William Godwin

William Godwin was an English journalist, political philosopher and novelist. He is considered one of the first exponents of utilitarianism and the first modern proponent of anarchism. Godwin is most famous for two books that he published within the space of a year: An Enquiry Concerning Political Justice, an attack on political institutions, and Things as They Are; or, The Adventures of Caleb Williams, an early mystery novel which attacks aristocratic privilege. Based on the success of both, Godwin featured prominently in the radical circles of London in the 1790s. He wrote prolifically in the genres of novels, history and demography throughout his life.

3 March 1756

Born on the same birth day (3 March): Alain (philosopher) • Ashley Hansen • Dragan Stojković • Edward Herbert, 1st Baron Herbert of Cherbury • Emmanuel Pappoe • Fatima Whitbread • Georg Cantor • Hugues Lapointe • James Doohan • Jed Collins • Jimmy Garrison • John Fulton Reid • Patric Chiha • Paul Halmos • Ruby Dandridge • William James Blacklock

Born in the same month (March 1756): Henry Raeburn