Bertolt Brecht
Author of the day

Bertolt Brecht

Bertolt Brecht was a highly influential German playwright, poet, and theatre director. He is renowned for his pioneering work in epic theatre, which aimed to provoke critical thought rather than emotional immersion. His writings often carried strong political and social messages, critiquing capitalism, war, and injustice. Brecht's innovative techniques, such as the alienation effect (Verfremdungseffekt), revolutionized modern theatre.

Poem of the day

Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night

Dylan Thomas
Do not go gentle into that good night, 
Old age should burn and rave at close of day; 
Rage, rage against the dying of the light. 

Though wise men at their end know dark is right, 
Because their words had forked no lightning they 
Do not go gentle into that good night. 

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright 
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay, 
Rage, rage against the dying of the light. 

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight, 
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way, 
Do not go gentle into that good night. 

Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight 
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay, 
Rage, rage against the dying of the light. 

And you, my father, there on that sad height, 
Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray. 
Do not go gentle into that good night. 
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
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Born on this day

12
Salette Tavares

Salette Tavares was a Portuguese poet and essayist, whose work stands out for its originality and formal experimentation, situated within the context of concretism and visual poetry. With an innovative language and a critical eye on society, Tavares explored the potential of written and visual language, challenging the conventional boundaries of poetry. Her literary output, marked by intelligence and irreverence, left an important legacy for contemporary Portuguese-language poetry, being recognized for her contribution to the renewal of poetic language.

Octavio Paz

Octavio Paz was one of the most important poets and essayists of the 20th century, awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1990. His work is vast and multifaceted, exploring themes such as love, solitude, Mexican identity, the human condition, time, and the search for transcendence. With a rich and innovative language, Paz moved between lyrical poetry, philosophical reflection, and cultural criticism, leaving an invaluable intellectual and artistic legacy.

Afonso Celso de Assis Figueiredo Júnior

Afonso Celso de Assis Figueiredo Júnior, better known by his pseudonym, was a Brazilian jurist, journalist, professor, and writer. He stood out for his vast work in various areas of knowledge, ranging from law to literature. As a journalist, he played an active role in the press of the time, defending progressive ideas and contributing to public debate. His literary production, although less voluminous than his legal work, reveals a multifaceted intellectual with an interest in social criticism and the representation of Brazilian reality. His professional and intellectual trajectory positions him as a relevant figure in the cultural and academic scene of Brazil.

Robert Brasillach

Robert Brasillach was a French writer, journalist, and film critic, born in Perpignan on March 31, 1909. Associated with the far-right movement, Brasillach was a controversial figure in the 20th-century French intellectual scene. Known for his elegant prose and his talent as a literary and film critic, he collaborated with various publications, including "L'Action Française" and "Je suis partout." During World War II, Brasillach adopted collaborationist and antisemitic positions, which would lead to his conviction and execution after the liberation of France. He died in 1945.

Diogo Barbosa Machado

Diogo Barbosa Machado was a prominent figure of the 18th century in Portugal, primarily known for his monumental work "Bibliotheca Lusitana." This encyclopedic work was dedicated to cataloging and presenting the lives and works of numerous Portuguese writers, becoming a fundamental landmark for the study of Portuguese literature and history. His dedication to compiling biographical and literary data demonstrated a deep appreciation for Lusophone culture and a remarkable effort to preserve and disseminate the country's intellectual heritage. His legacy lies, in large part, in the importance of his work as a reference source for historians and scholars.

Aritz Gorrotxategi

Aritz Gorrotxategi is a Basque poet and writer, known for his lyrical and reflective work. His poetry explores the relationship between language, human experience, and nature, with a style marked by delicacy and depth. He is an important voice in contemporary Basque-language poetry.

Giacomo Noventa

Giacomo Noventa was an Italian poet and writer, whose work stands out for its sensitive lyricism and musical language, often exploring man's relationship with nature and the depths of the human soul. His poetry is marked by a search for beauty and harmony, with a style that combines classicism and a restrained modernity. Noventa is remembered for his ability to evoke vivid images and deep feelings, using carefully crafted language. His contribution to Italian poetry lies in the delicacy of his expression and the universality of his themes, which resonate with the human experience in its search for meaning and beauty.

Desiderio Macías Silva

Desiderio Macías Silva is a writer and poet whose work is characterized by its strong connection to cultural roots and the exploration of social and human themes. His writing reflects a deep sensitivity and a commitment to expressing identity and collective experience. With a career dedicated to literature, Macías Silva has contributed to the appreciation of culture and language, offering narratives and poems that touch the reader through their authenticity and their ability to portray life in its various manifestations.

Miguel Ángel Curiel

Miguel Ángel Curiel is a Spanish writer with a diverse body of work that spans poetry and prose. His writing is marked by a strong lyrical and reflective charge, exploring themes such as memory, the passage of time, and the search for meaning in existence. He is known for his evocative language and his ability to create striking poetic images.

Died on this day

8
Arlindo Barbeitos

Arlindo Barbeitos is an Angolan poet whose work is part of the rich tradition of Portuguese-language literature, addressing crucial themes such as national identity, African cultural heritage, the fight for freedom, and social criticism. His poetry is marked by a strong symbolic charge and a deep sense of belonging, exploring the complexities of Angolan reality and the quest for a just and sovereign future. Barbeitos is an important voice in contemporary African poetry.

John Donne

John Donne was a leading figure of the metaphysical poets, renowned for his intellectual and passionate verse that explored complex themes of love, death, religion, and the human condition. His poetry is characterized by its ingenious conceits, sharp wit, and a profound exploration of spiritual and physical experiences. Donne's career spanned roles as a poet, lawyer, and Anglican priest, culminating in his appointment as Dean of St. Paul's Cathedral. His works, including "Songs and Sonnets" and "Holy Sonnets," continue to be celebrated for their originality, emotional depth, and theological insight.

A Burnt Ship
Belmiro Braga

Belmiro Braga was a Brazilian poet whose work is characterized by lyrical delicacy and the exploration of themes such as nature, love, and spirituality. His writing reveals a particular sensitivity for capturing the beauty of the world and human emotions, with a language that oscillates between simplicity and depth. His poetry invites serene contemplation and the rediscovery of enchantment in the small things of life.

Roberto Juarroz

Roberto Juarroz was an Argentine poet, essayist, and translator, recognized for his metaphysical poetry and his profound exploration of language as a tool to unravel the mysteries of existence. His work, characterized by conciseness, conceptual density, and the incessant search for the exact word, addresses themes such as time, space, identity, and the human being's relationship with the absolute, establishing him as a prominent figure in 20th-century Spanish-language poetry.

Giuseppe Giusti

Giuseppe Giusti (May 13, 1809 - March 31, 1850) was an Italian poet, known for his satirical and patriotic poetry. He is considered one of the exponents of 19th-century Tuscan poetry, with a style that blends irony, social criticism, and a deep love for his homeland.

Guillermo Fernández

Guillermo Fernández is a contemporary Spanish poet and professor, recognized for his poetic work that explores the depth of human experience with a style marked by reflection and sensitivity. His writing is characterized by careful language and the ability to evoke complex emotions and thoughts. As an academic, he has dedicated part of his career to the study and dissemination of literature.

Charlotte Brontë

Charlotte Brontë was an English novelist and poet, best known for her masterpiece *Jane Eyre*. Her work is characterized by its passionate intensity, psychological depth, and exploration of social and moral issues, particularly concerning women's roles in Victorian society. Brontë's novels often feature strong, independent female protagonists who navigate complex personal and societal challenges, offering enduring insights into themes of love, class, religion, and selfhood.

As some red planet's gleam.