December 17

Abdul Rahim Khan-I-Khana was a grandson of Bairam Khan and served as a trusted courtier of Emperor Akbar. He is celebrated for his bilingual poetry, composing both Persian verses and Hindi dohas that remain popular today. Rahim also translated important Sanskrit texts into Persian, fostering cultural exchange in the Mughal court. His literary circle included prominent scholars and poets of the era. He held high administrative offices and was respected for his erudition until his death in 1627.

Roger L'Estrange began his career as a fervent royalist during the English Civil War, producing propaganda against the Parliamentarians. After the Restoration, he was appointed Surveyor of the Imprimery and Licensing Act enforcer, effectively controlling the press. L'Estrange translated classical works, including Aesop's Fables, making them accessible to English readers. He published satirical essays and was both celebrated and criticized for his censorship role. He continued his literary activities until his death in 1704.

Thomas Tickell was a friend of Joseph Addison and part of the early 18th-century literary circle. He is noted for his pastoral poem 'Kensington Gardens' and his translation of Marcus Aurelius' 'Meditations'. Tickell also wrote political verse supporting the Whig cause and contributed to leading periodicals of his time. He held a court post as Under-Secretary of State, blending his literary talents with public service. His works influenced the development of Augustan poetry before his death in 1740.

Born in 1807 in Haverhill, Massachusetts, Whittier’s Quaker upbringing instilled in him lifelong commitments to peace and social justice. He became a leading voice in the abolitionist movement, using his poetry and journalism to attack the institution of slavery. His collection 'Snow-Bound' (1866) was a critical and popular success, offering a nostalgic glimpse of rural New England life. Whittier helped found The Atlantic Monthly and served in the Massachusetts legislature, blending art with activism. He died in 1892, leaving a rich literary legacy that inspired reformers and poets alike.

Born in 1830 in Nancy, Jules de Goncourt collaborated with his brother Édouard to produce novels, criticism, and memoirs that captured the spirit of 19th-century France. Their novel 'Germinie Lacerteux' (1865) was lauded for its psychological realism and candid exploration of domestic life. Their extensive journals provide a vivid portrait of Parisian society and artistic trends of the era. Tragically, Jules died in 1870, but Édouard’s later endowment honored their literary contributions through the Prix Goncourt. Today, that award remains one of the most prestigious recognitions in French literature, reflecting the brothers’ lasting impact.

Émile Faguet was a celebrated French literary critic and novelist who taught at the Sorbonne. He authored numerous critical studies on writers such as Voltaire, Rousseau, and Balzac, emphasizing clear style and moral judgment. Faguet's works on literary history and criticism were widely read and shaped public appreciation of French literature. He believed in the importance of moral values in literature and wrote essays defending classical ideals. His clear prose and critical insight made him one of the leading voices in early twentieth-century French letters.

Ford Madox Ford, born Ford Hermann Hueffer, was an influential English writer and literary critic. He co-edited the literary magazine The English Review with Joseph Conrad and promoted modernist literature. Ford’s novel The Good Soldier (1915) is celebrated for its innovative narrative structure and psychological depth. His four-volume series Parade's End (1924–1928) explores themes of love, class, and the impact of World War I. As an editor, he nurtured the careers of many writers and left a lasting mark on twentieth-century fiction.

Alison Uttley studied history at the University of Manchester before embarking on a teaching career. In 1922, she published her first children's book and went on to write over 100 titles, including the beloved Little Grey Rabbit and Sam Pig series. Her stories captured rural life with warmth and wit, enchanting young readers for decades. She also penned memoirs and fairy tales that blended folklore and personal experience. Uttley's enduring work reflects her deep love of nature and storytelling.

Erskine Caldwell was born in Georgia and became a leading voice in American social realism. His novel 'Tobacco Road' (1932) offered an unflinching look at destitution in rural Georgia, sparking both acclaim and controversy. Following this, 'God's Little Acre' (1933) continued his exploration of hardship and moral conflict in the Deep South. Caldwell's work often challenged social norms and brought attention to the struggles of marginalized communities. He wrote more than 20 books throughout his career, many of which were adapted for stage and screen. His sharp prose and empathy for his subjects have secured his place in 20th-century American literature.

Erico Verissimo was born in Porto Alegre and became a central figure in Brazilian literature. His trilogy 'O Tempo e o Vento' (1949–1961) chronicles generations of families against the backdrop of political upheaval in Rio Grande do Sul. Verissimo's clear narrative style and rich character development captured the region's cultural identity. He also translated major works from English and French into Portuguese, broadening literary horizons in Brazil. Throughout his career, he held editorial roles and promoted literary activities nationwide. Verissimo's work has been adapted for television and remains a touchstone in Brazilian cultural history.

Eknath Easwaran founded the Blue Mountain Center of Meditation in California and introduced millions to the practice of silent meditation using passages from world scriptures. His accessible books, such as “Meditation: A Simple Eight-Point Program,” blend Eastern spiritual traditions with Western psychological insights. A former professor in India and the United States, Easwaran’s teachings emphasize mindfulness, compassion, and practical spirituality.

Penelope Fitzgerald published a series of acclaimed novels and biographies later in life, earning the Booker Prize in 1979 for 'Offshore'. Known for her concise prose and keen psychological insight, she explored themes of displacement, history, and human resilience. Fitzgerald’s literary achievements also include acclaimed biographies of artists such as Charlotte Mew and Edward Burne-Jones.