Europe. Her contributions helped shape national literary movements and preserve regional oral traditions.

Dorothy Canfield Fisher (1879-1958) was a pioneering educational reformer who championed the Montessori method in the United States. She wrote the bestselling novel The Home-Maker and numerous essays promoting child-centered learning and teacher training. Fisher served on national and state committees to improve public education, advocate for rural schools, and support libraries and literacy programs. She was also active in social causes, including women's rights and the YWCA, using her influence to address social injustices. Through her writing and advocacy, Fisher shaped early 20th-century educational policy and inspired future generations of educators. Her novels and nonfiction works remain influential for their insights into community life and progressive pedagogy.

Born in 1883 in Memphis, Tennessee, Maude Fealy began performing on stage at age four under the tutelage of her mother, actress Mary Fealy. She gained recognition for her roles in early silent films produced by the Gaumont Film Company. Fealy transitioned from acting to writing, penning several screenplays for silent-era productions. She also enjoyed a successful stage career, appearing in Broadway productions in the 1900s. Her dual talents as an actress and writer made her a versatile figure in early Hollywood. Fealy continued to write and lecture on the art of acting well into the 20th century, leaving a mark on both stage and screen before her death in 1971.

Victor Adamson was born in 1890 in St. Paul, Minnesota, and became one of the early independent filmmakers in Hollywood. Under the pseudonym Denver Dixon, he produced and directed numerous low-budget westerns during the silent and early sound eras. Adamson also wrote screenplays that often featured tough frontier heroes and vast rural landscapes. As an actor, he appeared in many of his own productions and supported the growth of the Western genre. He collaborated with performers such as Bill Cody and his son Al Adamson worked in exploitation cinema, inspired by his father's groundwork. Although his films received little critical attention, Adamson's efforts laid a foundation for independent genre cinema. He passed away on November 9, 1972, leaving a legacy in cult and western film history.

Rosemary Timperley was born in 1920 in England and began her writing career in the 1950s. She wrote dozens of short stories, often in the horror and mystery genres, which appeared in magazines and anthology collections. Timperley also penned screenplays for BBC television series such as 'The Wednesday Play' and 'Mystery and Imagination'. Her evocative prose and suspenseful plots earned her a dedicated readership across Britain. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, she published numerous novels and story collections, exploring themes of the supernatural and everyday horror. Timperley's work influenced later generations of suspense writers before her death in 1988.

Born in 1904, Charles Fraser-Smith devoted his early career to missionary work, traveling to remote communities to provide religious support and humanitarian aid. He documented his experiences and spiritual insights in several books, blending personal anecdotes with theological reflections. Fraser-Smith was known for his engaging writing style and ability to communicate complex religious concepts to a broad audience. His publications contributed to a deeper understanding of missionary work in the early 20th century. He continued his writing and community service until his death in 1992.