Barthélemy d'Herbelot

French orientalist and academic work

Barthélemy d'Herbelot - French orientalist and academic work
Born

December 14th, 1625
399 years ago

Died

December 8th, 1695
329 years ago — 69 years old

Category

Scientists & Innovators

Country

France

Links & References

Birth occurred in 1625. An orientalist and academic, significant contributions were made to the study of Eastern cultures. Edited and compiled 'Bibliothèque Orientale', an extensive work on the literature and history of the Orient, which became an important reference in the field. D'Herbelot's research encompassed various aspects of Turkish, Arabic, and Persian literature.

Compiled 'Bibliothèque Orientale'

Studied Eastern literature extensively

Other People Born on December 14th

Kenneth Medwood

Belizean-American hurdler
Born
December 14th, 1987 37 years ago

Competed in hurdles for Belize, representing the country in various international athletics competitions. Developed a reputation in the 110m hurdles, achieving personal bests and contributing to the sport's visibility in Belize. Participated in regional championships and worked towards promoting track and field in local communities.

Continue Reading

Pierre Puvis de Chavannes

French painter and muralist
Born
December 14th, 1824 200 years ago
Died
October 24th, 1898 126 years ago — 73 years old

A significant figure in 19th-century French art, this individual primarily focused on monumental paintings. Often associated with symbolism, contributed to the decoration of prominent buildings, including the Panthéon and the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Lyon. Worked extensively on allegorical themes, creating harmonious compositions that emphasize a serene and timeless quality. His technique influenced many artists of the time and later movements.

Continue Reading

Karan Armstrong

American soprano and actress
Born
December 14th, 1941 83 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 80 years old

Accomplished as a soprano and actress, significant contributions were made to opera and musical theater. Performed leading roles in prominent operas and was celebrated for performances in productions such as 'Ariadne auf Naxos' and 'Carmen'. Participated in renowned music festivals and collaborated with prestigious orchestras throughout the career.

Continue Reading

Manolis Kalomiris

Greek composer and educator
Born
December 14th, 1883 141 years ago
Died
April 3rd, 1962 63 years ago — 78 years old

A prominent Greek composer and educator, contributed significantly to the development of modern Greek music. Founded the National Conservatory in Athens, which played a crucial role in musical education in Greece. Composed numerous works, including symphonies, operas, and chamber music. His opera, 'The Master Builder,' is considered a significant part of the Greek operatic repertoire. Emphasized the importance of Greek folk music in classical composition, blending traditional elements with contemporary techniques.

Continue Reading

Nicolas Batum

French basketball player and Olympic medalist
Born
December 14th, 1988 36 years ago

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 Reading

Ernie Davis

American football player, Heisman Trophy winner
Born
December 14th, 1939 85 years ago
Died
May 18th, 1963 62 years ago — 23 years old

Played college football at Syracuse University, leading the team to a national championship in 1959. Became the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy in 1961. Selected first overall in the 1962 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins but was traded to the Cleveland Browns. Suffered from leukemia, which shortened professional career.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on December 8th

Yevgeny Minayev

Weightlifter and Olympic champion
Born
May 21st, 1933 92 years ago
Died
December 8th, 1993 31 years ago — 60 years old

Born in 1933, Minayev achieved significant success in weightlifting. Represented the Soviet Union in international competitions, excelling in the lightweight and middleweight categories. Claimed a gold medal at the 1960 Rome Olympics, solidifying a place in weightlifting history. Competed in various World Championships, setting multiple records during his career.

Continue Reading

Charles Lightoller

English sailor and Titanic’s 2nd officer
Born
March 30th, 1874 151 years ago
Died
December 8th, 1952 72 years ago — 78 years old

Served as the second officer on the RMS Titanic during its ill-fated maiden voyage in April 1912. Played a crucial role in the evacuation efforts, ensuring the safety of numerous passengers. Was one of the last people to leave the ship, having been credited with helping to save lives. Later, served in the Royal Navy during World War I. Even after the war, continued a diverse maritime career, including piloting yachts and assisting in naval operations. Lightoller's experiences at sea and remarkable survival helped shape his legacy.

Continue Reading

Izidor Kürschner

Hungarian football player and coach
Born
June 29th, 1885 140 years ago
Died
December 8th, 1941 83 years ago — 56 years old

Born in 1885, a football player and later a coach contributed significantly to Hungarian football. Played as a forward for MTK Budapest, winning several league titles. Transitioned to coaching, leading various teams in Hungary to competitive standings.

Continue Reading

Thomas De Quincey

English journalist and author of Confessions
Born
August 15th, 1785 239 years ago
Died
December 8th, 1859 165 years ago — 74 years old

An influential journalist and author, contributed extensively to literature with a focus on opium, addiction, and philosophical musings. Authored 'Confessions of an English Opium-Eater', which detailed personal experiences with opium and sparked discussions regarding drug use. Engaged in literary criticism and commentary, providing insights into the works of contemporaries such as Wordsworth and Coleridge. Played a significant role in the romantic literary movement in England, merging autobiography with philosophical meditations.

Continue Reading

Theobald Mathew

Temperance movement leader in Ireland
Born
1790 235 years ago
Died
December 8th, 1856 168 years ago — 66 years old

A prominent Irish social reformer led the temperance movement in the 19th century. Established the Irish Total Abstinence Society in 1838, advocating for alcohol prohibition. Promoted temperance through speeches, pamphlets, and personal example. Played a significant role in the social reform movements of the time, aiming to reduce the impact of alcohol on society.

Continue Reading

Knut Nystedt

Norwegian organist and composer of choral works
Born
September 3rd, 1915 109 years ago
Died
December 8th, 2014 10 years ago — 99 years old

An organist and composer, contributed significantly to choral music. Served as a professor of music and contributed to various educational institutions. Created a wide array of choral compositions that reflect both sacred and secular themes. His works showcase influences of Norwegian folk music, enriching the choral repertoire. Conducted choirs across Norway and internationally, advocating for contemporary choral music.

Continue Reading