Happy Deathday, Mr. Gibran!

On April 10th, in 1931, Lebanese poet and novelist, Khalil Gibran died of cirrhosis of the liver. He was only 48 years old.

Gibran drew his words from an overwhelmingly vast well of influences. He often merged Eastern and Western philosophies in his poetry, and having grown up in Lebanon, studied art in Paris with Rodin and then adopted America as his new home, Gibran had a broad view of life, religiously, economically and romantically.

If you are unfamiliar with this spiritually stirring poet, we suggest you take a look at this biography on the young writer’s life, or if you are in a hurry check out this link.

Our favorite work by Mr. Gibran, also happens to be listed as one of the century’s best selling books in America after the Bible! The Prophet ,published in 1923, has touched millions of people, all over the world. This was one of the first books Gibran wrote in English and we highly encourage those who have not experienced it, to give it a chance.You’ll be so glad you did.

Some other favorites of ours include The Madman (1918), Sand and Foam (1926) and The New Frontier (1925). It may surprise some of you to hear that American president, John F. Kennedy was influenced by Khalil Gibran, when he famously stated in his Inaugural Speech, “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.” He was, in fact, quoting from The New Frontier, which had been written thirty-six years prior.

“Are you a politician asking what your country can do for you or a zealous one asking what you can do for your country?”

Today, we have a fun exercise for you and a nice way to remember Mr. Gibran…  be your own prophet. The prophet begins like this…

The Prophet, who has lived in a foreign city for twelve years, is about to board a ship that will take him back home. He is stopped by a group of people, who interrogate him about the mysteries of life…

Now, YOU, fill in the blanks. What are your mysteries? What are your solutions to the day’s problems? What are you certain of? What lies ahead?

Write on in peace, Mr. Gibran!

A Tall Order: Happy Deathday Messrs Whitman, Chandler and Coward!

Today is a big day for us here at the DWC! On this day in 1892, American poet, Walt Whitman died of pneumonia at the age of 72. Also on this day, in 1959, American author, Raymond Chandler also died of pneumonia at the age of 70. And finally, on this day, March 26th, British playwright, Noël Coward died of heart failure at the ripe old age of 74.

Mr. Whitman is, of course, remembered best for his major work, Leaves of Grass, which he continued to update even upon his death bed! It may surprise many of you to know that this wonderfully lyrical work was periodically banned for being “indecent,” as well as for the equally powerfully moving poems, I Sing the Body Electric and Song of Myself. Whitman may have ignored conventional rhyme and meter, but his style is recognized the world over, for its unique, melodic speech patterns.

Although Whitman’s earlier works were far from popular, Ralph Waldo Emerson was among the poet’s early admirers.  He found Leaves particularly inspiring, writing of the poem in 1855, “I am very happy in reading it, as great power makes us happy.” Well put, Mr. Emerson, well put.

Whitman’s final volume of poetry was the “Deathbed” edition of Leaves of Grass, which he prepared in 1891-92.  It concludes with the prose piece, “A Backward Glance O’er Travel’d Roads,” in which the poet attempts to give us a glimpse of where he has been and perhaps… where we are all headed.  We encourage readers, young and old, from every race, class and religion to pick up a copy of this truly epic piece of American literature today… for many of us, it is a “must-own”. For an excellent biography on this titan of literature, we will direct you here.

Now for Mr. Chandler…whose idiosyncratic prose voice is not so unlike Mr. Whitman’s, in that it is entirely unique. His first novel, The Big Sleep (which he wrote in three months and happens to be one of our personal favorites), hit bookstores in 1939 and introduced the character who would come to be synonymous with, and long outlive, his creator: the wisecracking, chess-playing, late-30s L.A. private eye Philip Marlowe. Although Chandler has not set out to write mysteries, it turned out he had a real talent for it, so he continued, penning a plethora of stories, featuring Philip Marlowe. Farewell, My Lovely (1940) and The Long Goodbye (1953) are, without question, his master works. Chandler also took to writing for the big screen in the early ’40s, adapting James M. Cain’s Double Indemnity (1943) and writing the original screenplay for The Blue Dahlia (1946), both of which, he was given Oscar nominations for.

The New York Times once said “Chandler wrote as if pain hurt and life mattered”. This statement holds up, even today. Whatever image you have today of life in mid-20th-century Los Angeles, you have because of Mr. Chandler’s rough, raw look at a city alternating between two worlds of luxury and lawlessness. Personally, we rather think the creators of popular video game L.A. Noire should have given Mr. Chandler a screen credit ;)

Moving on to Noël Coward…let us start by saying that Mr. Coward was truly a titan of his field, penning over forty plays, including musical librettos and film adaptations of his own work. Many people have attributed the notion of “celebrity” to Mr. Coward, whose debonair and stylish appearance, made him an early icon of the 1920s and 30s.

Coward wrote classics of high comedy that capture the period in which they were written.  By far, Coward’s most spectacular show was Cavalcade, which opened in 1930 at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Cavalcade was a pageant of English history seen through different generations of the same family and if you ever get a chance to read/see it, you will be all the more enriched for having done so. Some of our favorite works by Coward include The Young Idea (1922), Fallen Angels (1925), Private Lives (1930) and Blithe Spirit (1941). Notable songs written by Coward include “I’ll See You Again” and “Mad About the Boy.”

What we admire most about Mr. Coward, was his ability to wear many hats. Musician, writer, wit…actor. In 1943, Coward received an Oscar for his patriotic war film In Which We Serve. Not only did he write the screenplay, but Coward composed the film’s music and starred in the film as well! If you’ve never seen it… go rent it today! You will not be disappointed.

Today, we hope you will observe the passing of these three very different but nonetheless important innovators of the craft. Whitman… with his lithesome and natural verse, that caresses the soul and cradles the spirit of America in so weathered, yet steady a hand. Chandler… the man who gave the dirty and decadent streets of 1930s Los Angeles a voice. Coward… a name synonymous with cheek, chic and superb technique.

Today, be vulnerable, be perceptive and be daring… be innovative. Cultivate a style all your own. Start a movement.

Write on in peace, you sleeping giants, Mr. Whitman, Mr. Chandler and Mr. Coward!

Happy Deathday, Ms. Brontë!

On this day in 1848, English novelist, Emily Brontë, died of tuberculosis at the age of thirty.

Emily, of the famed “Brontë Sisters”, was the middle sister and the author of the novel, Wuthering Heights, published in 1847. Tragically, this is the only novel published by the young writer, although she did pen several poems , often under the alias of Ellis Bell.

Wuthering Heights, which is now widely regarded as a classic of English Literature, was actually written well over two years before it was finally published a year before Brontë’s untimely death. And it was only printed after the overwhelming success of her elder sister’s novel, Jane Eyre.

The novel has been parodied in popular culture, adapted, dramatized and even alluded to in popular music! Clearly, Ms. Emily Brontë left her literary mark! If you’ve never read this gothic novel of romance, drama, humor and vengeance… you really must add it to your holiday reading list!

Today, why not try your hand at a bit of drama? Star crossed lovers, back stabbing best friends… you get the idea.

Write on in peace, Ms. Brontë!

Happy Deathday Ms. Austen!

On July 18th in 1817, one of England’s best loved female authors died of what is now believed to have been bovine tuberculosis. Her name was Jane Austen.

That very name has become synonymous with nineteenth century realism lit, but would you believe this wonderfully talented writer was hardly considered “one of the greats” until the 1940s - many years after her death?!

Her best known, if not her best work, Pride and Prejudice, was also her first. It was written between October 1796 and August 1797, although it was not published until 1813, two years after Sense and Sensibility, which was written 1797 and 1798. In fact, Ms. Austen had a rather hard time initially finding a publisher!! If that is not encouragement for our budding writers out there, we’re not sure what is!

Her novels have been parodied, studied, turned into films and stage productions and flat out imitated hundreds upon hundreds of times! We cannot stress what a huge figure in popular culture, Jane Austen has become. If you have not read her work, we guarantee you have at least seen it parodied on Family Guy… or perhaps you’ve seen the bollywood remake Bride and Prejudice? Either way, you must read some Austen if you’ve not had the pleasure… she really is such a treat! If you are unable to get to your local library, check out this great resource: http://www.austen.com/novels.htm

Today, we hope our readers will pay homage to this wonderful writer by thoroughly observing the relationships around you… remember, no matter how insignificant the
“little details” might seem, Jane Austen would have noticed them!

Write on in peace, Ms. Austen!

Happy Deathday Mr. Hemingway!

On July 2nd, in 1961, American writer Ernest Hemingway was found in his Idaho home, with a self inflicted gunshot wound through the head. He was 61 years old and is remembered today as a brilliant writer, a WWI veteran and an acclaimed journalist. 

During the twenties, Hemingway became a member of the group of expatriate Americans in Paris, which greatly influenced his first notable work, The Sun Also Rises, published in 1926.

He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954. Hemingway’s lucid prose and sparse dialogue undeniably exerted a powerful influence on American and British fiction in the 20th century. Some of our favorite Hemingway novels include For Whom the Bell Tolls, The Old Man and the Sea, and his collection of short stories published in 1932 Death in the Afternoon. However, we would have to say our ultimate favorite long format piece by Hemingway, is without question A Moveable Feast. If you’ve not read it, we are hesitant to say much about it and encourage every aspiring and working writer alike to READ THIS BOOK!

It may surprise some of you to know that our favorite Hemingway short story is only 6 words long and is said to be akknowledged by many to be his greatest work of all:

For sale: baby shoes, never worn.

Brilliant!

Today we encourage our readers to stay up all night brooding and reminiscing on adventures gone by, writing and (responsibly) drinking. Challenge yourselves, write a short story in just six words!

Write on in peace, Mr. Ernest Hemingway.

Happy Deathday Mr. Forster!

On this day, in 1970, one of our favorites from the Bloomsbury Group, E.M. Forster (Edward Morgan Forster) died of stroke at the ripe old age of 91.

Mr. Forster, as we’ve said above, was a member of the Bloomsbury Group, which also included, writer Virginia Woolf and the well known art critic, Clive Bell.

Though you may know his name for his most successful work, which is undoubtedly, Howard’s End, you may also be familiar with the titles of some of his earlier works, which include Where Angels Fear to Tread (1905), The Longest Journey (1907), and A Room with a View (1908), (which is incidentally, one of our favorite films!)

Forster often wrote about the difficulties of class and the human struggle to find one’s place. As someone who was forced to repress his sexuality all his life, it is easy to read between the lines and see another human struggle he was expressing simultaneously.

In fact, one of our very favorite works by Forster is his novel, Maurice, which was published posthumously (but written in 1913) and has also since been made into a film. Maurice examines a homosexual relationship between two men, and follows their extremely different life choices throughout adulthood. It is said that when the manuscript was discovered after his death, there was a note atop it which read “Publishable, but worth it?” Keep in mind, when he wrote this in 1913, England was still reeling from the “Oscar Wilde scandal”.

Forster also contributed much to the nonfiction genre and wrote a plethora of essays, which are often used in college classrooms today. Perhaps the most noted and influential of these is the volume of criticism Aspects of the Novel, the text of the Clark Lectures which Forster delivered in 1927. This work advances a theory of characterization and of “pattern and rhythm” in the novel. Forster asserts that “characters are either flat - types or caricatures, particularly useful in comedy - or round - capable of surprising the reader, yet in a totally convincing fashion.” We strongly encourage any and all writers of fiction out there to take a look at this collection and add it to your arsenal of craft.

On the title page of Howard’s End, Forster had placed the phrase “Only connect.” It is Forster’s instruction to people whose greatest failure, as he sees it, is their reluctance to destroy the barriers of prejudice and social intolerance that have risen to divide them.

So, our suggestion to you all today is to remember Mr. Forster by going out there in the world and “connecting”. Say hello to someone you normally wouldn’t. Write about your own prejudices, examine them, observe them in others.

Write on in peace, Mr. Forster!

Happy Deathday Mr. Nash!

On May 19th in 1971, one of America’s finest lyric writers and poets died of Crohn’s disease at the age of 68. It was once said by the New York Times that Ogden Nash’s “droll verse with its unconventional rhymes made him the country’s best-known producer of humorous poetry”.

While the volume of his work may not be as great as some other epic poets of our time, his contribution to popular culture can certainly not go unnoticed. You may recall this famous line, used in the 1971 film adaptation of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”; “Candy is dandy, but liquor is quicker”. Well, that little gem was written by none other than Mr. Ogden Nash. 

It may interest you all to know that Mr. Nash was a Harvard dropout who, having studied and become frustrated with the style of 18th century Romantic poetry, got his big break when he teamed up two Doubleday coworkers to produce Born in a Beer Garden; or, She Troupes to Conquer, which made fun of classic literature.

Nash was elected to both the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and National Institute of Arts and Letters. During the 1950s he wrote more frequently for the children’s market, with such titles as The Boy Who Laughed at Santa Claus (1957), Custard the Dragon (1959), and a personal favorite, Girls are Silly (1962). He also wrote for television productions of Peter and the Wolf and The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.

Our all time favorite collection by Nash is undoubtedly Hard Lines, his first major work which was published in 1931. If you have never read Nash, we highly suggest you dash out to your local library or check him out online here.

Ogden Nash frequently wrote about his experiences babysitting his grandchildren. Today, pay close attention to the children in your life. Observe them, quote them, dedicate a story or poem to them. If there are no children in you life currently, then we challenge you to spend the day with your inner child.

Write on in peace, Mr. Nash!

Happy Deathday Ms. Alcott

On this day in 1888, American author, Louisa May Alcott died at the age of 55 from what some experts say may have been mercury poisoning. She is buried at the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Concord, MA.

Alcott is best remembered for her novel, Little Women, but if one takes a look at her complete works, they will find it is quite extensive. In fact, one of our favorite Alcott works is one of her earlier novels entitled Moods, which was published in 1865. Also, not as well known as Little Women, but equally as delightful a read are her various collection of short stories. We encourage our readers to take a look at Morning Glories and Other Stories, published in 1867 and Lulu’s Library, which is comprised of stories written between 1886 and 1889. 

We felt is was worth mentioning here that Alcott began writing from a very early age and even worked as a teacher and sometimes writer for the Atlantic Monthly. It is always interesting to us to hear of a now famous writer’s humble beginnings. 

As a side note, and neato trivia fact, Alcott’s first book was Flower Fables (published in 1854), and was actually written for Ralph Waldo Emerson’s daughter, Ellen. 

Enjoy your Sunday. Kick back with a nice cuppa and crack open some Alcott… get lost in a world of petticoats, rich description and inky recollections of New England.

Write on in peace, Ms. Alcott!

Happy Deathday Messrs. Milne and Galsworthy

On January 31st in 1956, Winnie the Pooh creator A.A. Milne died of a stroke. On the same day in 1933, British author John Galsworthy died in England at the age of 65.

Alan Alexander Milne, most well known for his tubby little cubby all stuffed with fluff, was primarily a playwright and authored several novels. as well as some non fiction works including his autobiography. Unfortunately, it seems much of his work was overshadowed by the success of Winnie the Pooh.

After graduating from Cambridge in 1903, Milne submitted some humorous verse and essays to London magazine, Punch, and joined the staff as assistant editor by 1906! Over the course of his career, Milne published over thirty plays and even tried his hand at screenwriting. Our favorite play by Milne, though seldom performed these days, is The Ivory Door, a three-act play published in 1929.

We definitely encourage our readers to seek out some Milne’s lesser known novels and poetry collections. It’s always interesting to read what else “children’s authors” have to say about life.

John Galsworthy, like Milne, wrote plays as well as novels. He is perhaps most famous for his epic work, The Forsyte Saga (1906- 1921) and its sequels A Modern Comedy and End of the Chapter.

The Forsyte Saga is like candy to any lover of Victorian literature and lifestyle… delicious! It has been adapted for the screen and the stage several times over and we believe, it has served as inspiration for all manner of televised drama and dare we say it… soap opera!

While we do love the SAGA… it is actually one of his plays that remains one of our favorite works by Galsworthy. The Skin Game, which was later adapted and directed for the screen by Alfred Hitchcock, was performed in 1920 at the St. Martin’s Theatre in London.  If you’ve not had a chance to read this play, it is an exhilarating read and one we highly recommend.

In 1932, Galsworthy was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature. And it is absolutely no wonder… If you are passionate and enjoy criticism of social injustice in Victorian society…you will love this author! Galsworthy’s descriptive details and charming voice will seduce you instantly into the world of Soames Forsyte.

Today, think about these two highly influential writers as you go about your own daily writing rituals. Both authors, in their own distinct way, created little universes for us to frolic through and rummage around in. Why not try your hand at it… create a little universe of your own and document meticulously what you find there.

Write on in peace, Messrs Milne and Galsworthy!

A Tall Order Today… Teasdale, Frost and Frame

On this day, January 29th, three absurdly talented writers died in 1933, 1963 and 2004 respectively. American poet Sara Teasdale committed suicide in new York when she overdosed on sleeping pills. American poet Robert Frost died of natural causes in Boston at the age of 88. New Zealand born writer Janet Frame died in Dunedin after succumbing to Leukemia. She was 79 years old.

Sara Teasdale published her first volume of poetry, Sonnets to Duse, and Other Poems, at the age of 23 and was rather well received by critics who commended her mastery over lyrical verse. Ms. Teasdale was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1918 for her work Love Songs. If you are unfamiliar with her hauntingly beautiful poetry, please follow this link to get better acquainted. Our favorite body of work by Teasdale is Rivers to the Sea, published in 1915.

It is a shame that she ended her life so abruptly at the age of 49 - we would have loved to read her work as she matured. Teasdale was inducted into the St. Louis Walk of Fame in 1994.

Now, onto Frost. Robert Frost is one of the most recognized names in American literature and it’s no wonder… reading his poetry is like viewing a landscape or a painting… there’s always more to see.

In 1912, at almost forty years old, it may surprise you to know that he had only a few poems published and Frost made a decision to move his family to England where he took a chance at living life as a poet. Lucky for him, this gamble turned out to be successful and in 1913, he published “A Boy’s Will” which was extremely well received. By the time he returned to the States, he had published North of Boston and like Salinger, he was quite embarrassed by his sudden fame. Frost received the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1924, 1931, 1937 and again in 1943. He was also awarded the Emerson Thoreau Medal in 1958.

There is something to take away from every one of his poems, but perhaps his most famous will always be our favorite;  “Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening”!

Janet Frame is the author of over ten novels, several short stories including autobiographical works and two incredible volumes of poetry. There is just far too much biographical information for us to reprint here… she lived a full and unusual life. The film An Angel at my Table is based on the life of Ms. Frame. And we highly recommend her autobiography, published in 1989. 

We will say, that her unique experiences in the mental health system and the various tragedies suffered in her youth, certainly have a place in her writing. Owls Do Cry  was her first novel, published in 1957, was written over the course of four years, following her release from Seacliff Lunatic Asylum where she was being treated for schizophrenia. It would later be revealed that she did not suffer from schizophrenia at all.

While all of Frame’s novels are incredible reads not to be missed, we must recommend a volume of poetry published in 1967 called The Pocket Mirror… You will discover senses you never knew you had. The imagery Frame uses to evoke the tumultuous nature of the agony within the human mind is spine tingling and sometimes… a little sinister.

Today, keep these three poets in mind… while vastly different in style, all three explored similar themes… love, loss and sometimes a little lunacy. Read a poem by each poet and then add one of your own to the mix! Host a reading tonight with some friends… read a poem a piece. 

Write on in peace, Ms. Teasdale, Mr. Frost and Ms. Frame!

Happy Deathday Mr. Salinger!

On this day just last year, 2010, American author J.D. Salinger (Jerome David) died of natural causes in Cornish, New Hampshire. He was 91 years old.

Though you will have undoubtedly heard that Salinger wrote up until the very end of his long life… what you may not be aware of is the fact that The Catcher in the Rye, Salinger’s first and only published novel, took him ten years to write! If that is not encouraging to our aspiring and starving working writers out there, we do not know what is! In fact, Salinger once told the folks at The New York Times:

“There is a marvelous peace in not publishing. It’s peaceful. Still. Publishing is a terrible invasion of my privacy. I like to write. I love to write. But I write just for myself and my own pleasure.”

The controversial 1951 novel, The Catcher in the Rye has never gone out of print and if possible, has become more and more popular with America’s youth as time rolls on. This single novel has been translated into nearly every major language and has inspired every artist from Guns N’ Roses to Sylvia Plath! If you have never read it, go pick it up today at your local bookstore or library and spend a weekend of teenage rebellion with Holden Caulfield.

Oddly enough, our favorite work by Salinger is a collection of short stories/novella published in 1961 called Franny and Zooey, though the short story and novella first appeared in The New Yorker in 1955 and 1957, respectively. If you’ve not read this work, and you are a fan of Salinger’s writing, we encourage you to pick this one up as well and spend what’s left of your weekend with Holden, with the Glass Family. Trust us, you will not be disappointed!

Try, for once, not worrying about the clock ticking in your head, the rows upon rows of cheap chicklit at Barnes and Noble, the constant nagging of college professors, significant others and parents wondering why your novel is not done yet…take a page from the book of J.D. Salinger and write for yourself today. And remember this mantra… quality versus quantity.

Write on in peace, Mr. Salinger!

Two Poets for the Price of One

Today, we are honoring the death of two poets who died on the same day, 76 years apart. American poet Kenneth Patchen died on January 8th in 1972 of unspecified causes. French poet Paul Verlaine died on this same day in 1896 at the age of 51 and is buried in the Cimetière des Batignolles.

Paul Verlaine is remembered as the leader of the symbolist poetry movement and for his metrical innovation. To put it bluntly, at the time Verlaine was writing- he was not one to color within the lines or be kept in a box. His poetry was drenched in themes of drug addiction, sex and all the wonderful vice that Paris had to offer at that time.

For awhile, Verlaine was linked romantically with outspoken poet Arthur Rimbaud. Unfortunately, this romance would lead to Verlaine shooting and injuring the younger poet and landing Verlaine in prison for 2 years.

Our favorite works by Verlaine are most definitely a collection of poems published in 1874 called Romances sans paroles and Parallèlement, published in 1889.

Now then…Kenneth Patchen… oh Kenneth, where do we even begin?! Dadaism, Beat, Surrealism… these are all words that cold be potentially used to describe Patchen’s work but Patchen himself would not have liked such a comparison.

Over the course of his career, Kenneth Patchen wrote over forty books of poetry, prose and drama, including Bury Them in God, Testament (both in 1939), The Dark Kingdom (published in a limited edition of seventy-five copies with individually painted covers in 1942) Sleepers Awake (1946) and Poemscapes (1958).

Wonderings: Picture Poems (1971) was his last work and it is by far our favorite work by him. For thirty years Patchen lived with a severe spinal ailment that caused him to be in constant physical pain. Not unlike Frida Kahlo, Patchen used to paint while confined to his bed for great lengths of time.

“It happens that very often my writing with pen is interrupted by my writing with brush, but I think of both as writing,” said Patchen. “In other words, I don’t consider myself a painter. I think of myself as someone who has used the medium of painting in an attempt to extend.”

Reading Patchen’s poetry is not unlike looking at a painting. It is rough, it is smooth, and at times, you’re not sure whether what you’re seeing is really an image or a glob of paint that appears to be that image. He’s difficult to categorize and his title as “Rebel Poet” holds strong even today.

We hope today you will remember these two very different poets and the legacy of style they both pioneered and left for us - the writers of today- to find and use to our advantage. Try this on for size- read one poem by Verlaine and then one by Patchen and see if you can write something in between the two!

Write on in peace Monsieur Verlaine and Mr. Patchen!

Happy Deathday Ms. Kerr!

American author and playwright,  Jean Kerr, died on this day in 2003 at the age of 80 from pneumonia.

Jean Kerr is often best remembered for her collection of humorous essays entitled Please Don’t Eat the Daisies, which we highly recommend if you’ve not already read it- particularly if you are a parent or have ever lived in suburbia. The book was published in 1957 and later adapted for the screen, starring Doris Day and David Niven.

In 1961, she won the Tony Award for her play King of Hearts and wrote several other highly acclaimed and well received plays.

If you like Kerr’s style, you’ll definitely want to check out one of our favorite books by her called, How I Got to Be Perfect. If you like irreverent wit and observational humor, you will highly enjoy Ms. Kerr’s writing.

Today, why not do a little observational ranting and writing of your own?  Look around your town, city, office, family…. what do you see? What makes you laugh?

Write on in peace, Ms. Kerr!

Happy Deathday Mr. Wilde!

Notorious playwright and wit Oscar Fingal O’Flahertie Wills Wilde died of “infection” on this day in 1900 at the age of 46.

Let’s face it, anybody who is anybody knows who good ole Oscar Wilde is! We’ll not list here his accomplishments or the impact his work has had on popular culture, theatre and aspiring “fame whores” everywhere… it would simply take up too much bandwidth! Oscar Wilde was, without a doubt, a truly gifted writer- but it was his personality that propelled him ever forward into the spotlight during his life. He lived large.

Unfortunately, this lavish lifestyle and flamboyant conduct led to rumors and then scandal. For those of you who do not know it, Mr. Wilde was sentenced to two years of hard labor, which broke not only his spirit but his body as well. He died only a few years after being released from prison. And what did he go to prison for? For being himself. Mr. Wilde was officially sentenced for what was referred to as “gross indecency”. To put it plainly, he was a homosexual. Wilde lost everything; his money, his children…his wife and most of his friends, who upon Wilde’s release, avoided him like the plague.

Since his death, he has been immortalized in Great Britain with sculptures and various monuments. His face can be found on tshirts, bookstore walls and even action figures!

If you are new to Wilde and his writings, first let us say we are so sorry to hear you have been so unjustly deprived. Secondly, let us direct you to a wonderful little website for all things Oscar : http://www.oscarwildecollection.com/. We cannot choose his best works, for they are all superb but we will point out a few of our favorites; The Picture of Dorian Gray, The Happy Prince, and The Importance of Being Earnest!

Today, we ask that you hold your head high today and proclaim “I am Me”! Be proud of who you are and never make any apologies for it! Live large today, dear readers, and do try to be as witty as possible in all that you do!

Wit on on peace, Mr. Wilde.