The Writer’s Almanac for September 1, 2018

On this day in 1773, Phillis Wheatley published Poems on Various Subjects Religious and Moral, the first book ever published by a former American slave.

The Writer’s Almanac for August 31, 2018

It was on this day in 1422 that Henry VI became King of England at the age of nine months. In 1423, the year after he ascended to the throne, English nobles from around the land swore loyalty to their toddler king. They also set up a regency council to make government decisions until he was old enough to do so.

The Writer’s Almanac for August 30, 2018

It’s the birthday of Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, born Mary Godwin in London, England (1797). Her work Frankenstein (1818) is considered the first science fiction novel ever written.

The Writer’s Almanac for August 29, 2018

It’s the birthday of philosopher John Locke, who said, “The actions of men are the best interpreters of their thoughts.”

The Writer’s Almanac for August 28, 2018

It was on this day in 1971 that Alice Waters opened her Berkeley restaurant Chez Panisse. It had a set menu: pâté en croûte, salad, duck with olives — and for dessert, an almond tart. It all cost $3.95.

The Writer’s Almanac for August 27, 2018

It’s the birthday of philosopher Georg Hegel, who wrote, “Genuine tragedies in the world are not conflicts between right and wrong. They are conflicts between two rights.”

With a poem by Tony Hoagland.

The Writer’s Almanac for August 26, 2018

Today is the birthday of French-Italian-Polish poet Guillaume Apollinaire (1880), who is credited with coining the word “Surrealism.” He had a strong interest in modern painting, and was a friend of many artists, especially Picasso.

With a poem by Stephen Dobyns.

The Writer’s Almanac for August 25, 2018

It’s the birthday of Leonard Bernstein. When he was 10, his Aunt Clara sent her piano to the Bernstein home, and Leonard became a pianist.

With a poem by John O’Keefe.

The Writer’s Almanac for August 24, 2018

It was on this day in the year 410 that Rome was sacked by the Visigoths. It was the first time in 800 years that Rome was successfully invaded.

With a poem by Robert Herrick

The Writer’s Almanac for August 23, 2018

On this date in 1966, Lunar Orbiter 1 took the first photograph of the Earth from space. It’s since been restored and digitized, and the level of detail has allowed scientists to study the weather patterns of that day.