Consequential general and statesman whose political career was marked by dramatic swings between favor and disfavor during the volatile shifts in political power and perspective of the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries.

Especially for his unfinished La Vie de Marianne (1731-41), Marivaux is often regarded as anticipating the novels of sensibility by Samuel Richardson. Marivaux also authored Le Paysan Parvenu (1734–35).

Roman general and consul.

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.