Antoine Houdar de la Motte
French author and playwright
Born
January 18th, 1672
353 years ago
Died
December 26th, 1731
293 years ago — 59 years old
Category
Artists & Creatives
Country
France
Links & References
A prominent figure in 17th-century French literature, contributed significantly to the development of drama and poetry. Best remembered for rewriting Homer's 'Iliad' into a modern French verse, aimed at making classical works more accessible. Authored 'Renaud' and 'Don Quichotte', showcasing advancements in the literary style of the time. Participated in the formation of the French Academy, which aimed to standardize and promote the French language and literature.
Wrote a modern adaptation of 'Iliad'
Authored 'Renaud'
Contributed to 'Don Quichotte'
Participated in the founding of the French Academy
Other People Born on January 18th
Alexander Khalifman
A chess player and author, this individual achieved the title of Grandmaster in 1992. Focused on rapid and blitz formats, significant accomplishments include winning the World Rapid Chess Championship in 1999. Also contributed to the chess literature with several publications aimed at enhancing the understanding of the game. Engaged in coaching and theoretical exploration, further influencing the chess community.
Continue ReadingMarthinus Nikolaas Ras
Born in 1843, contributed to agriculture and firearm manufacturing in South Africa. Served as a soldier during the Boer Wars, engaging in military strategies and campaigns vital to the Boer cause. Established a reputation as a skilled gun-maker, creating arms used by various factions during conflicts. Involved in the Boer Rebellion, demonstrating military leadership and tactical knowledge throughout engagements.
Continue ReadingJános Ferencsik
A prominent conductor in Hungary, this individual led the Hungarian State Symphony Orchestra and became a significant figure in the classical music scene. The career included collaborations with notable orchestras and appearances at major music festivals across Europe. Notably, this conductor served as the principal conductor for the Budapest Opera House, contributing to the development of the opera repertoire in Hungary. The work spanned several decades, during which time significant performances and recordings were produced, showcasing rich interpretations of classical works.
Continue ReadingMike Lieberthal
Played as a catcher in Major League Baseball, primarily for the Philadelphia Phillies. Made his debut in 1994 and had a career that lasted until 2007. Selected as an All-Star in 1999, contributing significantly to the team's performance during his tenure. Finished his career with notable statistics, including a .274 batting average and over 100 home runs.
Continue ReadingBrian Gionta
An ice hockey player, made significant contributions to the NHL as a winger. Played for several teams, most notably the New Jersey Devils, with whom won the Stanley Cup in 2003. Later played for the Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres, serving as captain for Montreal. Accumulated over 600 points throughout a 16-season career in the league.
Continue ReadingEstelle
An English singer-songwriter and producer gained prominence in the music industry during the 2000s. Achieved mainstream success with the hit single 'American Boy', which topped charts in multiple countries. Released several albums, showcasing a blend of hip-hop, R&B, and pop influences. Collaborated with various artists, contributing to a unique sound that captured widespread attention.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on December 26th
Melvil Dewey
A librarian and educator, developed the Dewey Decimal Classification system, which organizes library materials by subject. Founded the first library school, establishing standards for librarianship. Played a significant role in the advancement of library science education and advocacy for public libraries. His contributions to information organization greatly influenced library practices worldwide.
Continue ReadingBabur
Established the Mughal Empire in India after winning the First Battle of Panipat in 1526. Ancestry traced back to Timur on the mother's side and Genghis Khan on the father's side. Conquered large territories in the Indian subcontinent and laid the foundation for an empire that lasted for centuries. Authored the Baburnama, a memoir detailing his life and conquests, which is considered one of the earliest autobiographies in the Turkish language.
Continue ReadingJan Letzel
Born in 1880, an architect specializing in historical and neo-Gothic styles. Worked extensively in Prague, contributing to the design and restoration of several iconic buildings. One of the principal architects of the St. Vitus Cathedral. Also involved in various projects across the Czech Republic, blending traditional architecture with modern design principles. Letzel's work left a lasting mark on the architectural landscape of the country.
Continue ReadingDietrich Eckart
A journalist and politician, contributed significantly to the development of nationalist ideology in Germany during the early 20th century. Involved with the German Workers' Party and later the National Socialist German Workers' Party, played a key role in shaping the party's early direction. Worked as an influential writer and editor, promoting nationalistic ideas through various publications. In addition to political activities, engaged in cultural and literary circles, influencing various thinkers and political figures of the time.
Continue ReadingIrv Weinstein
A prominent television news anchor, this individual anchored the evening news for WKBW-TV in Buffalo, New York, for over 36 years. The news program became a staple in the community, known for its investigative reporting and in-depth coverage of local and national events. Throughout the career, there was a strong emphasis on storytelling, making complex issues accessible to the public. Besides anchoring, this person participated in special reports and community events, demonstrating a commitment to local journalism. A significant figure in Buffalo media, the individual contributed to the growth and popularity of broadcast news in the region.
Continue ReadingHarry S. Truman
Served as the 33rd President of the United States from 1945 to 1953. Assumed presidential duties after the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt. Oversaw the conclusion of World War II, including the decision to use atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Implemented the Marshall Plan to aid in the rebuilding of Europe post-war. Established the Truman Doctrine, which aimed to contain communism. Made significant contributions to the formation of NATO.
Continue Reading