Posted on May 12, 2019 at 8:00 AM by Sadye Scott-Hainchek

Here are the literary birthdays to celebrate over the week of May 12, 2019.

Daphne Du Maurier (May 13, 1907): Du Maurier’s many critically and popularly acclaimed novels — including Rebecca, Jamaica Inn, and My Cousin Rachel — resulted in her being named a Dame Commander in the Order of the British Empire.

Armistead Maupin (May 13, 1944): Maupin launched his literary career with Tales of the City, published in serial form in the San Francisco Chronicle, and four of his five sequels to it were also first serialized.

L. Frank Baum (May 15, 1856): Baum wrote over sixty books under a variety of names, but of course is best known for The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and the thirteen follow-up books to it.

Adrienne Rich (May 16, 1929): Rich, best known for her feminist and lesbian poetry, turned down the National Medal of the Arts in 1997 in opposition to the Clinton administration’s politics.

Gary Paulsen (May 17, 1939): Paulsen has written over a hundred books for adults and young readers, among them three Newberry Honor titles: Dogsong, Hatchet, and The Winter Room.

Ian Fleming (May 18, 1908): Fleming gained fame among adults for his James Bond novels (and the movies they inspired) but also among children for his book Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (also adapted for the big screen).

Birthdays sourced from Calendar of Literary Facts; biographical information sourced from Encyclopedia Britannica and author websites. Did we miss someone? Email and let us know.

Categories: Today in Books

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