November 13

Thomas May (1595–1650) was an influential English poet and historian. He translated Lucan's Pharsalia, bringing classical epic poetry to a new audience. May served as a parliamentary historian during the English Civil War, documenting key events. His political writings defended the parliamentary cause against royal absolutism. His works remain studied for their literary quality and historical insight into 17th-century England.

William Bowyer (1699–1777) was a distinguished London printer and author during the Georgian period. He operated the Bowyer Press, celebrated for its elegant editions of religious, classical, and contemporary works. Bowyer collaborated with leading intellectuals of his day, including Samuel Johnson and Edmund Burke. Known as the learned printer, he emphasized rigorous scholarship, fine typography, and accurate editing. His legacy influenced the growth of the British book trade and the preservation of literary heritage.

Ludwig Uhland (1787–1862) was a leading figure of the German Romantic movement. He composed enduring ballads, including Der gute Kamerad and Maria von Magdala, celebrated for their emotional depth and melodic language. An accomplished philologist, Uhland researched medieval German texts, contributing to the understanding of early German literature. His historical writings illuminated the folk customs and traditions of Swabia and Württemberg. His interdisciplinary work bridged poetry and scholarship, leaving a lasting impact on German culture and studies.

Margaret Wise Brown was a pioneering American children’s author known for her lyrical storytelling and playful texts. Her most famous work, Goodnight Moon (1947), has become a classic bedtime story cherished by generations. She wrote more than 100 books for young readers, including The Runaway Bunny and Big Red Barn. Brown’s innovative use of rhythm and repetition transformed early childhood literature. She collaborated with leading illustrators of the time to create timeless picture books. Her influence continues to shape children’s publishing and reading experiences worldwide.

Bernard DeVoto (1897-1955) was an American historian, author, and critic whose works helped shape understanding of the American West. He wrote The Year of Decision: 1846, which won the Pulitzer Prize in History in 1949, and Across the Wide Missouri, acclaimed for its detailed research and storytelling. Beyond history, he was a passionate environmentalist who warned of the perils of unchecked development. He contributed essays and reviews to major magazines and served as an influential voice in literary and conservation circles. His accessible style and scholarship left a lasting legacy in both academic and popular histories of the United States.

Margaret Murray (1863-1963) was a British-Indian anthropologist, archaeologist, and writer who conducted extensive fieldwork in India. Her research focused on tribal traditions, folklore, and the transmission of cultural practices across generations. She authored several influential books, including studies on prehistoric civilizations on the Indian subcontinent. Murray’s interdisciplinary approach combined ethnography with archaeological evidence, breaking ground in early anthropology. She also wrote popular works that brought scholarly insights to general readers. Her career spanned five decades, during which she trained numerous students and contributed to the founding of academic departments. She passed away in 1963, leaving a legacy as one of the first female scholars in her field.

Olga Fyodorovna Bergholz was a Soviet poet and journalist best known for her poignant verses during the Siege of Leningrad. Born in St. Petersburg in 1910, she emerged as the poetic voice of her besieged city, broadcasting her work on the radio to boost civilian morale. Her wartime poems, including the renowned "Leningrad self-portrait", captured themes of resilience and hope under siege. After surviving early Stalinist repressions, she continued to write plays and narrative poetry that shaped Soviet literature. Her legacy endures through recorded broadcasts and literary anthologies that celebrate her contribution to Russian cultural history.

Dimitris Psathas was a leading Greek playwright and academic whose satirical works defined modern Greek comedy. He published numerous plays and essays that blended humor with sharp social critique. An influential figure in Athens's theatre circles, he shaped public discourse through both writing and teaching. Psathas held a university lectureship, mentoring emerging dramatists and scholars. His contributions continue to resonate in contemporary Greek literature and theatrical productions.

Born in Riga in 1920, Dorothea Krook-Gilead emigrated to South Africa and studied English literature. She became a respected scholar at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where she pioneered courses in literary theory. Krook-Gilead published critical essays on writers such as Virginia Woolf and George Eliot. Her translations helped introduce important contemporary Hebrew authors to global readers. She also mentored a generation of students before her death in 1989, leaving a lasting impact on comparative literature.

Vine Deloria Jr. was a pioneering voice in Native American rights and scholarship. His landmark book, Custer Died for Your Sins, challenged prevailing narratives about Indigenous peoples and U.S. policy. A theologian and anthropologist, Deloria helped found the American Indian Movement and served as Executive Director of the National Congress of American Indians. He taught at several universities, mentoring generations of scholars in Indigenous studies and law. His work combined rigorous research with passionate advocacy, addressing history, culture, and spirituality. Deloria's contributions earned him numerous honors and inspired continued efforts for Native rights and academic inquiry.

Luis García Berlanga was born in 1921 in Valencia, Spain. He studied law and drafting before pursuing a career in film during the post-war period. Berlanga co-directed his first feature films with Juan Antonio Bardem, gaining critical acclaim for their satirical take on Spanish society. He became famous for films such as "Welcome Mr. Marshall!" and "The Executioner," blending dark humor with social commentary. Over his career, he directed more than thirty films and won awards at international festivals, including Cannes and Berlin. Berlanga's witty narratives and ensemble casts highlighted the absurdities of Franco-era Spain. He influenced generations of Spanish filmmakers and remained active in cinema until his passing in 2010. His legacy endures through his pioneering contributions to European film and satire.

Erazm Ciołek was born in 1937 in Poland and gained recognition as a photojournalist. He served as personal photographer to Pope John Paul II, capturing iconic images during the pontiff's travels. Ciołek's work appeared in major publications, showcasing his talent for portraiture and documentary photography. In addition to his photographic career, he authored books on visual culture and the role of images in society. His writings explored the relationship between photography and human experience. Ciołek held exhibitions worldwide, influencing a generation of photographers. He received several national honors for his contributions to art and literature. Ciołek died in 2012, remembered for his powerful visual storytelling.