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This Day in History

Explore significant literary events, births, and milestones that occurred throughout history on each day of the month.

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
						1 The first Sherlock Holmes story appeared in print... December 1 The first Sherlock Holmes story appeared in print The first Sherlock Holmes story appeared in print. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s A Study in Scarlet first appeared in Beeton’s Christmas Annual, generating little public interest. Eventually, however, the duo of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson became literature’s favorite detective duo. (December 01, 1887)
2 Isaac Asimov published I, Robot, his collection of science fiction …... December 2 Isaac Asimov published I, Robot, his collection of science fiction stories, containing the famous Three Laws of Robotics Isaac Asimov published I, Robot, his collection of science fiction stories, containing the famous Three Laws of Robotics. (December 02, 1950)	3 Mystery writer Agatha Christie disappeared without explanation for eleven days... December 3 Mystery writer Agatha Christie disappeared without explanation for eleven days Mystery writer Agatha Christie disappeared without explanation for eleven days. Christie took off after the pronouncement that her husband, Archie, was leaving her to marry his mistress. Despite her fame and the public concern over her disappearance, she wasn’t found for eleven days, when she was discovered at a small hotel registered in her husband’s lover’s name. She gave no explanation to her disappearance in any interviews or in her autobiography. Many theories went out over her disappearance, including mental illness, amnesia, or more sensational ones such as publicity stunts or plots for her husband’s murder. (December 03, 1926)	4 British author Bram Stoker married Florence Balcombe... December 4 British author Bram Stoker married Florence Balcombe British author Bram Stoker married Florence Balcombe. Florence, a former romantic companion to Oscar Wilde, shared a presumably happy life with Stoker and acted as the executor of his written works after his death in 1912. (December 04, 1878)	5 Poet Christina Rossetti was born in London... December 5 Poet Christina Rossetti was born in London Poet Christina Rossetti was born in London. Rossetti is best remembered for her Romantic poetry, as well as several Christmas carols and poems for children. (December 05, 1830)	6 The 12-year ban on James Joyce’s Ulysses was lifted in …... December 6 The 12-year ban on James Joyce’s Ulysses was lifted in America The 12-year ban on James Joyce’s Ulysses was lifted in America. The book was originally banned in 1921 after a trial deemed the book obscene. Some US post offices even burned the book ceremoniously after this judgment. (December 06, 1933)	7 Irish poet Seamus Heaney was awarded the Nobel Prize in …... December 7 Irish poet Seamus Heaney was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in Stockholm, Sweden Irish poet Seamus Heaney was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in Stockholm, Sweden. Heaney remained a popular and cherished poet until his death, especially as a regional writer of Ireland. (December 07, 1995)	8 John McCrae’s war poem “In Flanders Fields” appeared anonymously in …... December 8 John McCrae’s war poem “In Flanders Fields” appeared anonymously in Punch magazine John McCrae’s war poem “In Flanders Fields” appeared anonymously in Punch magazine. McCrae composed the poem after officiating for the burial of fellow soldier and close friend Alexis Helmer. He noticed how poppies tended to grow quickly around new graves, creating one of the most lasting remembrance images for World War I soldiers. (December 08, 1915)
9 Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s poem “Charge of the Light Brigade,” was …... December 9 Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s poem “Charge of the Light Brigade,” was published in The Examiner Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s poem “Charge of the Light Brigade,” was published in The Examiner. The poem was published only six weeks after the ill-fated soldiers of the Crimean War were defeated, as described in the poem. (December 09, 1854)	10 Elie Wiesel was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his …... December 10 Elie Wiesel was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his contributions to literature, particularly with the publication of his memoir, Night Elie Wiesel was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his contributions to literature, particularly with the publication of his memoir, Night. The Nobel committee called Wiesel a “messenger to mankind” spreading a message “of peace, atonement, and human dignity.” (December 10, 1986)	11 German playwright Christian Dietrich Grabbe was born in Detmold... December 11 German playwright Christian Dietrich Grabbe was born in Detmold German playwright Christian Dietrich Grabbe was born in Detmold. Grabbe found publishing success with his dramatic partner Georg Büchner, but struggled with alcoholism and failed love affairs. He died from his addictions at the age of 34. Today he is remembered as Germany’s “Drunken Shakespeare.” (December 11, 1801)	12 British poet and playwright Robert Browning died in Venice... December 12 British poet and playwright Robert Browning died in Venice British poet and playwright Robert Browning died in Venice. He was buried in Poet’s Corner at Westminster Abbey next to Alfred, Lord Tennyson. (December 12, 1889)	13 German poet Heinrich Heine was born in Düsseldorf... December 13 German poet Heinrich Heine was born in Düsseldorf German poet Heinrich Heine was born in Düsseldorf. Heine is best remembered for his lyric poetry and has withstood the test of time, despite Nazi efforts to discredit him because of his Jewish heritage. (December 13, 1797)	14 Celebrated American author Shirley Jackson was born in San Francisco... December 14 Celebrated American author Shirley Jackson was born in San Francisco Celebrated American author Shirley Jackson was born in San Francisco. Jackson is best known to students and teachers for her short story “The Lottery” but in her career she penned six novels, two memoirs, and over 200 short stories. (December 14, 1916)	15 American novelist Betty Smith was born in Brooklyn, NY... December 15 American novelist Betty Smith was born in Brooklyn, NY American novelist Betty Smith was born in Brooklyn, NY. She is best remembered for her best-selling novel A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, considered one of the greatest novels of the 20th century. (December 15, 1896)
16 Science fiction author and inventor Arthur C... December 16 Science fiction author and inventor Arthur C Science fiction author and inventor Arthur C. Clarke was born in Somerset, England. Clarke was made famous for the publication of his novel 2001: A Space Odyssey. He also wrote the screenplay for the novel, creating a movie that has been considered one of the most important films in history. Aside from writing, Clarke enjoyed learning about space exploration, future technology, and ocean diving. He was knighted in 2000 for his services to literature. (December 16, 1917)	17 Fireside poet John Greenleaf Whittier was born in Haverhill, Massachusetts... December 17 Fireside poet John Greenleaf Whittier was born in Haverhill, Massachusetts Fireside poet John Greenleaf Whittier was born in Haverhill, Massachusetts. Wittier is best known for his anti-slavery poems and his collection of poems, Snow-Bound. (December 17, 1807)	18 Hector Hugh Munro, better known by the pen name Saki, …... December 18 Hector Hugh Munro, better known by the pen name Saki, was born in British-occupied Burma Hector Hugh Munro, better known by the pen name Saki, was born in British-occupied Burma. Saki is one of the leading writers of the short story and wrote with a satirical wit. Saki enlisted in the first world war, although he was officially too old to fight, and frequently fought when he was considered too ill or injured. He died bravely on the battlefield in France and has no known grave. (December 18, 1870)	19 Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol was self-published after a disagreement …... December 19 Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol was self-published after a disagreement with his previous publisher Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol was self-published after a disagreement with his previous publisher. After a rocky start, including the publication of an illicit version of the book, Dickens found commercial and critical success with the story. To this date it has never been out of print. (December 19, 1843)	20 Jakob and Wilhelm Grimm published their collection of 86 fairy …... December 20 Jakob and Wilhelm Grimm published their collection of 86 fairy tales in Germany Jakob and Wilhelm Grimm published their collection of 86 fairy tales in Germany. Their first printing was so successful that they expanded their collection and the second printing contained 212 fairy tales, including popular stories such as Rapunzel, Hansel and Gretel, and Cinderella. (December 20, 1812)	21 American author F... December 21 American author F American author F. Scott Fitzgerald died from a heart attack in his home in Hollywood. Fitzgerald was a notorious alcoholic and had been having chest pains and dizzy spells for several days. Despite having two heart attacks prior, he did not seek medical care. He was 44 years old when he died. (December 21, 1940)	22 Russian writer Fyodor Dostoevsky was spared at the last minute …... December 22 Russian writer Fyodor Dostoevsky was spared at the last minute from public execution Russian writer Fyodor Dostoevsky was spared at the last minute from public execution. Dostoevsky and several other men were arrested in April of that year for reading and circulating illicit literature. The men were sentenced to public execution and lined up against a wall. The czar commuted their sentence the day before but did not publicize this information. Instead, as the time for their execution was counted down, the drummer did not beat time for the last second. At that time it was announced that the men’s lives were being spared. This was not done as an act of mercy, but instead as a demonstration of fear. Dostoevsky and the men were not pardoned for their crimes but instead served four years in labor camps in Siberia. (December 22, 1849)
23 Jane Austen’s novel Emma was published in London... December 23 Jane Austen’s novel Emma was published in London Jane Austen’s novel Emma was published in London. The book was met with overwhelmingly positive reviews, despite Austen’s worry that readers would not like her headstrong and spoiled heroine. Emma was the last book Austen published before her death, with Persuasion being published posthumously. (December 23, 1815) A poem titled “A Visit From Saint Nicholas” was published …... December 23 A poem titled “A Visit From Saint Nicholas” was published anonymously in the Troy Herald A poem titled “A Visit From Saint Nicholas” was published anonymously in the Troy Herald. The poem was later called “The Night Before Christmas” and became one of the most popular and well-known poems in American history. Furthermore, it established many customs of American gift-giving, as well as setting a standardized image of Santa for future generations. Because the poem was published anonymously, it also sparked an ongoing debate on its authorship, with most naming the author as Clement Clark Moore, a professor living in New York City. However, there are scholars who believe that Henry Livingston Jr., a Bible scholar, was the true author. (December 23, 1823)	24 Stephenie Meyer, author of young adult bestselling series Twilight, was …... December 24 Stephenie Meyer, author of young adult bestselling series Twilight, was born in Hartford Connecticut Stephenie Meyer, author of young adult bestselling series Twilight, was born in Hartford Connecticut. Meyer’s success with Twilight was truly a rare phenomenon, as she had had no education or experience in writing, and before composing the novel had never even written a short story before. (December 24, 1973)	25 The film To Kill a Mockingbird was released in theaters …... December 25 The film To Kill a Mockingbird was released in theaters to universal praise, receiving eight Oscar nominations, including a win for Gregory Peck for Best Actor The film To Kill a Mockingbird was released in theaters to universal praise, receiving eight Oscar nominations, including a win for Gregory Peck for Best Actor. The movie was a triumphant depiction of the novel, particularly Peck’s portrayal of Atticus Finch. At Peck’s funeral in 2003, Brock Peters, who played Tom Robinson in the film, eulogized him. He said, “Atticus Finch gave him an opportunity to play himself.” (December 25, 1962)	26 Tennessee Williams’ play The Glass Menagerie premiered in Chicago... December 26 Tennessee Williams’ play The Glass Menagerie premiered in Chicago Tennessee Williams’ play The Glass Menagerie premiered in Chicago. Although the play had a slow start, several prominent critics from Chicago praised it enough to get it moved to New York to premier on Broadway, eventually making it a commercial and critical success. The play was Tennessee Williams’ first successful show, launching his prominent theater career. (December 26, 1944)	27 Poet and author Elizabeth Smart was born in Ottowa, Ontario... December 27 Poet and author Elizabeth Smart was born in Ottowa, Ontario Poet and author Elizabeth Smart was born in Ottowa, Ontario. Smart was moved by the poetry of George Barker as a young woman and took great efforts to meet him, saying she wanted to marry him. She even saved up money to fly Barker and his wife to Canada from Japan, where they had been living. Soon after, she and Barker began an affair, which lasted for decades and produced four children. Smart’s parents took great efforts to stop this affair, even convincing Canadian officials to ban Barker from entering the country. Smart is best remembered for her prose poetry novel By Grand Central Station I Sat Down and Wept, reflecting on the feelings she had at her parents keeping her lover away from her. (December 27, 1913)	28 Edmond Rostand’s play Cyrano de Bergerac premiered in Paris... December 28 Edmond Rostand’s play Cyrano de Bergerac premiered in Paris Edmond Rostand’s play Cyrano de Bergerac premiered in Paris. Cyrano de Bergerac was a real dramatist and famous duelist who lived in the 17th century, but Rostand embellished facts about his life when using his likeness in his play. The plot of the play centers on Cyrano de Bergerac, a talented poet and fencer, who is tragically cursed with an extremely large nose. He falls in love with Roxane, the most beautiful and charming woman in town, but cannot express his feelings face to face as he is so sure he will be rejected. He eventually uses the beautiful but idiotic Christian as his mouthpiece in wooing Roxane. Cyrano’s debut was so successful that it is said that the audience applauded a full hour after the final curtain fell. (December 28, 1897)	29 British poet Christina Rossetti lost her battle with breast cancer …... December 29 British poet Christina Rossetti lost her battle with breast cancer at the age of 64 British poet Christina Rossetti lost her battle with breast cancer at the age of 64. (December 29, 1894)
30 Author Rudyard Kipling was born in British-occupied Bombay, India... December 30 Author Rudyard Kipling was born in British-occupied Bombay, India Author Rudyard Kipling was born in British-occupied Bombay, India. He is best remembered for his popular children’s book, The Jungle Book. In 1902 Kipling was awarded the Nobel Prize in literature, and was at the time the youngest recipient to date. Kipling’s memory has tarnished since then, with many writers accusing him of cultural insensitivity and imperialism. (December 30, 1865)	31 Writer and playwright Horacio Quiroga was born in Salto, Uruguay... December 31 Writer and playwright Horacio Quiroga was born in Salto, Uruguay Writer and playwright Horacio Quiroga was born in Salto, Uruguay. Quiroga was influenced by Poe in his depictions of madness and psychological horrors, and his stories went on to influence the magical realists of Latin America. (December 31, 1878)