Born on December 5

Lope de Vega (1562-1635) was the greatest playwright of the Spanish Golden Age. A remarkably prolific author, he revolutionized theater by breaking classical rules and popularizing the "comedia nueva." He was also a leading lyric and epic poet.

British poet of the nineteenth century and a leading figure of the Pre-Raphaelite movement. Author of Goblin Market (1862), a poetry collection blending symbolism and religious fervour. Her work explores love, death, and Christian faith with remarkable lyrical sensitivity.

A renowned French mathematician, Paul Painlevé (1863–1933) is known for his work on differential equations. He entered politics and served twice as President of the Council in 1917 and 1925, as well as Minister of War.

Fritz Lang (1890-1976) was an Austrian-born American filmmaker, pioneer of German Expressionist cinema and later of Hollywood film noir. His major works such as Metropolis and M left a profound mark on the history of cinema.

German physicist (1901–1976), one of the founders of quantum mechanics. He formulated the uncertainty principle in 1927, which bears his name, revolutionizing the conception of physical reality. Winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1932.

American writer and journalist (1934-2021), a leading figure of New Journalism. Author of incisive essays on Californian and American society, and of the memoir *The Year of Magical Thinking* on grief.