Tomorrow is the birthday of Pulitzer Prize winning author Harper Lee. The reclusive author of To Kill a Mockingbird will be 86 years old. Though Lee published only one novel, this single book proved one of the seminal works of the twentieth centuryand one of the most controversial.
You may have noted quite a bit of chatter about the Bard this week, and with good reason. Shakespeare died on April 24, and his birthday is traditionally celebrated the same week. In Shakespeare's 52 years, he authored some 38 plays, over 150 sonnets, two long narrative poems, and many other shorter pieces. He is often lauded as the worlds preeminent writer in the English language.
Today marks the 65th birthday of Tom Clancy! The author of countless action novels has inspired movies, video games, and even other writers. Best known for his tales of scientific thrillers, military science, and espionage, Clancy has gained significant recognition both in the US and abroad.
Today is the 85th birthday of legendary author Gabriel García Márquez. The Nobel laureate began his writing career as a journalist but established himself as one of the most important authors of the twentieth century. Heres a look at a few facts you probably didnt know about Gabriel García Márquez.
This week the 2011 winners of the Nobel Prize are unveiled. Alfred Nobel, for whom the Prize is named, specified that prizes be awarded in several different disciplines: Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Peace, Economics, and of course Literature. Nobels own interest in literature began in childhood, and the contents of his personal library are quite impressive.
Weve recently been lucky enough to acquire a beautiful collection of Edgar Rice Burroughs books. Best known for his Tarzan novels, Burroughs was one of the most prolific authors of the early 20th century. His sci-fi and fantasy novels inspired a generation of writers, artists, producers, and even scientists.
Forget looking in the medicine cabinetwe all know that the best way to learn about someone is to peruse his bookshelves! And what better way to find inspiration for your own reading? If youre looking for a new source of summer reading inspirationor at least a good laugh--take a peek at what a few literary greats had in their own libraries.
Dick Francis, the former jockey turned best selling thriller writer, has died. He was 89. He passed away at his Caribbean home in Grand Cayman, according to a short statement released through his publicist.
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. Robert B. Parker, the blunt and beloved crime novelist who helped revive the hard-boiled genre and branded a tough guy of his own through his "Spenser" series, has died. He was 77.
An ambulance was sent to Parker's home in Cambridge on Monday morning for reports of a sudden death, said Alexa Manocchio, spokeswoman for the Cambridge police department.
