The Calendar of Literary Facts contains more than 6,500 events in literary history.

Thomas Middleton dies

Explore: A Chaste Maid in Cheapside, The Changeling, Women Beware Women, Thomas Middleton, What is the etymology of the word "changeling" in Thomas Middleton's play The Changeling?

Samuel Richardson dies

Explore: Clarissa, Pamela, Samuel Richardson

The Declaration of Independence is signed in Philadephia

Explore: What is the purpose of the first paragraph in the Declaration of Independence?, Motivations for American Independence in the Declaration of Independence

Nathaniel Hawthorne is born

Explore: The Scarlet Letter, Young Goodman Brown, The Minister's Black Veil, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Nathaniel Hawthorne's alignment with and reflection of the Romantic movement in his works

Lionel Trilling is born

Explore: The Middle of the Journey, Lionel Trilling, Of This Time, Of That Place, What does Lionel Trilling mean by "It is now life and not art that requires the willing suspension of disbelief"?

Neil Simon is born

Explore: The Odd Couple, Brighton Beach Memoirs, Biloxi Blues, Lost in Yonkers, Neil Simon, What are some themes in Neil Simon's The Odd Couple?

Jon Anderson is born

Explore: Jon Anderson

Eileen Goudge is born

Margaret Edson is born

Explore: Wit, Margaret Edson

Georgette Heyer dies

Brad Satoris, founder of eNotes.com is born.