December 18

Lyman Abbott graduated from Dartmouth College and Andover Theological Seminary before becoming a prominent Congregationalist minister. He served as editor of The Christian Union (later The Outlook), shaping public discourse on religion and social issues. Abbott authored influential works on Christianity, evolution, and ethics, including The Evolution of Christianity. A vocal advocate for progressive reforms, he engaged in debates on pacifism and social welfare. Abbott’s career spanned the late 19th and early 20th centuries, leaving a lasting impact on American Protestantism.

Henrietta Edwards was a pioneering figure in the Canadian women’s movement, co-founding the Women’s Protective and Provident League. She fought tirelessly for women’s property rights and access to higher education. Edwards authored articles and pamphlets advocating suffrage and legal equality. As a co-founder of the National Council of Women of Canada, she helped establish a national dialogue on social reform. Her efforts contributed to the eventual expansion of women’s rights in Canada. She passed away in 1931, honored as a trailblazing advocate for gender equality.

Lionel Monckton enjoyed a prominent career in London’s West End, composing scores for hit shows like A Runaway Girl and The Circus Girl. His music was celebrated for its memorable tunes and light orchestration, capturing the spirit of the Edwardian era. Monckton also contributed insightful reviews as a music critic. He collaborated with leading librettists and lyricists of his time, helping to shape the genre of musical comedy. His works remained popular long after his passing in 1924. Monckton’s influence endures in the history of musical theatre.

Born H. H. Munro, Saki became famous for his sharp, satirical tales that lampooned Edwardian society. His stories, such as those in "The Chronicles of Clovis," combine dark humor with unexpected twists. Saki’s work influenced the short story form and inspired writers around the world. He also wrote plays and political commentary. Tragically, he was killed in action during World War I, but his work remains celebrated for its cleverness and biting social critique.

Born on December 18, 1887, in Champaran, Bihar, Bhikhari Thakur emerged as a pioneering figure of Bhojpuri folk theatre. He founded the Bidesia theatre troupe in the 1920s, using songs, dance, and drama to engage rural audiences. Often called the "Shakespeare of Bhojpuri", Thakur wrote and staged over fifty plays that addressed social issues like caste injustice, poverty, and the plight of women. His unique blend of humor, music, and poignant storytelling brought folk traditions to life on stage. Thakur's work not only entertained but also sparked dialogue and reform, earning him enduring respect in his community. He continued to perform and write until his death in 1971, leaving a rich legacy in North Indian cultural history.

Born on December 18, 1899, in Tromsø, Norway, Peter Wessel Zapffe became a leading voice in existential philosophy. He argued that human self-awareness leads to existential anxiety and suffering, best articulated in his essay "The Last Messiah." Zapffe suggested that humans cope with their existential condition through mechanisms like isolation, anchoring, distraction, and sublimation. He earned a legal degree and later wrote fiction and essays exploring ecological and philosophical themes. Although his work was initially overlooked, Zapffe’s ideas gained recognition posthumously, influencing debates on environmental ethics and the human predicament. He passed away in 1990, leaving a thought-provoking legacy in modern philosophy.

Born Abram Solman Borowitz in Brooklyn, New York, Abe Burrows began as a comedy writer for radio in the 1930s.\nHe transitioned to Broadway, winning acclaim for his work on musicals such as Guys and Dolls (1950).\nBurrows received multiple Tony Awards for his witty book writing and direction.\nHis credits include How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and Arsenic and Old Lace.\nKnown for his sharp wit and versatility, he shaped American musical theater during its golden age.\nHe also directed television specials and mentored emerging talent in the entertainment industry.\nBurrows' contributions left an indelible mark on both the stage and screen before his death in 1985.

Born in Middletown, Connecticut, Jules Dassin began his career on Broadway as an actor and director.\nHe moved into film in the 1940s, directing critically acclaimed noir dramas such as The Naked City (1948).\nBlacklisted during the McCarthy era, Dassin relocated to Europe and eventually settled in Greece.\nHis landmark heist film Rififi (1955) is celebrated for its innovative direction and suspense.\nHe received multiple awards, including the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival.\nDassin also worked in theater and television, showcasing his versatility across mediums.\nHis influence on post-war cinema endures through his bold storytelling and technical mastery.

Born in New York City, Alfred Bester began his career in comic book writing before turning to science fiction.\nHis debut novel, The Demolished Man (1953), won the first Hugo Award for Best Novel.\nBester's The Stars My Destination (1956) is hailed as a masterpiece of speculative fiction.\nHe blended psychological depth, innovative narrative techniques, and dark humor in his writing.\nBester also worked as a screenwriter for television series like Star Trek in the 1960s.\nHis short stories appeared in leading magazines, influencing generations of science fiction writers.\nRegarded as a visionary, his works remain celebrated for their imagination and literary quality.

Enlisting at age 17, Leckie served with the 1st Marine Division and fought in brutal campaigns such as Guadalcanal. His firsthand experiences became the basis for his acclaimed memoir Helmet for My Pillow (1957), offering a vivid portrait of frontline life. After the war, he authored numerous books on military history and fiction, including In Love and War and Conflict. Leckie also worked as a war correspondent, providing insights into later conflicts. His writings influenced the HBO miniseries The Pacific, ensuring his legacy as a key chronicler of World War II.

Born in London, Plowden studied at the London School of Economics before embarking on a writing career. She authored over a dozen books, including acclaimed biographies of Elizabeth I, Mary Queen of Scots, and Princess Mary Tudor. Her narrative style combined rigorous scholarship with vivid storytelling, bringing historical figures to life for a wide readership. Plowden also contributed to television documentaries and lectured on historical topics. Her work remains a popular introduction to the complexities of English royal history and court intrigue.

Born in South Gate, California, Smith broke into television with guest roles before landing the lead in '77 Sunset Strip' in 1958. His portrayal of Jeff Spencer made him a household name. In the 1960s, he transitioned behind the camera, producing and writing for both film and TV projects. He married entertainer Ann-Margret in 1967, and together they became one of Hollywood’s enduring couples. Despite health challenges later in life, Smith remained active in the industry, demonstrating versatility and resilience across multiple entertainment roles.