Petar II Petrović-Njegoš (1813–1851) was a Montenegrin prince-bishop, philosopher, and poet, recognized for his significant influence on Montenegro’s cultural and political landscape. His most notable work is the epic poem “The Mountain Wreath” (“Gorski vijenac”), a patriotic and philosophical exploration of Montenegro’s history and struggles. Njegoš played a crucial role in shaping Montenegro’s identity during … Read more
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832) was a German writer, poet, and statesman, renowned for his contributions to literature, philosophy, and science during the Romantic era. His notable works include “Faust,” a tragic play, and “The Sorrows of Young Werther,” a novel exploring themes of love and individualism. Goethe’s versatile talents extended to poetry, drama, and … Read more
Erinna (circa 4th century BCE) was an ancient Greek poet, contemporary and possibly a close friend of the more famous poet Sappho. Little is known about Erinna’s life, but her surviving work includes a poem titled “Distaff,” which is a poignant lament on the brevity of life. Though she didn’t achieve the same historical prominence … Read more
Sappho (circa 630–570 BCE) was an ancient Greek lyric poet from the island of Lesbos. Renowned for her poetry, especially love poems addressing women, Sappho is often hailed as one of the greatest lyric poets of antiquity. Although much of her work is lost, her influence on poetry, particularly in expressing emotions and personal experiences, … Read more
William Shakespeare (1564–1616) was an English playwright, poet, and actor, widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the English language and world literature. His works, which include iconic plays like “Romeo and Juliet,” “Hamlet,” and “Macbeth,” have had a profound and enduring impact on literature, drama, and the arts. Often referred to as … Read more