Chang-Rae Lee
Author and academic celebrated for novels

Born
July 29th, 1965
60 years ago
Category
Artists & Creatives
Country
United States
Links & References
An accomplished author and academic, this individual has contributed significantly to contemporary literature. The writing style merges personal and cultural narratives, often exploring themes of identity and belonging. A debut novel, 'Native Speaker', garnered the PEN/Hemingway Award and established a prominent literary voice. Subsequent works, including 'A Gesture Life' and 'The Surrendered', received critical acclaim. In addition to writing, this individual has held academic positions, fostering the next generation of writers and engaging in discussions about literature's role in society. The body of work encompasses novels, essays, and short stories, reflecting an ongoing exploration of the immigrant experience.
Wrote 'Native Speaker', winning the PEN/Hemingway Award
Authored 'The Surrendered', a finalist for the National Book Award
Served as a professor at Princeton University
Other People Born on July 29th
Erich Priebke
A German military officer served as a captain during World War II. Played a significant role in the Italian campaign and was involved in the Ardeatine massacre in Rome, which resulted in the execution of 335 Italian civilians in reprisal for partigiano attacks. After the war, evaded capture for several years before being apprehended in Argentina, where he lived after the conflict. Extradition to Italy occurred in the early 1990s, leading to a trial and conviction for aiding and abetting murder. His death occurred in 2013.
Continue ReadingKen Burns
A prominent American documentary filmmaker, focused on historical topics. Started directing in the 1980s and gained attention with 'The Civil War' in 1990, which received critical acclaim and high viewership. Created a signature style characterized by archival footage and photographs, accompanied by narration and interviews. Other notable works include documentaries on jazz music, the national parks, and the Vietnam War. Burns has received numerous awards for his contributions to filmmaking and history.
Continue ReadingFrancesco Mochi
Active during the late 16th and early 17th centuries, a prominent Italian sculptor specialized in large-scale marble sculptures. Worked extensively in Rome and received commissions for various public and private projects. Notably created the statue of Saint Paul on the façade of the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls. Also contributed to the ornamentation of the Palazzo Barberini, showcasing proficiency in depicting figures with dynamic poses and intricate details. Later years involved teaching and influencing other artists in the field of sculpture.
Continue ReadingBooth Tarkington
A prominent American novelist and dramatist, contributed significantly to early 20th-century literature. Authored several famous works, most notably "The Magnificent Ambersons" and "Alice Adams," both of which won Pulitzer Prizes. Engaged in the literary scene of his time, engaging with themes of social status and the complexities of American life. Besides fiction, also wrote plays that were performed on Broadway, further showcasing versatility in storytelling.
Continue ReadingCharles Cochrane-Baillie
Served as the 8th Governor of Queensland from 1895 to 1901. Engaged in various public service roles throughout his career, including as a member of the House of Lords. Focused on improving local infrastructure and promoting educational initiatives during tenure as governor. Actively participated in community development efforts in Queensland, fostering a connection between the local populace and the British government.
Continue ReadingIvan Aivazovsky
Born in 1817, a prominent Armenian-Russian painter specializing in marine art. Aivazovsky studied at the Saint Petersburg Academy of Arts and traveled extensively, which influenced his style. His night seascapes, featuring dramatic lighting and tumultuous waves, became a hallmark of his work. The artist produced a prolific number of paintings, with over 6,000 works attributed to him, many capturing the beauty and power of the sea. Aivazovsky's contributions to the art world earned recognition through several awards and exhibitions across Europe. His legacy remains significant in the realm of seascape painting.
Continue Reading