November 27

Quintus Horatius Flaccus, known as Horace (65 BC–8 BC), mastered Greek lyric forms in Latin poetry. He served as a lieutenant in the Roman army and later joined the circle of Maecenas. His major works include the Odes, Epodes, Satires, and the Carmen Saeculare. Horace’s elegant style, philosophical depth, and witty observations shaped Roman literature. His influence persisted through the Renaissance and continues to inspire poets today.

Alexandre Dumas, fils (1824–1895) was a prominent French author and dramatist. The son of famed novelist Alexandre Dumas, he focused on social morality and romantic drama. His novel and play La Dame aux Camélias became a cultural sensation and inspired Verdi’s La Traviata. Dumas’s works examined the complexities of love, honor, and societal expectations in 19th-century France. In 1874, he was elected to the Académie française, cementing his literary legacy.

Born in Sint-Amands, Belgium, Emile Verhaeren emerged as a pioneering Symbolist poet. He published celebrated collections such as 'Les Flamandes' and 'Les Villes tentaculaires'. His vivid imagery and rhythmic versatility influenced European poetry. In addition to poetry, he wrote several acclaimed plays exploring social and spiritual themes. Verhaeren's contributions earned him international recognition before his tragic death in 1916.

Eugene O'Neill was born in 1888 and became one of America’s most celebrated dramatists. He wrote groundbreaking plays such as 'Long Day’s Journey Into Night' and 'The Iceman Cometh' that explored deep personal and societal themes. His unflinching portrayal of human flaws earned him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1936. O’Neill pioneered the use of naturalistic dialogue and innovative stagecraft in American theater. Over his career, he received four Pulitzer Prizes, solidifying his reputation as a master playwright. He passed away in 1953, leaving a profound influence on playwrights and theater artists worldwide.

May Gibbs was born in Northfleet, England, and moved to Australia in her childhood. She became one of Australia's most beloved children's authors and illustrators. Her most famous creations, the gumnut babies Snugglepot and Cuddlepie, have charmed generations. Gibbs combined her training in art with a deep love of the Australian bush, creating whimsical characters from native flora. She published numerous books, postcards, and cartoons, developing a distinctive style celebrated internationally. Her work influenced Australian children's literature and remains iconic in Australian culture.

Born into the McWhirter twins, Ross and Norris developed the Guinness Book of Records in 1955 to settle pub arguments with authoritative facts. Ross served as editorial director and researcher for the publication, ensuring its accuracy and broad appeal. Beyond publishing, he was active in political activism, campaigning on issues of national security. Tragically, he was assassinated in 1975 by the IRA due to his political stances. His work created a globally recognized reference that remains a bestselling publication worldwide.

Born in Amsterdam, Donner rose to prominence in the 1950s as one of the strongest Dutch chess players. He earned the International Grandmaster title in 1959 and represented the Netherlands in multiple Chess Olympiads. Off the board, Donner was celebrated for his incisive chess columns and books that blended analysis with personal anecdotes. His outspoken personality and candid writing style made him a beloved and controversial figure in chess circles. He won the Dutch Championship four times and defeated many top players of his era. Donner's literary contributions continue to be valued for their unique blend of humor and insight.

Gloria Fuertes emerged as a key voice in post-war Spanish literature, known for her playful and evocative poetry. Born in Madrid, she wrote extensively for both adults and children, blending simple language with profound themes of peace and solidarity. Fuertes became a beloved figure on Spanish television, reading poems on educational programs and engaging young audiences. Her work addressed issues of gender equality and social justice long before they became mainstream topics. Through over fifty published collections, she inspired generations of readers and reshaped modern Spanish poetry until her death in 1998 at age 81.

Elizabeth Gray Vining served as a librarian and author who bridged American and Japanese cultures in the mid-20th century. Born in 1902, she worked at Swarthmore College before being invited in 1946 to tutor Crown Prince Akihito of Japan, a role that earned her international recognition. Vining penned memoirs such as "Windows for the Crown Prince," detailing her experiences at the imperial court. Beyond her royal tutelage, she wrote biographies, fiction, and educational texts, reflecting her scholarly background. Vining's work fostered cultural understanding and left a lasting legacy until her passing in 1999 at the age of 96.

Malcolm Bradbury was a leading figure in British literature and higher education. Born in 1932, he gained acclaim with novels like "The History Man," a sharp satire of academic life. A respected literary critic, he co-founded the groundbreaking Creative Writing program at the University of East Anglia in 1970, mentoring generations of writers. Bradbury also authored critical studies on European literature and contributed to numerous literary journals. His insightful exploration of contemporary society and dedication to teaching solidified his reputation until his death in 2000 at age 68.

Shivmangal Singh Suman was a prominent figure in modern Hindi literature, born in 1915 in Allahabad. His poetry blended romantic imagery with spiritual and nationalistic themes, earning him the Sahitya Akademi Award for his collection "Hillol." As an academic, he taught at several universities and served in literary organizations, fostering Hindi studies and mentoring young writers. Suman wrote essays, biographies, and critical studies in addition to his poetry, contributing to the cultural discourse of independent India. He passed away in 2002, leaving a rich literary legacy.

Born in Philadelphia in 1950, Bebe Moore Campbell emerged as a powerful literary voice exploring race, family, and identity. Her novels, including 'Brothers and Sisters Are Family' and '72 Hour Hold', received critical acclaim for their depth and empathy. An advocate for mental health and literacy, she founded a children’s reading program and championed youth empowerment. Campbell wrote essays for leading publications and produced award-winning children’s books, expanding her impact beyond fiction. Her contributions to literature and community outreach continue to inspire conversations about social justice and cultural understanding.