Alain-René Lesage
French author and playwright of Turcaret

Born
May 6th, 1668
357 years ago
Died
November 17th, 1747
277 years ago — 79 years old
Category
Artists & Creatives
Country
France
Links & References
An influential French author and playwright, contributions primarily included novels and plays that showcased sharp wit and social commentary. The work 'Turcaret' marked a significant moment in French literature, blending comedy with critiques of contemporary society. Lesage also produced various other plays, novels, and works that emphasized character-driven narratives and humor. His literary style influenced future generations of writers and playwrights within the French artistic movement.
Authored the novel 'Gil Blas'
Wrote the play 'Turcaret'
Other People Born on May 6th
Charles Batteux
Contributed significantly to the field of aesthetics and philosophy. Developed ideas regarding the nature of beauty and the relationship between the arts. Served as a professor at the Collège royal. Authored influential works on aesthetics and introduced concepts that would shape future philosophical discourse.
Continue ReadingGerardo Parra
A professional baseball player and coach, this individual played in Major League Baseball (MLB) primarily as an outfielder. His career spanned from 2009 to 2020, with significant tenures at teams including the Arizona Diamondbacks, Milwaukee Brewers, and San Francisco Giants. In 2011, won a Gold Glove Award while with the Diamondbacks, recognized for defensive excellence. Transitioned to a coaching role after retirement, contributing knowledge and experience to the next generation of players.
Continue ReadingPato O'Ward
Participated in various racing competitions, achieving notable success in the IndyCar Series. Claimed the IndyCar Rookie of the Year award in 2019. Completed multiple seasons with Arrow McLaren Racing, securing several podium finishes and race victories. Demonstrated talent in both open-wheel and sports car racing disciplines.
Continue ReadingInnocent X
Served as pope from 1644 to 1655, overseeing critical years for the Catholic Church during the Thirty Years' War. Advocated for the Counter-Reformation and addressed issues of corruption within the Church. His papacy coincided with significant art patronage, influencing Baroque artists, particularly in Rome. Commissioned notable works including projects by Bernini and Caravaggio, enhancing the cultural landscape of the Vatican.
Continue ReadingAlexander Thynn
Served as the 7th Marquess of Bath and held a prominent role in British politics. Engaged in various political activities and represented the interests of his constituents. In addition to political endeavors, took part in public service and contributed to community initiatives. Had a career in the military as a lieutenant, reflecting commitment to service. Engaged in the heritage and cultural preservation relating to his family's estate, Longleat.
Continue ReadingAndré Weil
A French mathematician made significant contributions to number theory, algebraic geometry, and the foundations of mathematics. Founded the Institute for Advanced Study's mathematics department in Princeton. Contributed to the development of algebraic geometry and co-developed the Weil conjectures, which provided important links between algebraic geometry and topology. Played a crucial role in the advancement of mathematics through rigorous theory and proof.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on November 17th
Charles W. Chesnutt
Chesnutt was an American writer primarily active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He wrote novels and short stories addressing issues of race and identity in the post-Civil War era. Major works include 'The Conjure Woman' and 'The Marrow of Tradition', which explore the African American experience. Chesnutt's works were among the first to offer a complex portrayal of black life in America, blending folklore and social commentary.
Continue ReadingLouis Néel
Contributions to physics included research in magnetism, particularly in the area of ferrimagnetism and antiferromagnetism. Conducted significant studies that led to the discovery and understanding of magnetic domains. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1970 for discoveries regarding spontaneous magnetic ordering in matter. Had a long academic career, serving as a professor and director of research at the CNRS in France.
Continue ReadingEsther Rolle
An American actress recognized for significant contributions to television and film. Played a leading role asFlorida Evans in the television series 'Good Times', which aired from 1974 to 1979. Also starred in films such as 'Driving Miss Daisy' in 1989 and 'A Raisin in the Sun' in 1961. Achieved acclaim for portrayals that often focused on African American family dynamics and issues.
Continue ReadingVictor Serge
A Russian historian and author engaged deeply in the political and social upheavals of the early 20th century. Actively involved in the revolutionary movements following the Russian Revolution, contributed to Marxist theory and analyzed the nature of the Soviet regime. His works often reflected on the nature of liberty and the role of the individual in history. Wrote notable books, including 'Year One of the Russian Revolution' and 'Memoirs of a Revolutionary', which provided significant insights into Bolshevism and its impact on society. Later writings dealt with issues of freedom, tyranny, and the struggles of the working class under communism.
Continue ReadingHeitor Villa-Lobos
A prominent Brazilian composer and guitarist, contributed significantly to the development of Brazilian classical music. Composed a vast array of works including orchestral pieces, chamber music, and choral music that integrated Brazilian folk elements. Studied under notable mentors and became a key figure in modern classical music in Brazil. Served as the director of the Department of Music of the Ministry of Education and Culture in Brazil. Internationally recognized for bringing Brazilian music to the global stage.
Continue ReadingJames Ferguson
Birth occurred in 1710 in Scotland. Ferguson specialized in astronomy and wrote several influential books on the subject. His notable works include 'Astronomy Explained Upon Sir Isaac Newton's Principles' and 'The Use of the Globes', which provided valuable insights into celestial mechanics and navigation. Ferguson also contributed to the popularization of astronomical concepts through lectures and demonstrations. He was an early advocate for the use of instruments in observational astronomy, and his writings helped educate the public about astronomical phenomena.
Continue Reading