Oliver Goldsmith, playwright and compulsive gambler
On this day in 1774 the poet, novelist and playwright Oliver Goldsmith died aged 43. Dr Samuel Johnson wrote this epitaph: “Oliver Goldsmith: A Poet,... Read More
April Fool’s Day – who cares ?
On this day people like to play tricks on each other. Nobody knows why – perhaps that’s what the attraction is. It seems to have... Read More
Andrew Marvell survives the English Civil War
On this day in 1621 the English poet Andrew Marvell was born. He was a clever and educated man who managed successfully to steer his... 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
Johann Sebastian Bach, father of harmony
On this day in 1685 the German composer Johann Sebastian Bach was born. One of music’s all-time greats, Bach grew up in a musical household... 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