Christopher Marlowe, Shakespeare’s rival
On this day in 1564 the playwright Christopher Marlowe was born. Shakespeare was born the same year and the two are often compared. Marlowe’s plays... Read More
William Burroughs invents cut-up poetry
On this day in 1914 the author William Burroughs was born. The son of wealthy parents, Burroughs was one of the group of enfants terribles... Read More
Norman Mailer, author and impaler
On this day in 1923 the American author Norman Mailer was born. Mailer was one of a group of writers that included Hunter S. Thompson,... Read More
Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet has more than one theme
On this day in 1595 the first performance of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet took place. This tale of teenage love, violence and death is the... Read More
Jane Austen writes a novel
On this day in 1813 Jane Austen’s novel Pride and Prejudice was published. Like all her work, it was read aloud to her family most... Read More
Winston Churchill’s varied life
On this day in 1965 Winston Churchill died in London, aged 90. Throughout his extraordinary life, Churchill undertook an amazing range of activities and experienced... Read More
Edouard Manet picks up more than ideas
On this day in 1832 the French painter Edouard Manet was born. A major influence on later artists, Manet’s work represents the transition from Realism... Read More