If April is the cruelest month, according to T. S. Eliot, then perhaps May is the most hopeful - season of rebirth, renewal and all the energy and creativity inspired by longer, lighter, warmer days. Below are titles by some of the fortunate authors whose birthdays occur in May and whose works provide endless consolation and inspiration in the best and worst of times. So, lift a glass (and a book) to the following literary lights: