Giovanni Battista Giraldi

Italian author of 'Orlando Furioso'

Giovanni Battista Giraldi - Italian author of 'Orlando Furioso'
Born

1504
521 years ago

Died

December 30th, 1573
451 years ago — 69 years old

Category

Artists & Creatives

Country

Italy

Links & References

An Italian author and poet contributed significantly to Renaissance literature. His works explored themes of love, heroism, and conflict, often drawing inspiration from classical traditions. One of the most notable works includes 'Orlando Furioso', a narrative poem that expanded upon the Arthurian legends. Giraldi also wrote various plays and stories that added depth to the literary landscape of the time. His writing style helped shape the cultural discourse of the period, influencing contemporary and later writers.

Authored the narrative poem 'Orlando Furioso'

Contributed plays and stories to Renaissance literature

Other People Who Died on December 30th

Era Bell Thompson

Journalist and author of 'American Daughter'
Born
August 10th, 1905 120 years ago
Died
December 30th, 1986 38 years ago — 81 years old

Born in 1905, this individual contributed significantly to journalism and literature through the experiences of African Americans. As a writer, published works included the autobiography 'American Daughter', which detailed life experiences and offered insights into race and identity in America. The individual served as editor of various national publications, providing a platform for voice and representation during pivotal moments in history. Education included attendance at a prestigious university, which led to a career that would influence future generations of writers and journalists.

Continue Reading

Mary Wesley

English author of bestselling novels
Born
June 24th, 1912 113 years ago
Died
December 30th, 2002 22 years ago — 90 years old

An English author, contributed significantly to literature with a focus on human relationships and social themes. Began writing later in life and achieved commercial success after the age of seventy. Published several popular novels including 'Jumping the Queue', 'The Camomile Lawn', and 'A Vintage Affair'. Wesley's work often explored the complexities of love and family dynamics.

Continue Reading

Vincent Massey

Governor General of Canada
Born
February 20th, 1887 138 years ago
Died
December 30th, 1967 57 years ago — 80 years old

Served as the 18th Governor General of Canada from 1952 to 1959. Massey had a background in law and was a notable member of the Liberal Party. He played a key role in promoting Canadian culture and education. Prior to his appointment, he held various positions including the presidency of the University of Toronto and was influential in shaping Canadian art and literature. His term as Governor General was marked by a focus on national unity and the strengthening of Canada's international standing.

Continue Reading

Carl Woese

Microbiologist and biophysicist; discovered archaea
Born
July 15th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
December 30th, 2012 12 years ago — 84 years old

Contributed significantly to microbial phylogeny and the tree of life. Developed the concept of archaea, a separate domain of life distinct from bacteria and eukaryotes. His work utilized ribosomal RNA sequencing techniques to classify organisms based on genetic material. Published the groundbreaking paper 'The Universal Tree of Life' which reshaped the understanding of evolutionary biology. Served as a professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and received numerous accolades for research in genetics and microbiology.

Continue Reading

Beate Sirota Gordon

Film director and producer of 'East of Eden'
Born
October 25th, 1923 101 years ago
Died
December 30th, 2012 12 years ago — 89 years old

Austrian-American director and producer, contributed significantly to the film industry. Established a successful career in Los Angeles after fleeing Europe during World War II. Worked as an assistant to Elia Kazan and played a crucial role in the production of 'East of Eden', which was released in 1955. Her career spanned over several decades, during which time she produced and directed various projects focusing on cultural themes and human experiences. Advocated for women's rights and representation in film, drawing from her experiences and background. Continued to influence the cinematic landscape until her later years.

Continue Reading

Julius J. Epstein

Screenwriter of Casablanca
Born
August 22nd, 1909 116 years ago
Died
December 30th, 2000 24 years ago — 91 years old

A prominent screenwriter and producer, contributed significantly to American cinema. Collaborated with his brother Philip Epstein on several acclaimed scripts. Most recognized for co-writing the screenplay of Casablanca, which premiered in 1942 and became a classic of the film noir genre. Involved in numerous other film projects throughout the 1940s and 1950s, often focusing on themes related to human experience and conflict.

Continue Reading