December 10

Clement Lindley Wragge was born in 1852 in England and developed an early interest in climate and weather patterns. He emigrated to Australia, where he organized one of the first systematic meteorological networks in the Southern Hemisphere. Wragge introduced innovative techniques for storm forecasting and was among the first to name tropical cyclones. His published works and magazine articles made meteorology accessible to the general public. He also cultivated gardens of exotic plants, combining his scientific interests with horticultural pursuits. Wragge's contributions laid the foundations for modern weather services in Australia and beyond. Remembered as both a scientist and a communicator, he inspired future generations of meteorologists. He died on December 10, 1922, leaving behind a rich legacy in atmospheric science.

Harry Crosby was born in 1898 into a wealthy Boston family and served in World War I before settling in Paris. In 1927 he and his wife Caresse founded the Black Sun Press, publishing experimental works by Hemingway, Joyce, and Breton. Crosby’s poetry reflected his bohemian lifestyle and deep engagement with modernist art and literature. His extravagant parties and open marriage made him a notorious figure among expatriates. Tragically, Crosby died by suicide in a mysterious shooting in 1929, cementing his legend among the Lost Generation. Despite his brief life, his press left an enduring mark on modernist publishing.

Born in 1867 in Agrigento, Sicily, Luigi Pirandello studied literature in Rome and Heidelberg before returning to Italy as a professor. He gained fame with novels like 'The Late Mattia Pascal' which explored themes of identity and reality. Pirandello revolutionized theatre with plays such as 'Six Characters in Search of an Author', blending fiction and reality on stage. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1934, he influenced generations of playwrights with his introspective approach. His works often delve into the fluidity of human personality and the absurdity of social conventions. Pirandello’s legacy endures in the development of modern and absurdist theatre worldwide.

Damon Runyon was an American newspaperman whose career at the New York Morning Telegraph informed his engaging short stories. He created a unique narrative style featuring gangsters, gamblers, and small-time hustlers, marked by its distinctive slang and vivid dialogue. His collections, including one that inspired the Broadway musical 'Guys and Dolls,' showcased his talent. Runyon captured the spirit of Prohibition-era New York, blending humor and pathos in his portrayals of society's underbelly. His work continues to influence writers and filmmakers with its memorable characters and narrative voice.

Na Hye-sok was one of Korea's first female journalists and a trailblazing modern artist. She published bold essays advocating women's freedom and education, challenging traditional gender roles in the early 20th century. As a poet, her lyrical verses explored themes of love, identity, and social change. Her paintings combined Western techniques with Korean aesthetics, marking her as a pioneering figure in modern Korean art. Despite facing criticism and exile, she remained committed to her creative and feminist ideals throughout her life. Today she is regarded as a symbol of women's emancipation and artistic innovation in Korea.

Algernon Blackwood was an English writer whose works helped define early 20th-century supernatural fiction. Born in Sussex, he drew inspiration from nature and mysticism, creating eerie tales that explored the unknown. His novella 'The Willows' is considered one of the finest examples of weird fiction, influencing authors such as H.P. Lovecraft. Blackwood also wrote plays and novels covering various genres, but he remained best known for his ghost stories. He traveled extensively, incorporating diverse landscapes and folklore into his narratives. His legacy endures in the horror genre, where his atmospheric style continues to captivate readers.

David Shimoni emigrated from the Russian Empire to Ottoman Palestine in his youth, becoming one of the pioneers of modern Hebrew poetry. His early poems celebrated the land of Israel and the Zionist ideal with vivid imagery and emotional depth. Shimoni also translated major works of world literature into Hebrew, enriching the literary landscape of the young state. He received the Bialik Prize for Literature and several national awards for his contributions. His poetry is marked by its lyrical beauty, introspection, and connection to Jewish identity. Shimoni's works remain influential in Israeli literature for their artistic innovation and cultural significance.

Born in 1894, Mark Van Doren became a leading voice in 20th-century American poetry. He received the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1940 and published several influential collections. Van Doren taught at Columbia University for over four decades, mentoring future literary luminaries. His critiques and essays appeared in major publications, shaping contemporary literary discourse. Van Doren’s dedication to teaching and writing left an enduring mark on American letters until his death in 1972.

Gary Webb (1955-2004) was a Pulitzer Prize–winning investigative reporter whose 1996 'Dark Alliance' series revealed covert ties between the CIA and Nicaraguan Contras involved in drug trafficking. His groundbreaking work sparked national debate on government accountability and media responsibility. Despite fierce criticism and professional setbacks, Webb remained dedicated to uncovering the truth. His persistence inspired future investigative journalists and reshaped public discourse on covert operations. Webb's tragic death intensified discussions on the pressures faced by journalists pursuing controversial stories.

Eugene McCarthy (1916-2005) was an accomplished poet and professor before embarking on a political career that saw him serve as a U.S. Representative and Senator from Minnesota. His 1968 presidential campaign electrified the nation’s anti-Vietnam War sentiment and challenged incumbent President Lyndon B. Johnson to reconsider U.S. involvement overseas. McCarthy authored several volumes of poetry and taught literature at various universities, earning respect in academic circles. Known for his intellectual rigor and moral conviction, he continued writing and speaking out on issues of peace and social justice throughout his life. His multifaceted legacy bridges the worlds of literature, education, and political activism.

Olivia Coolidge (1908-2006) was a distinguished writer and teacher whose works brought ancient history and mythology to life for a broad audience. After studying classics at Oxford University, she moved to the United States and joined the faculty at Columbia Teachers College. Coolidge authored award-winning books such as 'The Trojan War' and 'Lives of the Caesars', praised for their scholarly accuracy and engaging narratives. Her passion for classical studies influenced generations of students and readers. Through her dual roles as educator and author, she fostered a lasting appreciation for history and literature.

J. Michael Hagopian (1913-2010) was a pioneering documentarian whose films preserved the testimonies of Armenian Genocide survivors. Born in the Ottoman Empire and raised in the United States, he founded Atlantis Films to produce in-depth historical documentaries. Hagopian’s landmark projects include 'America and the Armenian Genocide', blending personal narratives with archival research. His meticulous approach created a powerful record of a pivotal chapter in history. As an educator and author, he also wrote extensively on genocide studies, shaping public understanding and commemoration.