In honor of the author's birthday, here are 15 facts about the actual man behind the curtain.

BOOKS
Lip balm is essential.
See George Orwell in a whole new light.
The proper tools make all the difference when assembling a home bar cart. Here's what Vanessa Dina, author of 'The Art of the Bar Cart: Styling & Recipes' recommends stocking up on.
"Barracoon: The Story of the Last 'Black Cargo'" was originally written in 1931, but no one wanted to publish it—until now.
Inflight entertainment can get a little pricey, but one airport program can save you money on your next hardcover.
It was one of the most sensational thefts in modern history.
Librarians can help you with everything from finding your next great read to filling out your taxes. But they have a couple of patron pet peeves—and at least one involves bacon.
Moving, relatable, and frequently hilarious, Beverly Cleary’s stories have been captivating readers of all ages for more than 60 years.
Walt Whitman, the famed author of 'Leaves of Grass,' was a bit of a health nut—and really enjoyed hanging out in the nude.
Here's how naturalists and scientific illustrators used to cope.
The books kept coming back with purposeful, curious markings.
You know him best as the author of 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.' But one writer suspected him of being Jack the Ripper.