Writers born on August 31

Take a focused look at the writers born on August 31. Dive into curated bios, achievements, and cultural milestones verified by our editors.

• 1908 William Saroyan

  William Saroyan was an acclaimed Armenian-American novelist, playwright, and short story writer. He is best known for his works celebrating the resilience and humanity of ordinary people, and he earned both a Pulitzer Prize and an Academy Award during his prolific career. [bio]

• 1935 Eldridge Cleaver

  Eldridge Cleaver was an American writer, political activist, and prominent member of the Black Panther Party. He played a significant role in the civil rights movement of the 1960s and is best known for his book 'Soul on Ice,' which became an influential work in African American literature and radical politics. [bio]