Italian poet and founder of Marinism, the most dominant school of poetry in seventeenth-century Italy, characterized by a flamboyant style, extravagant imagery, and ornate conceits.

Marguerite de Navarre's Heptaméron was published posthumously in 1558-59 with only seventy-two tales complete.

Roman emperor and philosopher; born 26 April 121 in Rome, son of Annius Verus and Domitia Lucilla; originally named M. Annius Verus; became emperor 3 July 161, with name M. Aurelius Antoninus Augustus; at first joint ruler with Lucius Verus; upon Verus's death in 169, Marcus Aurelius ruled alone; he died on a military campaign in Viminacium and Sirmium on 17 March 180. Also known as Antoninus, author of Meditations.

Author of a miscellany known as De nugis curialium.

Italian novelist and poet whose historical novel I promessi sposi (1827) gained popularity for its patriotic themes and earned Manzoni's status as a keystone Italian author.

Author of the satirical roman a clef The New Atalantis (1709), Manley was also well-known as a playwright. Her Secret Memoirs and Manners of Several Persons of Quality (1709) resulted in her arrest for libel.

Ruler of Italy during a period of civil war and succession disputes. Manfred was overthrown and killed by Charles of Anjou at the Battle of Benevento.

Malthus is one of the most famous (and notorious) British reform writers of the nineteenth century, so much so that "Malthusian" entered our language and appears to be here to stay. His views on the growing problem of poverty in early industrial society shaped the terms of debates on the subject throughout his lifetime and beyond. His An Essay on the Principle of Population, conceived as a reaction to the utopian vision of William Godwin's An Enquiry into Political Justice (1793) and first published in 1798, was repeatedly revised and extended over the next three decades.

Irish Shakespearean scholar and editor who pioneered the effort to establish a chronology for Shakespeare's works. Malone also evaluated the authenticity of works supposed to be Shakespeare's, leading him to the discovery of the Ireland Shakespeare forgeries.

Scottish poet, dramatist, and fellow-student of Alexander Pope and James Thomson. Mallet's best known work, William and Margaret, is an adaptation of a traditional ballad.