Gregory of Tours
French bishop and historian of Gaul
A prominent bishop in the early Christian church, this figure served as the Bishop of Tours and became a significant historian of Gaul during the 6th century. His work, 'Histories', chronicles the history of the Merovingian dynasty and the church, offering critical insights into the social and political dynamics of the time. Appointment as bishop occurred in 573, and he maintained this role until death in 594. The writings provided by this historian have been essential for understanding the early medieval period in France.
Authored 'Histories', a key historical text
Served as Bishop of Tours from 573 to 594
Other People Born on November 30th
Bobby Abel
English cricketer and test player
Born
November 30th, 1857 168 years ago
Died
December 10th, 1936 89 years ago — 79 years old
Played cricket for Surrey and the England national team during the late 19th century. Career spanned from 1875 to 1908, accumulating over 20,000 runs in first-class matches. Made significant contributions as a top-order batsman and established a reputation for his stylish play. Participated in the inaugural Test match against Australia in 1880. Contributed to Surrey's dominance in county cricket during the 1880s and 1890s.
Continue ReadingGustav Suits
Poet and politician from Estonia
Born
November 30th, 1883 142 years ago
Died
May 23rd, 1956 69 years ago — 72 years old
Born in Estonia in 1883, Suits was a prominent poet and a notable political figure. Active in the Estonian independence movement, he participated in cultural and political discussions that shaped the national identity. Suits published a number of influential poetry collections, showcasing themes of nature, love, and nationalism. His literary contributions extended to essays and articles that furthered the discourse on Estonian culture. He also held various public office positions, contributing to the development of Estonian society during a pivotal period. His works continue to be studied in the context of Estonian literature and history.
Continue ReadingHenry Taube
Chemist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
November 30th, 1915 110 years ago
Died
November 16th, 2005 20 years ago — 89 years old
A Canadian-American chemist, contributed significantly to the field of inorganic chemistry, particularly in electron transfer reactions. Held a prominent academic career, including a long tenure at Stanford University. Received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1983 for studies in the mechanisms of electron transfer in metal complexes. Authored numerous influential papers and books, advancing the understanding of various chemical processes.
Continue ReadingClyfford Still
American abstract expressionist painter
Born
November 30th, 1904 121 years ago
Died
June 23rd, 1980 45 years ago — 75 years old
A leading figure in the Abstract Expressionism movement, contributions included a focus on large-scale canvases characterized by bold colors and distinct forms. Teaching positions occurred at several institutions, including the San Francisco Art Institute. The creation of the Clyfford Still Museum in Denver established a dedicated space for the preservation and exhibition of works. Art made significant waves in the mid-20th century, advancing the exploration of form and color in contemporary art.
Continue ReadingPhilip Sidney
English soldier, poet, and courtier
Born
November 30th, 1554 471 years ago
Died
October 17th, 1586 439 years ago — 31 years old
Born in 1554, this individual served as an English soldier and courtier. He was a notable figure at the court of Queen Elizabeth I and took part in various military campaigns. His contributions to literature include the completion of 'Arcadia', a pastoral romance, which remains influential. Additionally, this individual composed the sonnet sequence 'Astrophel and Stella', recognized as one of the earliest in English literature, exploring themes of love and desire. His works remain celebrated for their stylistic elegance and depth.
Continue ReadingAndrea Sacchi
Italian painter and art theorist
Born
November 30th, 1599 426 years ago
Died
June 21st, 1661 364 years ago — 61 years old
Born in 1599, Andrea Sacchi became an influential figure in Italian Baroque painting. Active primarily in Rome, Sacchi developed a reputation for his historical and mythological works, characterized by clarity of form and compositional harmony. His work reflected the principles of the Academy of Saint Luke. Notable paintings include 'The Holy Family with Saints' and 'The Immaculate Conception.' His contributions to art theory and practice culminated in an esteemed legacy that informed subsequent generations of artists.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on November 17th
Gregory VII of Constantinople
Patriarch of Constantinople, theologian
Born
1850 175 years ago
Died
November 17th, 1924 101 years ago — 74 years old
Served as the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople from 1923 until death in 1924. Advocated for church unity and addressed the challenges faced by the Orthodox Church in a changing political landscape. Focused on theological discussions and the relationship between the Orthodox and Catholic Churches. Attempted to promote dialogue and reconciliation among different Christian denominations.
Continue ReadingBal Thackeray
Indian politician and cartoonist
Born
January 23rd, 1926 99 years ago
Died
November 17th, 2012 13 years ago — 86 years old
Born in 1926, a prominent Indian journalist and political leader emerged as the founder of the Shiv Sena party in 1966, which aimed at advocating for the rights of the Marathi-speaking population in Maharashtra. As an influential cartoonist, he utilized illustrations to express political views and critique opponents. Thackeray served as a significant figure in Maharashtra politics, commanding a loyal following. The political ideology promoted by the party focused on Hindutva and regional pride, deeply influencing local governance and communal relations. The political landscape of Maharashtra was shaped by his leadership style until his death in 2012.
Continue ReadingGeorge Hendric Houghton
American clergyman and theologian
Born
February 1st, 1820 205 years ago
Died
November 17th, 1897 128 years ago — 77 years old
Ordained as a clergyman, contributed significantly to theological education. Served as president of the American Baptist Missionary Union and played a crucial role in the founding of multiple colleges. Engaged in missionary work and emphasized the importance of education within the church.
Continue ReadingJohn Walter
Insurance underwriter and newspaper founder
Died
November 17th, 1812 213 years ago — None years old
An English insurance underwriter established The Times newspaper in 1785, which became one of the first daily national newspapers in the country. Walter's work in journalism transformed public access to news and information. His innovations in printing helped to modernize the newspaper industry. He played a significant role in ensuring that quality journalism flourished during his time, contributing to the role of journalism in shaping public opinion.
Continue ReadingElizabeth of Hungary
Queen and Saint of Hungary, philanthropist
Born
July 7th, 1207 818 years ago
Died
November 17th, 1231 794 years ago — 24 years old
Born in 1207, a Hungarian princess, dedicated life to charitable works. Married to the Landgrave of Thuringia, served the poor and sick during her lifetime. After her husband's death, she continued her philanthropy, building hospitals and caring for the ill. After her death in 1231, she was canonized by the Catholic Church in 1235 due to her significant charitable contributions and piety. Recognized as a patron saint of the poor, her legacy endures in various forms of devotion and veneration.
Continue ReadingJames McCune Smith
African-American physician and author
Born
April 18th, 1813 212 years ago
Died
November 17th, 1865 160 years ago — 52 years old
Born in 1813, a pioneering African-American physician and apothecary practiced medicine in New York City. Received a medical degree from the University of Glasgow, becoming the first African American to earn a medical degree in the United States. Actively participated in abolitionist movements and published works addressing social issues, including healthcare disparities and racial inequality. Contributed significantly to the discourse on race and medicine in the 19th century.
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