May 31 2024
Walt Whitman was born the son of a house-builder, Walter Whitman, and Louisa Van Velsor on this day May 31, 1819, in West Hills in Huntington on Long Island, NY. He spent much of his childhood and career years in Brooklyn, where he left school at the young age of eleven to work. By the age of twelve, …
May 30 2024
Countee Cullen, a prolific and influential African-American poet, was a central figure in the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural movement that spanned the 1920s and 1930s. Born May 30, 1903 in New York City, Cullen was adopted and raised by Reverend Frederick A. Cullen, a prominent Harlem minister, and his wife. Cullen’s work as a poet …
May 29 2024
Alfonsina Storni was a poet and playwright who made a lasting impression on Latin American literature in the early 20th century. Born on this day May 29, 1892 in Sala Capriasca, Switzerland and raised in Argentina, Storni broke through the confines of traditional gender roles to become a leading voice in the literary world. Her …
May 28 2024
Born on this day May 28, 1912, Patrick White is widely regarded as one of the greatest Australian writers of the 20th century. Throughout his prolific career, White explored themes of identity, culture, and society in a way that was both thought-provoking and deeply moving. His works speak to the heart of what it means …
May 26 2024
Simon Armitage is a name that has become synonymous with contemporary poetry and literature. This renowned British poet, playwright, and novelist has been captivating readers and audiences for over three decades with his unique and thought-provoking works. Known for his experimental style and ability to blend humor with gravitas, Armitage has earned numerous accolades for …
May 25 2024
Theodore Roethke, an eminent American poet, was born in Saginaw, Michigan, on May 25, 1908. Hailing from a family of German immigrants, Roethke’s childhood experiences in his father’s greenhouse greatly influenced his poetic sensibilities. Renowned for his introspective and deeply personal poems, Theodore Roethke skillfully captured the essence of the human condition by delving into …
May 23 2024
Born on this day May 23, 1947, Jane Kenyon’s poetry is a beautiful and insightful reflection on the human experience, exploring themes of life, love, and loss with a delicate and poignant touch. Her works are a testament to the power of language to capture the essence of our emotions, and to help us make …
May 21 2024
Dorothy Hewett was a prolific writer, poet, and playwright who made significant contributions to Australian literature. Her work spans several decades and covers a range of themes, from love and sexuality to politics and social justice. Hewett’s writing is characterized by its romanticism, confessional nature, and social awareness, which has earned her a devoted following …
May 18 2024
Omar Khayyam, born on this day May 18, 1048 in Nishapur, Iran, was a renowned Persian poet, mathematician, and astronomer. His literary contributions, particularly his quatrains known as the Rubaiyat, have proved to be timeless in the world of poetry and philosophy. Though primarily recognized for his poetic prowess, Omar Khayyam’s contributions to various fields …
May 16 2024
Born Adrienne Cecile Rich on this day May 16, 1929 in Baltimore, Maryland, Adrienne Rich was a powerful voice in American poetry and a symbol of feminist resistance. Her work was marked by a fierce, unapologetic commitment to social justice, and her legacy as a feminist icon continues to inspire and challenge readers today. As …
