On this day in literature . . .

~ 1564 ~ William Shakespeare (whose precise date of birth is unknown) is baptized in Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon. The proven facts of Shakespeare's early years all come from church documents. The next reference to him will not appear until 1582, when he marries Anne Hathaway.

~ 1731 ~ Daniel Defoe (Robinson Crusoe) dies in London.