Mary Webb’s stories of rustic discomfort
On this day in 1881 the novelist Mary Webb was born. Brought up in Shropshire, her stories are reminiscent in plot and style of her... Read More
Billy Collins, America’s favourite poet
On this day in 1941 American Poet Laureate Billy Collins was born. Called ‘America’s favourite poet’ he has several best-selling volumes to his name. His... Read More
Henrik Ibsen, playwright of realism
On this day in 1828 Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen was born. Ibsen did not really achieve recognition until the play Peer Gynt appeared, by which... Read More
Jacques de Molay’s dying curse
On this day in 1314 the Grand Master of the Knights Templar, Jacques de Molay, was burnt to death at the stake, in Paris. The... Read More
Julius Caesar’s day of reckoning
On this day in 32 BC Julius Caesar, Roman general and politician, was assassinated. Famously told by soothsayers to ‘Beware the Ides of March’, Caesar... Read More
Douglas Adams writes a guide book
On this day in 1952 English writer Douglas Adams was born. His extraordinary imagination and inventiveness reached its apex in the radio series The Hitchhikers... Read More
Kenneth Grahame’s childhood with boats
On this day in 1859 the author Kenneth Grahame was born. Known for The Wind in the Willows, Graham drew on his own childhood experiences... Read More