Author and literary theorist Jean François Marmontel's philosophical novel Bélisaire (1765) caused an uproar amongst the religious establishment for its advocacy of religious tolerance. Les Incas, ou la destruction de l'empire du Pérou (1777) denounces the fanaticism of the conquistadors. He also authored Contes Moreaux (1755-65). His Éléments de littérature collects his essays on literary theory (1787). His Mémoires were published 1792-4.
Playwright, poet, translator, and alleged spy, the volatile Christopher Marlowe was a significant influence on the work of Shakespeare. Marlowe's major plays include The Tragedie of Dido, Queene of Carthage (in collaboration with Thomas Nashe, 1594); Tamburlaine (1590); Edward II (1594); Dr. Faustus (1604); and The Jew of Malta (1633); He was stabbed to death in a tavern argument for reasons that remain unclear to this day.
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.
