By the age of 19, Mr. Richter was already working as the editor of a weekly newspaper. Among his other jobs were a private secretary, jobs in publishing, starting a magazine for young people and as a screen writer for MGM.
Thor Heyerdahl (6 October, 1914 – 18 April, 2002) was a noted Norwegian adventurer who authored more than 10 books. Books by Thor Heyerdahl* 1) He was the son of a master brewer and showed great interest in zoology from an early age, even […]
Today is the birthday of one of the greatest authors in history: Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra (29 September 1547 – 23 April 1616. As you can tell, I am a fan. Not only because of the Quixotic pun of this blog’s name, but […]
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 […]
James Fenimore Cooper (15 September, 1789 – 14 September, 1851) was a popular American writer who is best known for his Leatherstocking Tales featuring Natty Bumppo. Books by James Fenimore Cooper* 1) Mr. Cooper was born in Burlington, NJ. He was the eleventh of 12 […]
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 […]
Bret Harte (25 August, 1836 – 5 May, 1902) was a short story writer whose stories featured the people of the California Gold Rush.
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.
