Bruno Jasieński
Polish poet and author of 'The World Is Yours'
Born in 1901, a Polish poet and author emerged as a significant literary figure in the early 20th century. Influenced by the avant-garde movement, the individual contributed to the Polish literary scene with innovative works that explored themes of modernity and socio-political issues. The poet's major works include 'The World Is Yours' and 'The Dancing's End,' which showcased a unique style and a profound sense of irony. Active in the interwar period, engaged with leftist politics and contributed to various literary magazines. The later years were marked by exile and migration due to political tensions in Poland, leading to a significant impact on the individual’s writings and perspectives.
Authored 'The World Is Yours'
Published 'The Dancing's End'
Contributed to Polish avant-garde literature
Other People Born on July 17th
Gordon Gould
Physicist and laser inventor
Born
July 17th, 1920 105 years ago
Died
September 16th, 2005 20 years ago — 85 years old
An American physicist and academic, contributed to the field of optics and photonics. Invented the laser in the 1950s and coined the term 'laser', standing for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Although the invention faced patent disputes, secured a patent in 1977 after several legal battles. Served as a professor and held various academic positions throughout his career.
Continue ReadingZoot Money
English singer-songwriter and musician
Born
July 17th, 1942 83 years ago
Died
September 8th, 2024 1 years ago — 82 years old
A prominent figure in the British music scene, participated in the emergence of the 1960s rhythm and blues movement. Played in bands such as Zoot Money's Big Roll Band and achieved recognition for a distinctive style that blended rock, jazz, and blues. Released several albums during the 1960s and 1970s, contributing to the evolving sound of British rock music. Collaborated with numerous artists and made television appearances that showcased musical talents.
Continue ReadingIsmail I of Iran
Shah of Persia and founder of Safavid dynasty
Born
July 17th, 1487 538 years ago
Died
1524 502 years ago — 37 years old
Birth occurred in 1487. Ascended to power at the age of 14, establishing the Safavid dynasty in Persia. Implemented Shia Islam as the state religion, thus shaping the religious landscape of Iran. Conquered vast territories and solidified Persian identity through cultural and religious reforms. Defeated rival forces, including the Uzbeks and Ottomans, which expanded the Safavid realm. Engaged in significant battles to secure territorial claims while fostering trade and arts.
Continue ReadingEphraim Shay
Engineer who designed Shay locomotive
Born
July 17th, 1839 186 years ago
Died
April 19th, 1916 109 years ago — 76 years old
An engineer developed the Shay locomotive, a type of steam engine that proved vital for logging and freight transport on mountainous terrain. This innovative design featured a unique gear-driven system, providing better traction and stability on steep grades. The Shay locomotive became widely used in the timber industry, significantly impacting the efficiency of lumber transport. The manufacturing of Shay locomotives continued long after the initial design, with production spanning several decades.
Continue ReadingJames Cagney
American actor and dancer in film noir
Born
July 17th, 1899 126 years ago
Died
March 30th, 1986 39 years ago — 86 years old
Cagney was a prominent American actor and dancer who gained fame during the Golden Age of Hollywood. He emerged as a major star in the 1930s, particularly through his roles in gangster films and musicals. Cagney's breakthrough came with the role in 'The Public Enemy' in 1931, which established him as a leading man. Throughout his career, he demonstrated a wide range of acting abilities, playing both tough characters and more light-hearted roles. He won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' in 1942, showcasing his talent as a performer and dancer. Cagney's lively performances and unique style left a lasting influence on film and theater.
Continue ReadingErle Stanley Gardner
American lawyer and author of Perry Mason
Born
July 17th, 1889 136 years ago
Died
March 11th, 1970 56 years ago — 80 years old
Practiced law while writing pulp fiction. Created the character Perry Mason, a defense attorney appearing in a series of detective novels. The character became the basis for a successful television series. Also wrote under various pseudonyms and produced numerous other works, including thrillers and mysteries. Garnered popularity for courtroom drama and intricate plots.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on September 17th
George Hamilton IV
Singer-songwriter known for 'Abilene'
Born
July 19th, 1937 88 years ago
Died
September 17th, 2014 11 years ago — 77 years old
An American singer-songwriter and guitarist, recognized for contributions to country music throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Gained popularity with the hit single 'Abilene' in 1963, which became a standard in the genre. His music career spanned several decades, during which he released numerous albums, showcasing a blend of traditional country and modern sounds. He frequently performed at the Grand Ole Opry and was involved in various charitable efforts supporting music education.
Continue ReadingMaarten Schmidt
Dutch astronomer and quasars researcher
Born
December 28th, 1929 96 years ago
Died
September 17th, 2022 3 years ago — 92 years old
Contributed significantly to the field of astronomy, especially in the study of quasars. Discovered that quasars are powered by supermassive black holes at the centers of galaxies and provided evidence of their redshift being related to distance, which supported the expanding universe theory. Conducted extensive research on the nature and properties of these distant astronomical objects. Schmidt's work provided crucial insights into the early universe and how galaxies evolve over time.
Continue ReadingHeinrich Bullinger
Swiss Protestant Reformer and Theologian
Born
July 18th, 1504 521 years ago
Died
September 17th, 1575 450 years ago — 71 years old
Born in Zurich, contributed significantly to the Protestant Reformation. Served as a pastor in Zurich following the death of Ulrich Zwingli. Developed the 'Second Helvetic Confession,' which became a foundational document for Reformed churches. Engaged in theological debates and pastoral care, influencing church governance and doctrine during a pivotal period in Swiss history.
Continue ReadingHenry Manners
Earl of Rutland, English soldier
Born
1526 500 years ago
Died
September 17th, 1563 462 years ago — 37 years old
The 2nd Earl of Rutland served in military roles during the Tudor period. Associated with England, he played a significant part in the defense of the realm during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. He held positions of power and was part of the noble class, contributing to the military strategies of that time. In addition to military engagements, he managed lands and took part in the political affairs of the era.
Continue ReadingRudolf von Jhering
German jurist and legal scholar
Born
August 22nd, 1818 207 years ago
Died
September 17th, 1892 133 years ago — 74 years old
A prominent German jurist and legal scholar, contributed significantly to the development of legal thought in the 19th century. Focused on the relationship between law and society, emphasized the role of social interests in legal matters. Published influential works, including 'The Spirit of Roman Law' and 'Law as a Means to an End,' which discussed the function of law in achieving social objectives. Advocated for the independent interpretation of law, departing from strict adherence to legal texts. Played a key role in shaping modern legal theory.
Continue ReadingVitas Gerulaitis
Tennis player and coach, US Open finalist
Born
July 26th, 1954 71 years ago
Died
September 17th, 1994 31 years ago — 40 years old
Competitor achieved significant success on the professional tennis circuit during the 1970s and 1980s. Won the US Open doubles title in 1975 alongside partner, and secured a singles title in 1979 at the Australian Open. Known for reaching the finals of the US Open in 1979, finishing as a runner-up. His career-high singles ranking was World No. 3. After retiring from professional play, transitioned into coaching and became a notable figure in tennis instruction. Active in various charitable endeavors related to sports and youth development.
Continue Reading