On this day in 1598 Ben Johnson, an English playwright, was indicted for manslaughter. Mr. Johnson was a bona fide celebrity in 17th Century England, being admired by writers and socialites. 1)      Ben Johnson was educated at the Westminster school by excellent teachers and […]

As governor of the province of Garfagnana, it is said that Ariosto was walking alone when captured by bandits (the province was rife with many gangs of bandits, but as governor Ariosto did not get the resources to fight them). When the chief bandit discovered his captive was the author of Orlando Furioso, he apologized and showed him the respect he deserved.

Blaise Cendrars (1 September, 1887 – 21 January, 1961) was Swiss poet and novelist, he held considerable influence in the European modernist movement. Books by Blaise Cendrars* 1)      Born in Neuchâtel, Switzerland to a Swiss father and a Scottish mother as Frédéric-Louis Sauser. 2)      Young Frédéric never […]

Alain Robbe-Grillet (18 August, 1922 – 18 February, 2008) was a French writer and filmmaker. Books by Alain Robbe-Grillet* 1)      Mr. Robbe-Grillet’s family were mostly scientists and engineers. 2)      His occupation was that of an agricultural engineer. 3)      After he published his first novel The Erasers (Les Gommes) […]

Trained as a teacher, she wrote in her spare time. Ms. Blyton’s first published book was Child Whispers (1922), while she was still teaching.

Knut Hamsun (4 August, 1859 – 19 February, 1952) was a Norwegian author and a Noble prize winner. Books by Knut Hamsun* 1)      Born as Knud Pedersen to a poor family, the author grew up on his uncle’s farm. 2)      When he […]

Ernest Hemingway (21 July, 1899 – 2 July, 1961) needs no introduction… From the Collection of the United States Postal Service Books by Ernest Hemingway* 1) Born in Oak Park, IL, Mr. Hemingway worked a bit for the Kansas City Star for […]