All the People

If you just want to see the people in our database you can browse them here.

Mary Reibey

Australian businesswoman and trader
Born
May 12th, 1777 249 years ago
Died
May 30th, 1855 171 years ago — 78 years old

Born in 1777, a convicted female felon transported to Australia, engaged in entrepreneurial ventures post-release. Successfully developed a shipping business, significantly contributing to the economy. Operated a trading company with various interests including hotels and real estate. Played a pivotal role in business circles, influencing women's roles in commerce.

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Mary Renault

Author of historical novels set in Greece
Born
September 4th, 1905 121 years ago
Died
1983 43 years ago — 78 years old

Born in England, Renault moved to South Africa where she became a prominent author. Her works often focused on ancient Greece, exploring themes of love and heroism. Several novels gained significant attention, particularly the series featuring Alexander the Great. This series includes 'Fire from Heaven', 'The Persian Boy', and 'Funeral Games', establishing her reputation in historical fiction. Renault's writing is characterized by rich detail and complex character development.

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Mary Ritter Beard

Historian and women's rights activist
Born
August 5th, 1876 150 years ago
Died
1958 68 years ago — 82 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of history and was an advocate for women's rights. Co-authored 'America Through Women's Eyes' which highlighted women's experiences in American history. Played a crucial role in the formation of the American Association of University Women, promoting educational opportunities for women. Established the Women's National Historical Park, which focused on the contributions of women in American history.

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Mary Roach

American author of science books
Born
March 20th, 1959 67 years ago

An American author specializes in popular science. Works explore unconventional topics within the realm of science and human behavior. First book, Stiff: The Curious Life of Human Cadavers, delved into the topic of cadavers and their uses in science. Other significant works include Spook: Science Tackles the Afterlife, which investigates scientific perspectives on life after death, and Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void, focusing on space travel and its challenges. Engages readers through a humorous and approachable writing style that simplifies complex scientific topics.

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Mary Roberts Rinehart

American author and playwright of thrillers
Born
August 12th, 1876 150 years ago
Died
1958 68 years ago — 82 years old

A prolific American author and playwright, born in 1876. Rinehart gained prominence with her works in mystery and detective fiction, particularly for advancing the genre with elements of suspense. She authored numerous novels, plays, and short stories, becoming a popular figure in the early 20th century literary scene. Rinehart's writing often incorporated her experiences and observations from everyday life, which resonated with readers. Her hit plays and novels contributed significantly to the development of American mystery literature. Particularly, the novel 'The Circular Staircase' is regarded as one of her most influential works. Rinehart's writings drew inspiration from the themes of domestic life and the complexities within it, establishing her as a pivotal figure in the realm of American fiction.

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Mary Robinette Kowal

Puppeteer and award-winning author
Born
February 8th, 1969 57 years ago

Born in 1969, Kowal is an American puppeteer and author. She gained recognition in the field of speculative fiction. Kowal served as an author and puppeteer with a background in stage production. She performed as a puppeteer for major productions and has written multiple acclaimed novels. Kowal's work includes ​'The Calculating Stars,' which won the Hugo and Nebula Awards. She contributed to various anthologies and has served as president of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America.

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Mary Robinson

Irish politician, President of Ireland
Born
May 21st, 1944 82 years ago

Graduated with a law degree and became a barrister. Served as a senator in Ireland and held the office of Attorney General. Elected as the first female President of Ireland, serving from 1990 to 1997. After presidency, worked with the United Nations, focusing on human rights and climate change issues. Led the Mary Robinson Foundation – Climate Justice, advocating for sustainable development and justice in addressing climate challenges.

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Mary Rogers Miller

American author and educator
Born
April 21st, 1868 158 years ago
Died
1971 55 years ago — 103 years old

Focused on education and literature, contributed to the field through writings and teaching. Played a pivotal role in developing educational content and methodologies that influenced progressive education in the United States. Wrote several books aimed at improving literacy and understanding in students, emphasizing the importance of education in personal and social development.

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Mary Rosenblum

Science fiction and mystery author
Born
1952 74 years ago
Died
March 11th, 2018 8 years ago — 66 years old

An author specialized in science fiction and mystery genres. Wrote several notable works, including the book 'The Drylands'. Contributed to anthologies and magazines, gaining recognition within literary circles. Also engaged in teaching and mentoring aspiring writers, emphasizing speculative fiction techniques.

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Mary Russell

British Duchess and social reformer
Born
September 26th, 1865 161 years ago
Died
1937 89 years ago — 72 years old

Born in 1865, served as Duchess of Bedford and was involved in various social causes and charities. Focused on improving the conditions of the poor and advocating for women's rights. Founded several organizations aimed at bettering society, including involvement in education and health initiatives. Actively participated in the suffragette movement and supported many local charities throughout her life. Engaged in numerous philanthropic efforts, which helped shape community services in her region.

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Mary Russell Mitford

English author and playwright
Born
December 16th, 1787 238 years ago
Died
January 10th, 1855 171 years ago — 67 years old

An English author and playwright, this individual made significant contributions to literature in the 19th century. She is best known for the book 'Our Village', a series of sketches depicting rural life in England, which gained popularity for its vivid portrayal of pastoral scenes and character-driven narratives. Additionally, she penned several plays that were staged during her lifetime, such as 'Rienzi' and 'Fate'. Her writings reflected the social and cultural landscapes of her time, showcasing her ability to capture the essence of village life and the complexities of human emotion.

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Mary S. B. Shindler

Poet and editor of literary publications
Born
February 15th, 1810 216 years ago
Died
1883 143 years ago — 73 years old

Born in 1810, contributed to American literature as a poet, writer, and editor. Launched the first American literary magazine dedicated to women, expanding the visibility of women's contributions to literature. Actively participated in literary discussions and networks of her time, fostering connections among writers and poets. Her work emphasized the importance of women's voices in a predominantly male literary world.

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