November 10

Born around 1540, Rich served as a soldier in Ireland under Queen Elizabeth I, gaining firsthand experience in warfare. He authored treatises on military tactics and the use of weaponry that were influential in Elizabethan England. Later in life, he turned to literature, writing romance novels, satires, and translations that showcased his versatility. His best-known work, Riche His Farewell to Militarie Profession, combined autobiography with social commentary. Rich's vivid narratives and practical manuals made him a notable figure in early English letters. He died in 1617, leaving behind a diverse body of work that bridged martial and literary traditions.

Born in 1579, Guevara initially entered the priesthood before dedicating himself to literature. He authored novels, plays, and poetry that blended satire with moral themes, leaving an indelible mark on Baroque Spanish fiction. His picaresque novel El Diablo Cojuelo remains a classic of the genre. As a dramatist, he produced numerous comedias that were performed in Madrid's vibrant theaters. His works often critiqued social hypocrisy and celebrated popular folklore. Guevara died in 1644, having secured his place as a key figure in Spain's literary tradition.

Pedro Correia Garção (1724–1772) was a celebrated Portuguese poet and dramatist renowned for his lyrical and satirical works. As a founding member of the Arcadia Lusitana, he sought to reform Portuguese poetry by reviving classical styles influenced by French and Italian literature. His odes and satires challenged social norms and ecclesiastical authority with wit and moral reflection. Garção's elegant style and intellectual depth earned him acclaim among European literary circles. Despite his early death, his contributions had a lasting impact on Portuguese neoclassical literature.

Born in 1854 in Charleville, Arthur Rimbaud displayed poetic genius from his early teens. His collaborations and tumultuous relationship with Paul Verlaine shook the literary world. By age 19, he had produced masterpieces such as "A Season in Hell" and the prose poems of "Illuminations". Rejecting literary fame, he abandoned poetry at 21 and embarked on adventures across Europe and Africa. In Africa, he worked as a trader and explorer along the Nile, mapping regions and trading commodities. He returned to France gravely ill and died of cancer in Marseille in 1891, leaving an enduring legacy in modern literature.

George Essex Evans was born in London in 1863 and emigrated to Australia as a child. He became a prominent poet and editor, publishing works that celebrated rural life and Australian identity. His famous poems such as "Queensland, You and I" resonated with settlers across the nation. As an educator, he championed public schooling and served as inspector of schools in Queensland. His work helped shape Australian literature at the turn of the 20th century, blending romanticism with local color. Evans died in 1909, leaving behind a legacy as one of Australia’s most beloved bush poets.

Gordon MacQuarrie was born in 1900 and became a leading voice in outdoor journalism. As editor and writer for Field & Stream magazine, he crafted memorable stories about hunting, fishing, and wildlife. His famous Frost Country tales combined humor with vivid depictions of rural life and nature. MacQuarrie’s work helped popularize conservation ethics among a wider audience. He published several collections of outdoor writing and influenced generations of nature enthusiasts. He passed away in 1956, leaving a legacy as one of America’s most beloved outdoor writers.

Born in Reno, Nevada, in 1909, Walter Van Tilburg Clark emerged as a leading voice in American Western literature. His 1940 novel, 'The Ox-Bow Incident,' is celebrated for its moral complexity and critique of mob justice. He taught creative writing and literature at the University of California, shaping future generations of writers. Clark also published acclaimed short stories and critical essays that deepened the literary portrayal of the American West. He died in 1971, leaving behind a body of work that continues to influence writers and scholars.

Born in Western Australia in 1901, Xavier Herbert wrote novels that explored Indigenous and settler relations. His 1938 novel 'Capricornia' won critical acclaim for its raw depiction of colonial society in the Northern Territory. He later authored 'Poor Fellow My Country,' which remains one of Australia’s longest novels and won the Miles Franklin Award. Known for his outspoken personality and literary ambition, Herbert challenged social norms through his writing. He died in 1984, remembered as a towering figure in Australian literature.

K. V. Puttappa, better known by his pen name Kuvempu, was born in 1904 and became one of the most influential literary figures in modern Kannada literature. He authored novels, poems, and plays that explored themes of humanism, social justice, and the beauty of nature. His magnum opus “Sri Ramayana Darshanam” earned him the prestigious Jnanpith Award in 1967, and he was later honored with India's highest civilian award, the Padma Vibhushan. Kuvempu also served as Vice-Chancellor of Mysore University, where he worked to promote regional languages and inclusive education. His writings have been translated into multiple languages, allowing his vision of universal brotherhood to reach a global audience. He passed away in 1994, leaving a body of work that continues to inspire poets, scholars, and readers across India.

Ken Saro-Wiwa was born in 1941 in Ogoniland, Nigeria, and became renowned as a writer, television producer, and outspoken environmental activist. He authored satirical novels and plays that critiqued political corruption and social injustice in Nigeria. In the early 1990s, Saro-Wiwa founded the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) to protest environmental degradation caused by oil exploitation in the Niger Delta. His leadership attracted international attention to the plight of the Ogoni people and challenged multinational corporations and the Nigerian military government. In 1995, he was controversially tried and executed by the regime of General Sani Abacha, sparking global condemnation and human rights campaigns. Saro-Wiwa's legacy endures through his literary works and the ongoing struggle for environmental and social justice in the Niger Delta.

Ken Kesey (1935–2001) emerged as a leading voice of the 1960s counterculture with his novel One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. He became famous for organizing the Merry Pranksters and their celebrated bus trips, which epitomized the era's spirit of experimentation. Kesey wrote essays and short stories that blended humor and sharp social critique. Beyond writing, he was an accomplished painter and a charismatic public figure. His work and life continue to influence writers, artists, and activists around the world.

Born in 1908 in Bisbee, Arizona, Jack Williamson began writing science fiction in the 1920s. He authored classics such as 'Darker Than You Think' and the 'Legion of Space' series. Williamson served as a professor of humanities at Eastern New Mexico University, mentoring young writers. He received the first Hugo Award for Best Short Story and was named a Grand Master by the Science Fiction Writers of America. His career spanned over eight decades, making him one of the longest-active authors in the genre. He passed away in 2006, leaving a profound legacy in speculative fiction.