12 January The literary calendar
On this day in English literature
Discover the writers who share this date, their stories, and where to read them.
Born on this day 09
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Thomas Fairfax, 3rd Lord Fairfax of Cameron1612 · Denton Hall, Wharfedale Parliamentary commander-in-chief during the English Civil War (1612-1671) -
Frances Brooke1724 · Claypole English novelist, essayist, playwright and translator (1724-1789) -
William Herbert1778 · Highclere Castle British botanist, botanical illustrator, poet, and clergyman (1778–1847) -
Robert Crewe-Milnes, 1st Marquess of Crewe1858 · London British diplomat (1858-1945) -
Gabrielle Enthoven1868 · London English playwright -
Leon Gordon1884 · Brighton British playwright - Mary Wilson, Baroness Wilson of Rievaulx1916 · Diss English peeress and poet (1916–2018)
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Richard Beard1967 · Swindon English author of fiction and non-fiction books and short literature -
David Mitchell1969 · Ainsdale English novelist (b. 1969)
Thought for the day
There is in stillness oft a magic power To calm the breast, when struggling passions lower; Touch'd by its influence, in the soul arise Diviner feelings, kindred with the skies.
Reveal who said it
Quote from Wikiquote (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Remembered today
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Margaret Wilson British poet, playwright, lyricist, writer and editor (1797-1846) -
Henry Alford English churchman, theologian, textual critic, scholar, poet, hymnodist, and writer (1810–1871) -
Ella Hepworth Dixon British author and editor (1857-1932) -
Agatha Christie English mystery and detective writer (1890–1976) -
Nevil Shute British writer and engineer (1899–1960)
Published on this day
- 2006 The Constant Gardener by John le Carré
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Photo credits
- Thomas Fairfax, 3rd Lord Fairfax of Cameron: Workshop of Robert Walker, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons, resized
- Frances Brooke: Catherine Read, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons, resized
- William Herbert: William_Beechey, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons, resized
- Robert Crewe-Milnes, 1st Marquess of Crewe: The London Stereoscopic Co., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons, resized
- Gabrielle Enthoven: George Charles Beresford (1864-1938), Victorian studio photographer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons, resized
- Leon Gordon: Theatre Royal Melbourne, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons, resized
- Richard Beard: Teachamantoghoti, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, resized
- David Mitchell: Mariusz Kubik, http://www.mariuszkubik.pl, CC BY 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons, resized
- Margaret Wilson: Hewitt, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons, resized
- Henry Alford: Photograph published in the 1902 Encyclopedia Britannica, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons, resized
- Ella Hepworth Dixon: Chatto & Windus, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons, resized
- Agatha Christie: Joop van Bilsen for Anefo, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons, resized
- Nevil Shute: w:Australian Women's Weekly, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons, resized