Nachem Malech Mailer (January 31, 1923 – November 10, 2007)

Known by his pen name Norman Kingsley Mailer, was an
American writer, journalist and filmmaker. In a career
spanning more than six decades, Mailer had 11 best-
selling books, at least one in each of the seven decades
after World War II.

His novel The Naked and the Dead was published in 1948
and brought him early renown.

1973

Thomas Stearns Eliot was a poet, essayist and playwright. He
was a leading figure in English-language Modernist poetry
where he reinvigorated the art through the use of language,
writing style, and verse structure. He is also noted for his
critical essays, which often re-evaluated long-held cultural
beliefs.

Eliot died of emphysema at his home in Kensington in London
at age 76 and was cremated at Golders Green Crematorium. In accordance with his wishes, his ashes were taken to St Michael
and All Angels’ Church, East Coker, the village in Somerset from
which his Eliot ancestors had emigrated to America.

A wall plaque in the church commemorates him with a quotation
from his poem East Coker: "In my beginning is my end. In my
end is my beginning." 

   
ROSS SIMPSON

Denzel Hayes Washington Jr. is 70 years old today.

Washington is an actor, producer, and director. Known for 
dramatic roles on stage and screen, The New York Times
named him the greatest actor of the 21st century in 2020.

He has received several accolades, including two Academy
Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and a Tony Award as
well as nominations for two Emmy Awards and a Grammy
Award.

On December 23, 1823, “A Visit From St. Nicholas,” perhaps
the most famous and influential Christmas poem ever was
published in the Troy Sentinel newspaper in New York by
an anonymous author.

First edition cover (1843).

On December 19, 1843, Charles Dickens’ classic story
“A Christmas Carol”was published.

"Marley’s Ghost", original illustration by John Leech
from the 1843 edition.

Charles John Huffam Dickens
(1812 – 1870)