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(1661-1731) One of the first English novelists, most famous for Robinson Crusoe.

Daniel Defoe

(1661-1731) One of the first English novelists, most famous for Robinson Crusoe.

(1631-1700) Poet, playwright, satirist and the Poet Laureate

John Dryden

(1631-1700) Poet, playwright, satirist and the Poet Laureate

Benjamin Franklin (January 17, 1706 – April 17, 1790) was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States of America. A noted polymath, Franklin was a leading author and printer, satirist, political theorist, politician, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, and diplomat. As a scientist, he was a major figure in the Enlightenment and the history of physics for his discoveries and theories regarding electricity. He invented the lightning rod, bifocals, the Franklin stove, a carriage odometer, and the glass harmonica. He formed both the first public lending library in America and first fire department in Pennsylvania.

Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin (January 17, 1706 – April 17, 1790) was one of the Founding Fathers of the United…

Benjamin Franklin was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States of America. He was also a noted polymath, a leading author and printer, satirist, political theorist, politician, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, and diplomat. In 1751, Franklin and Dr. Thomas Bond obtained a charter from the Pennsylvania legislature to establish a hospital. Pennsylvania Hospital was the first hospital in what was to become the United States of America. In June, 1776, he was appointed a member of the Committee of Five that drafted the Declaration of Independence. Although he was temporarily disabled by gout and unable to attend most meetings of the Committee, Franklin made several small changes to the draft sent to him by Thomas Jefferson. In December, 1776, Franklin was dispatched to France as commissioner for the United States and remained in France until 1785. Franklin retained a lifelong commitment to the Puritan virtues and political values with which he had grown up. Through his civic work and publishing, he succeeded in passing these values into the American culture permanently.

Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States of America. He was also a noted…

United States writer, diplomat, and abolitionist.

James Russell Lowell

United States writer, diplomat, and abolitionist.

(1819-1891) American poet, critic, essayist, orator and diplomat most famous for The Vision of Sir Launfal.

James Russell Lowell

(1819-1891) American poet, critic, essayist, orator and diplomat most famous for The Vision of Sir Launfal.

A Renaissance writer, born in Chinon, Indre-et-Loire, France.

Francois Rabelais

A Renaissance writer, born in Chinon, Indre-et-Loire, France.