Mar 09 2024
Taras Shevchenko, often hailed as Ukraine’s national bard, holds an iconic stature in the annals of Ukraine’s cultural history. Born on this day March 9, 1814, Shevchenko grew up in a serf family, experiencing firsthand the harsh realities of serfdom. Despite his humble beginnings, he developed an innate love for art and literature that saw him …
Mar 08 2024
Born in Melo, Uruguay on March 8, 1892, Juana de Ibarbourou’s literary journey began early. Her first poem was published when she was just 17, and by the time she was 25, she had become a national sensation. Her first collection of poems, Lenguas de diamante, was released in 1919, which instantly made her a …
Mar 07 2024
Born on this day March 7, 1998, Amanda Gorman, the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history, has emerged as a powerful voice in contemporary literature, capturing the attention of a global audience with her poignant verse and dynamic performances. Her work, which melds the personal, political, and prophetic, has catapulted her to unprecedented fame, cementing …
Mar 05 2024
Born on this day March 5, 1948, Leslie Marmon Silko, a prominent Native American author, has made significant contributions to the genre of indigenous narratives. Her works, which include Ceremony, Storyteller, and Almanac of the Dead, are significant because they provide an authentic and nuanced depiction of Native American culture, history, and spirituality. These narratives …
Mar 04 2024
Alan Sillitoe, one of the most prominent figures within the British literary movement known as “The Angry Young Men,” ushered in a new era of social realism with his strikingly candid and unapologetic depictions of working-class life in post-war Britain. His work was an exploration of social realism, shedding light on the harsh realities faced …
Mar 03 2024
Born on this day March 3, 1926, James Merrill, one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, profoundly transformed the landscape of American poetry through his innovative use of language and form. His seminal works, The Changing Light at Sandover and Divine Comedies, stand as landmark texts that showcase his exceptional talent and …
Mar 01 2024
American poet Richard Wilbur was born on this day March 1, 1921 in New York City. Renowned for his masterful use of language and impeccable rhyme, Richard Wilbur is celebrated as a linchpin in the world of contemporary literature. A two-time Pulitzer prize winner, Wilbur’s contribution to literature is profound and far-reaching, particularly in the …
Feb 28 2024
Stephen Spender was a pioneering poet and essayist whose work resonated with readers across the globe, offering a unique perspective on life, politics, and art. Born in London on this day February 28, 1909, his literary career spanned over six tumultuous decades, during which he established himself as a central figure in 20th-century English literature. …
Feb 24 2024
Weldon Kees, a man of many talents, was an accomplished poet, painter, and musician whose contributions to the arts have made a lasting impression. His poetry, characterized by an overwhelming sense of disillusionment and despair, resonates with those who perceive the world through a similar lens. Kees’s poems – cryptic, elusive yet profoundly moving – …
Feb 23 2024
The roots of David Wright’s poetry are deeply embedded in a South African narrative that is both distinctive and profound. It reflects the vibrant and varied culture, history, and sociopolitical discourse of South Africa, making his work not just an aesthetic endeavor but also a cultural expression of his homeland. His poetry displays a unique …
