Thomas Hardy 2 June 1840 – 11 January 1928 Place of birth: Stinsford, Dorset, England Best thing about him: One of England's major poets and novelists Most important...

Sheldon Allan "Shel" Silverstein (1930-1999), also naming himself Uncle Shelby in some works was an American poet and writer of children's book, also known...

Irwin Allen Ginsberg June 3, 1926 – April 5, 1997 Place of birth: Newark, New Jersey, United States Best thing about him: An important American poet and...

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (1869-1948), usually known by the honorific Mahatma, meaning "venerable" in Sanskrit, was an Indian pacifist, thinker and leader of the Indian...

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela 18 July 1918 – 5 December 2013 Place of birth: Mvezo, Cape Province, South Africa Best thing about him: The President of South Africa...

Maya Angelou (1928-2014) was an American poet, writer, as well as singer, actress and dancer, having participated in productions like the opera Porgy and...

Bertolt Brecht (1898-1956) was a famous German playwright, poet and stage director. Using his "defamiliarization effect" or "distancing effect", he believed that theater is...

Virginia Woolf — most know the name, but few know the obscure biographical facts behind the name. Today, for example, is the day of...

 Melissa Faithful for Art-Sheep If you're a fan of bookplates then you can't but appreciate this series of unique erotic bookplates. These decorative blends of...

Alfred Tennyson, 1st Baron Tennyson 6 August 1809 – 6 October 1892 Place of birth: Somersby, Lincolnshire, England, U.K. Best thing about him: One of the most...

Jean-Paul Sartre (1905-1980) was a French philosopher, literary critic, playwright and novelist. Known for his open relationship with fellow philosopher and feminist Simone de...

Tennessee Williams (1911-1983) is considered one of the three most important playwrights in 20th century American drama. Creator of such classic and much-staged plays,...