1886 – Alain-Fournier (pseudonym for Henri Alban-Fournier), author whose one novel, Le Grand Meaulnes, is considered a classic of French literature.
1900 – Thomas Wolfe, influential American novelist known for mixing highly original, poetic, and impressionistic prose with autobiographical writing; after Wolfe’s death, author William Faulkner said that Wolfe may have had the best talent of their generation.
1906 – Natalie Savage Carlson, Newbery Honor-winning children’s book author.
1916 – James Herriott, pen name for British veterinarian James Alfred Wight, who wrote the autobiographical book, All Creatures Great & Small and its sequels.
1925 – Gore Vidal, National Book Award-winning American novelist, nonfiction author, essayist, screenwriter, playwright, politician, and political commentator.
1928 – Alvin Toffler, American writer and futurist, known for his works discussing the digital revolution.
1950 – John Patrick Shanley, Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning U.S. playwright, screenwriter, and director.
1970 – Sara Zarr, American novelist whose first book, Story of a Girl, was a National Book Award finalist.
1980 – Lindsey Kelk, British “chick lit” author and blogger.
