Birth of Edna Ferber
Author Edna Ferber was born on August 15, 1885, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Considered “the greatest American woman novelist of her day,” she’s best known for her novel Show Boat.
Literature
Thoreau Publishes Walden
On August 9, 1854, transcendentalist writer Henry David Thoreau published his most famous work – Walden. It was based on the two years he spent contemplating Transcendentalist philosophy at Walden Pond, Massachusetts.
Death of O. Henry
On June 5, 1910, American author O. Henry died in New York City. A prolific writer of short stories, he’s best known for his work, “The Gift of the Magi.”
Happy Birthday J.M. Barrie
James Matthew Barrie was born on May 9, 1860, in Kirriemuir, Angus, Scotland. His most famous work was Peter Pan, which was turned into an animated film in 1953.
Happy Birthday, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Acclaimed poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was born on February 27, 1807, in Portland, Maine. He was one of the most popular poets of the day, successful in the US and abroad.
Happy Birthday Laura Ingalls Wilder
Acclaimed author Laura Ingalls Wilder was born on February 7, 1867, in Pepin County, Wisconsin. She retold stories from her childhood in the wildly popular Little House on the Prairie series, which went on to become a popular TV series as well.
Birth of Edith Wharton
Author Edith Newbold Jones Wharton was born on January 24, 1862, in New York City, New York.
Birth of Zora Neale Hurston
Novelist and folklorist Zora Neale Hurston was born on January 7, 1891, in Notasulga, Alabama. She was a prolific writer, credited with accurately documenting the lives of everyday working black families in the Deep South during the Depression.
Birth of James Thurber
Cartoonist, author, and humorist James Grover Thurber was born on December 8, 1894, in Columbus, Ohio. He was one of the most popular humorists of his day and several of his works were turned into films.