Calendar

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

April 5 Literary Facts

Algernon Charles Swinburne is born

Explore: Algernon Charles Swinburne, Atalanta in Calydon, Hymn to Proserpine

Arthur Hailey is born

Explore: Airport, Strong Medicine, Arthur Hailey

H. L. Mencken is arrested for selling a copy of The American Mercury to the secretary of the Boston Watch and Ward Society; the offending issue contained the story “Hatrack,” which the Society deemed obscene

Explore: H. L. Mencken, The American Mercury

Edwin Arlington Robinson dies

Explore: Richard Cory, Mr. Flood's Party, Edwin Arlington Robinson

Allen Ginsberg dies

Explore: A Supermarket in California, Howl, Allen Ginsberg

Doug Wright receives the Pulitzer Prize in drama for I Am My Own Wife

Explore: I Am My Own Wife, Doug Wright

Franz Wright receives the Pulitzer Prize in poetry for Walking to Martha’s Vineyard

Steven Hahn receives the Pulitzer Prize in history for A Nation under Our Feet

William Taubman receives the Pulitzer Prize in biography for Khrushchev: The Man and His Era

Edward P. Jones receives the Pulitzer Prize in fiction for The Known World

Explore: The Known World, Edward P. Jones

Saul Bellow dies

Explore: Seize the Day, Humboldt's Gift, Saul Bellow