On this day in 1895, Alfred Nobel signed his last will and testament. The four-page document contained less than a page explaining the prize that would bear his name. A scientist, writer, and political activist, Nobel sought to encourage exceptional work in several fields: physics, medicine, chemistry, peace, and literature.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones! While today means turkey and stuffing, tomorrow means the biggest shopping day of the year. If you'd rather skip the Black Friday mayhem, find the perfect literary gift for everyone on your list--without even leaving the house. Here's a look at some favorite books that make exceptional holiday gifts.
Today marks the birthday of John Gardner, the British author who succeeded Kingsley Amis as the bearer of Ian Fleming's James Bond legacy. Before his writing career, Gardner was a commando, an Anglican priest, and a theatrical journalist.
On Wednesday night the winners of the 2012 National Book Awards were announced at Cipriani's ballroom in New York City. The awards, presented by the National Book Foundation, rank alongside the Pulizter in prestige.
On November 1, 1926, author and illustrator Hilary Knight was born. Best known for illustrating the beloved protagonist of Kay Thompson's Eloise (1955), Knight has worked in a wide variety of genres over the course of his career. He has illustrated over 50 books and authored nine.
