English theatrical editor and Shakespearean scholar, best known for his Biographia Dramatica (1782).

Italian biologist, physician, linguist, and poet. His best-known literary work was Bacco in Toscana (1685).

A clerk assistant to the House of Commons, Read was close enough friend to Samuel Richardson that Richardson intended to leave Read a mourning ring, but was prevented by Read's own death.

Paul de Rapin authored a notable history of England (1724), translated from the French and published in English in 1725.

Italian painter appreciated for the harmonious grace of his painting.

English poet and dramatist who employed Aristotelian logic in the creation of unique comedies. Randolph was part of the "Sons of Ben," a group of dramatists following in the footsteps of Ben Jonson.

Scottish writer Andrew Michael Ramsay settled in France in 1710, where he published Les Voyages de Cyrus in 1727.

Though known for his Scottish songs and fables, Ramsay's greatest success was the pastoral drama The Gentle Shepherd (1725).

Student contributor.

Knighted by Queen Elizabeth, Sir Walter Raleigh was an author, explorer, and statesman. Although Sir Walter was a favorite of the Queen, he was accused of treason by her successor, James I, making Sir Walter a controversial figure during his lifetime. Sir Walter's writing addresses the Queen's betrayal in allowing his imprisonment, as well as endeavors to disprove the charges of atheism brought against him.