Aphra Behn
Playwright and novelist of Restoration era
Born
December 14th, 1640
384 years ago
Died
April 16th, 1689
336 years ago — 48 years old
Category
Artists & Creatives
Country
England
Links & References
An influential author and playwright from England, contributed significantly to the Restoration literary scene. Among the first women to earn a living by writing, produced works that explored themes of love, politics, and gender. Her most notable plays include 'The Rover' and 'The Lucky Chance', which showcased her wit and understanding of human relationships. In addition to plays, wrote novels such as 'Oroonoko', regarded as one of the earliest English novels. Contemporaries recognized her talent and defiance in a male-dominated literary world.
Wrote the play 'The Rover'
Published the novel 'Oroonoko'
Other People Born on December 14th
Nicolas Batum
Born in 1988, this professional basketball player began his career in France before joining the NBA. Drafted in 2008, played for teams including the Portland Trail Blazers, Charlotte Hornets, and Los Angeles Clippers. Contributed to the French national team, securing a bronze medal at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup and winning silver at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Continue ReadingLiam Lawrence
Born in 1981, a professional footballer from Ireland played as a midfielder. Started career at the club of Sunderland, where made debut in 2000 and achieved prominence before moving to various clubs, including Portsmouth and Stoke City. At Stoke City, played a crucial role in the team’s promotion to the Premier League in 2008 and contributed to their FA Cup run, reaching the final in 2011. Represented the Irish national team between 2004 and 2011, accumulating 28 caps and participating in UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying matches. Retired from professional football in 2016.
Continue ReadingEllen Willis
An influential journalist, critic, and academic specializing in cultural and feminist issues. Contributed extensively to publications such as The New Yorker and The Village Voice. Authored several books including 'Next Wave: New Directions for Women' and 'Out of the Closet: Voices of Gay Liberation.' Co-founded the radical feminist publication, 'The Women's Liberation Movement.' Held a teaching position at New York University, where her work focused on gender, culture, and politics, influencing a wide range of students and thinkers.
Continue ReadingAbbe Lane
An actress and singer, involved in film and television. Gained prominence during the 1950s. Appeared in series such as "The Dean Martin Show" and "The Ed Sullivan Show." Featured in films like "The Eddie Cantor Story" and "Hey, Let's Twist!" Known for musical performances that highlighted versatility in both acting and singing.
Continue ReadingJoyce Vincent Wilson
A singer and songwriter, contributed to the popular music scene in the 1980s as a member of the renowned group Tony Orlando and Dawn. The group achieved significant success with hit songs such as "Knock Three Times" and "Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree." Later, transitioned to a solo career while performing in various venues across the United States.
Continue ReadingKim Beazley
Served as the 9th Deputy Prime Minister of Australia from 1995 to 1996. Held various ministerial roles including Minister for Defence. Represented the Australian Labor Party in the House of Representatives for over 20 years. Led the party as Opposition Leader during two periods, influencing Australian politics throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. Later appointed as Ambassador to the United States, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on April 16th
Stanislav Gross
Served as the fifth Prime Minister of the Czech Republic from 2004 to 2005. His political career began in the early 1990s, joining the Social Democratic Party. Worked as a lawyer and held various positions within the party. Focused on domestic issues during his tenure as Prime Minister while facing criticism for governmental decisions and economic challenges.
Continue ReadingPéter Veres
A prominent figure in Hungarian politics during the mid-20th century, served as Minister of Defence. Played a significant role in military and defense policies. Involved in post-World War II reconstruction efforts and administration. Contributed to discussions regarding national security and defense during a critical period in Hungarian history.
Continue ReadingGraham Stuart Thomas
A prominent horticulturalist and author, contributed significantly to the field of gardening and horticulture with a focus on roses, fruit, and herb cultivation. Authored several influential gardening books, emphasizing practical advice and detailed insights into plant care. Worked at various horticultural societies, including the Royal Horticultural Society, where initiatives focused on preserving and promoting traditional gardening practices. Played a key role in restoring historic gardens and preserving plant varieties. Served as an advisor for the National Trust in the UK, aiding in the management of their gardens.
Continue ReadingJacques Cassini
An influential astronomer in the 17th and 18th centuries, contributed significantly to the study of celestial bodies. Worked on the measurement of meridian arcs in France and contributed to the mapping of the heavens. Collaborated with the Cassini family, known for extensive work in astronomy. Published various works including the famous astronomical tables, which aided in navigation and understanding of celestial mechanics.
Continue ReadingRalph Ellison
This individual was an American novelist and literary critic. The most notable work was 'Invisible Man', which won the National Book Award for Fiction in 1953. The writing explored complex themes of identity and race in America. In addition to this celebrated novel, he contributed essays and reviews to several publications, providing critiques of the culture and literature of the time. His work has been influential in literary studies and continues to be a subject of analysis.
Continue ReadingStefano Benedetto Pallavicino
An influential poet and translator, contributed significantly to Italian literature in the late 17th century. Introduced the works of classical authors to a broader audience through modern Italian translations. Contributed to the revival of sonnet writing in Italy. Established a reputation for linguistic skill and poetic form, reflecting both classical influences and the contemporary literary scene.
Continue Reading