November 17

Jami was born in 1414 in the region of Khwarezm and became one of the last great classical poets of the Persian literary tradition. A devout Sufi of the Naqshbandi order, he produced works of poetry, prose, and mystical commentary that remain influential in Persianate cultures. His most famous work, the 'Haft Awrang', is a collection of seven masnavi poems exploring themes of love and spiritual devotion. Jami also wrote treatises on ethics, theology, and astronomy, highlighting his diverse scholarly interests. He spent his later years in Herat under the patronage of the Timurid court and was venerated as a saint until his death in 1492.

Born around 1580, Ford became renowned as a viol player and composer at the courts of England, performing for King Charles I and other patrons. He published notable collections like Musicke of Sundrie Kindes (1607), featuring lute songs, madrigals, and instrumental fantasias. Many of his vocal works set his own poetry, blending literary and musical artistry. Ford's music is characterized by expressive melodies, rich harmonies, and intricate counterpoint. He also taught music to aristocratic students, influencing the next generation of English musicians. Despite the disruptions of the English Civil War, his compositions remained popular in print and manuscript. Ford died in 1648, remembered as a leading figure in late Renaissance English music.

Born in 1601, Earle pursued an academic career at Oxford before being appointed Bishop of Worcester in 1662. He authored several works of prose and poetry, most notably Microcosmographie, a collection of vivid character studies published anonymously in 1628. His writing blends satire, moral insight, and down-to-earth language, offering a window into 17th-century English society. As a Royalist during the English Civil War, Earle went into exile in France before returning with the Restoration of Charles II. His devotional text Theophila reflects his deep Anglican faith and remains valued for its theological clarity. Earle also contributed to the revision of the Book of Common Prayer, shaping Anglican liturgy. He died in 1665, remembered as both a scholar-bishop and a gifted literary voice.

Born in 1634 in Taunton, Alleine studied at Oxford before becoming a pastor in his hometown. His most famous work, An Alarm to the Unconverted (published 1672), urged readers to embrace salvation with urgency and compassion. Despite persecution under the Clarendon Code, he continued to preach and write, producing sermons and letters that circulated widely. In 1662, he was ejected from his parish during the Great Ejection and faced fines and imprisonment for his nonconformity. Alleine's writings, characterized by heartfelt sincerity and pastoral warmth, influenced later evangelical movements. Shortly before his death in 1668, he wrote his devotional Manual for a Godly Life, offering guidance for daily Christian practice. His enduring works reflect the trials and fervor of 17th-century English Puritanism.

Born in 1668 in Amiens, Lesage began his career writing for the stage, composing comedies for the Comédie-Française. In 1715 he published Gil Blas, a satirical picaresque novel that achieved widespread acclaim and influenced writers across Europe. He authored numerous plays blending humor and social critique, reflecting his sharp observation of human nature. Lesage's works often satirized contemporary politics and the hypocrisy of his day, resonating with Enlightenment audiences. He died in 1747, remembered as one of France's most innovative early novelists and dramatists.

Born Eduard Brunberg in 1862, he adopted the pseudonym Eduard Bornhöhe and became a leading figure in Estonian literature. His vivid novels, including Tasuja and Võitlus kodu eest, dramatized the Livonian War and the quest for national identity. Bornhöhe’s works inspired the Estonian national awakening under Russian rule. A teacher by profession, he also wrote educational texts to support Estonian language learning. His legacy endures as a pioneer of Estonia’s literary heritage after his death in 1923.

Charles W. Chesnutt was an American writer, lawyer, and activist whose work confronted racial tensions in post-Reconstruction America. Born in 1858 in Ohio, he became one of the first African-American novelists to gain national acclaim. His collections of short stories, such as The Conjure Woman, blended folklore with social commentary on racial identity. Chesnutt also practiced law and lectured extensively on civil rights and equality. He challenged prevailing stereotypes and influenced future generations of African-American writers. His legacy endures as a pioneering voice in American literature and civil rights advocacy.

Victor Serge was a Russian writer, historian, and political activist born in 1890. He participated in the 1905 Russian Revolution and later chronicled his experiences in prison and exile. Serge's novels, including Men in Prison and The Case of Comrade Tulayev, offer vivid portrayals of Soviet life. His works combine historical analysis with literary craftsmanship, bridging scholarship and creativity. Despite persecution under Stalin, he continued to write and critique totalitarianism from exile in France. Serge's legacy endures as a unique voice in 20th-century literature and revolutionary history.

Yitzhak Lamdan was a Russian-born poet and journalist who became a prominent figure in Hebrew literature. Born in 1899, he emigrated to British Mandate Palestine in the 1920s, contributing to its cultural scene. His epic poem Masada depicted the last stand of Jewish rebels against Rome and became a Zionist anthem. Lamdan worked as a war correspondent during World War II and reported on Jewish suffering in Europe. His writings combined lyrical storytelling with themes of exile, survival, and national identity. He remains celebrated for capturing the spirit of early Israeli society through his poetry.

Mervyn Peake (July 9, 1911 – November 17, 1968) was an English writer, poet, and artist. He gained fame for the Gormenghast trilogy, acclaimed for its baroque prose and intricate world-building. Peake's talents extended to illustration and playwriting, showcasing a unique and often macabre artistic vision. Educated at the Slade School of Fine Art, his background in painting influenced his descriptive writing. During World War II, he served in the Medical Corps, experiences that deepened his creative outlook. Despite health struggles later in life, he produced plays, poetry, and illustrations that left a lasting mark on 20th-century literature.

Born in Lancashire, England, in 1904, she emigrated to the United States in the 1930s. She began her career in Hollywood as an actress before gaining prominence as a syndicated gossip columnist. Her glamorous writing style and insider access made her one of America’s most widely read gossip columnists. In 1958, she published 'Beloved Infidel', a bestselling memoir about her romantic involvement with writer F. Scott Fitzgerald. The book was later adapted into a film, further cementing her legacy in popular culture. She continued writing novels and columns until her death in 1988, leaving behind a substantial body of work.

Born in 1934 in New York City, Lorde published her first poetry collection at age 19. Her writing blended lyrical beauty with incisive social critique, addressing issues of identity and oppression. As a self-described 'black, lesbian, feminist, mother, warrior, poet,' she co-founded Kitchen Table: Women of Color Press. Lorde’s seminal essays, including those in 'Sister Outsider', helped shape intersectional feminist discourse. She taught at Bowdoin College and lectured widely, championing civil rights and LGBTQ+ visibility. Battling cancer, she continued to write until her passing in 1992, leaving a lasting impact on literature and activism.