November 11

Born in Moscow in 1821, Fyodor Dostoevsky's works delve into moral dilemmas, faith, and the human psyche. After his early involvement with radical intellectual circles, he was sentenced to death, reprieved at the last moment and sent to Siberian exile, an experience that deeply influenced his writing. His major novels, including 'Crime and Punishment', 'The Idiot', and 'Demons', revolutionized the novel form and prefigured existentialist thought. Dostoevsky's profound insights into suffering and redemption have left a lasting legacy on world literature. He passed away in St. Petersburg in 1881.

Thomas Bailey Aldrich was born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, in 1836. He gained fame for his coming-of-age novel 'The Story of a Bad Boy', which is considered a forerunner of American realistic fiction. As editor of the Atlantic Monthly, he championed emerging authors and shaped literary tastes of his era. His poetry, including collections like 'Cloth of Gold and Other Poems', reflects his wit and keen observation. Aldrich's correspondence with prominent writers deepened his impact on American letters. He continued to write and mentor until his death in Boston in 1907.

Born in 1855 in Senta, Stevan Sremac became a leading voice in Serbian literature and social activism. After studying law, he turned to writing, capturing the spirit of his homeland in novels and short stories. His works, such as 'Zona Zamfirova' and 'Pop Ćira i pop Spira', blend humor, folklore, and social critique. Sremac was also active in cultural organizations that promoted Serbian national identity during the Austro-Hungarian period. His vivid characterizations and regional settings influenced later generations of writers. He passed away in 1906, leaving a rich legacy in Southeastern European literature.

Shirley Graham Du Bois was a prolific writer and composer who created plays, operas, and radio programs celebrating African diaspora heritage. Born in 1896, she co-founded the Krigwa Players theatre collective and wrote influential biographies of black leaders. As an activist, she campaigned for civil rights in the United States and anti-colonial movements in Africa. She served as a cultural ambassador, blending artistry with social justice. Her marriage to W. E. B. Du Bois fostered collaborations that shaped Pan-African thought. Her literary and musical legacy continues to inspire artists and activists worldwide.

F. Van Wyck Mason was born in New York City in 1901 and became a celebrated novelist specializing in historical adventure and spy fiction. After graduating from Harvard, he published his first novel in the mid-1920s and went on to write over fifty books across five decades. His popular Falcon series featured an American spy navigating global intrigues in the lead-up to World War I, earning him a devoted readership. Mason's works were praised for their authentic period detail, fast-paced narratives, and compelling characters. Beyond fiction, he wrote non-fiction histories exploring early American and European events. He influenced later generations of spy storytellers and is remembered as a master of historical narrative. Mason passed away in 1978, leaving a rich legacy in both adventure and historical literature.

Orestis Laskos was born in Eleusis, Greece in 1907 and studied literature and drama in Athens. He directed and wrote over 25 films between the 1930s and 1960s, including the landmark production "Daughter of the Gods" (1933). Laskos's screenplays and directorial style blended lyrical imagery with elements of social realism. As a published poet, he explored themes of identity and tradition through modernist verse. He contributed to the development of sound film in Greece and taught film studies at the University of Athens in later years. Laskos's dual careers in cinema and poetry left a lasting influence on Greek culture. He passed away in 1992, revered as a pioneer of Hellenic arts.

Howard Fast (1914–2003) was an American novelist and screenwriter whose works often explored themes of social justice and history. He authored more than 25 novels, including the bestseller Spartacus, which was later adapted into a major motion picture. Fast's writing career was marked by his commitment to political causes, and he often incorporated his progressive views into his storytelling. Despite being blacklisted during the McCarthy era, he continued to write under pseudonyms and remained a prolific author. His books have been translated into multiple languages and continue to captivate readers worldwide.

Born into a poor farming family in Aho, Finland, Päätalo served in the Finnish army during World War II. After the war, he began writing novels that drew heavily on his personal experiences. He authored a 26-volume series known as the 'Talo' (House) saga, one of the longest autobiographical works in world literature. His vivid portrayal of rural Finnish life and wartime hardship resonated with readers and critics alike. Päätalo's candid narrative style and prolific output made him one of Finland's best-selling authors. He continued writing throughout his life until his death in 2000.

Kurt Vonnegut was born in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1922. He served in World War II and survived the bombing of Dresden, an experience that inspired his best-known novel, 'Slaughterhouse-Five'. Vonnegut's work is marked by satire, science fiction elements, and a humanistic critique of war and society. Over his career, he published classics such as 'Cat's Cradle', 'Breakfast of Champions', and 'The Sirens of Titan'. His distinctive voice and unconventional narrative style influenced generations of writers and readers. Vonnegut was also a visual artist and social commentator, contributing essays and drawings to various publications. He passed away in 2007, leaving a lasting impact on American literature.

Born in Panama to Mexican diplomats, Carlos Fuentes grew up across Latin America and the United States. His breakthrough novel "The Death of Artemio Cruz" is acclaimed for its innovative narrative structure and political insight. Fuentes wrote over 20 novels and numerous essays, exploring themes of history, identity, and revolution. He was part of the Latin American Boom, alongside García Márquez and Vargas Llosa. Fuentes served as a cultural ambassador, advocating for Latin American art and literature worldwide. His work earned him the Cervantes Prize and the Princesa de Asturias Award. Throughout his career, Fuentes remained a passionate commentator on Mexican society and politics.

Enzensberger emerged in post-war Germany as a leading poetic voice and literary critic. He published collections like "Verteidigung der Wölfe," known for intellectual rigor and stylistic innovation. As an essayist and editor, he founded the influential literary journal Kursbuch. His translations and critiques bridged German literature with international thought. Enzensberger's work often challenged political complacency and explored societal change. He received numerous honors, including the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade. His legacy endures in both his poetry and his contributions to literary discourse.

Alicia Ostriker is an American poet and literary scholar whose work bridges feminist themes with spiritual inquiry. She is the author of numerous collections, including The Mother/Child Papers and The Little Space, which have garnered PEN awards and critical acclaim. Ostriker has served as a professor of English at Rutgers University, mentoring generations of writers. Her poetry is celebrated for its lyrical intensity and intellectual depth, often addressing Judaism and women's experiences. Born in 1937, she remains an influential voice in contemporary American literature.