Herman Wouk
American novelist and Pulitzer Prize winner
A prominent American novelist, one of the most recognized works includes 'The Caine Mutiny,' which depicts a military court trial during World War II. Another significant novel, 'War and Remembrance,' explores the experiences of a Jewish family during the Holocaust. Wouk's writing often addresses themes of faith, morality, and the human condition, reflecting his Jewish background and experiences. He received widespread acclaim and several awards throughout his career, including the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1952 for 'The Caine Mutiny.' His literary works have been adapted into successful films and television series, further extending their reach and influence.
Wrote 'The Caine Mutiny'
Authored 'War and Remembrance'
Received the Pulitzer Prize for 'The Caine Mutiny'
Other People Born on May 27th
Bora Paçun
Turkish basketball player
Born
May 27th, 1987 38 years ago
Played professional basketball primarily in Turkey and had a stint in the United States. Competed in multiple domestic leagues and international competitions. Contributed to teams in different capacities, showcasing talent on the court.
Continue ReadingMargrethe Munthe
Norwegian songwriter and children's author
Born
May 27th, 1860 165 years ago
Died
January 20th, 1931 95 years ago — 70 years old
A prominent songwriter and children's author, the individual contributed significantly to Norwegian culture through music. Created a collection of songs that captured the essence of childhood and were widely embraced in Norway. Compiled several songbooks aimed at children, emphasizing playful lyrics and engaging melodies. The songwriter's works have remained popular in Norwegian schools and households.
Continue ReadingAllan Carr
Playwright and producer of 'Grease'
Born
May 27th, 1937 88 years ago
Died
June 29th, 1999 26 years ago — 62 years old
A playwright and producer, significant contributions include the production of the hit musical 'Grease'. Also produced the film adaptation of 'Grease', which became one of the highest-grossing films of its time. Carr produced numerous theatrical productions and worked on various television specials during a successful career. His influence in the entertainment industry, particularly in musical theater, remains notable.
Continue ReadingBuddhadasa
Thai monk and philosopher
Born
May 27th, 1906 119 years ago
Died
1993 33 years ago — 87 years old
Born in Thailand in 1906, a significant figure in the Theravada Buddhist tradition. Founded Suan Mokkh, a forest monastery in southern Thailand, emphasizing the integration of Buddhist teachings into daily life. Promoted the practice of mindfulness and meditation, contributing to contemporary interpretations of Buddhism. Engaged deeply with social issues, advocating for a return to original Buddhist principles to address modern challenges such as materialism and environmentalism. His teachings garnered national and international recognition, influencing both monks and laypeople.
Continue ReadingJessie Arms Botke
American painter of natural scenes
Born
May 27th, 1883 142 years ago
Died
October 2nd, 1971 54 years ago — 88 years old
Born in 1883, a prominent painter emerged, specializing in depictions of flora and fauna. Studies in Paris enhanced skills, leading to a unique style that captured the intricacies of nature. Exhibitions across the U.S. showcased the artist's work, resulting in significant recognition within the art community. An influential figure in the California art scene, often associated with the Southern California landscape and wildlife. Contributions to the field included teaching and mentoring emerging artists. The artist's legacy continues through various public collections.
Continue ReadingCaspar Schoppe
German author and scholar of literature
Born
May 27th, 1576 449 years ago
Died
November 19th, 1649 376 years ago — 73 years old
Active during the late 16th and early 17th centuries, this author and scholar contributed significantly to the fields of rhetoric, linguistics, and literature. Engaged in scholarly debates and produced numerous works that explored classical literature and philosophy. His writings often examined the works of Cicero and Horace, highlighting their relevance in the contemporary context. The influence of classical texts on his scholarship provided a foundation for later thinkers.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 17th
John Deere
Blacksmith and founder of Deere & Company
Born
February 7th, 1804 222 years ago
Died
May 17th, 1886 139 years ago — 82 years old
A blacksmith and businessman established a brand recognized for agricultural machinery. Pioneered the creation of a plow that efficiently tilled the tough Midwestern soil, leading to significant advancements in farming techniques. Founded Deere & Company in 1837, which became one of the largest manufacturers of agricultural equipment in the world. The business model emphasized high-quality products and customer service, contributing to the growth of modern agriculture.
Continue ReadingLi Maozhen
Chinese warlord and king
Died
May 17th, 924 1101 years ago — None years old
Li Maozhen served as a powerful warlord and king during the late Tang dynasty. He established control over the region of Shuzhou in what is now Sichuan province. His reign was marked by significant military and political maneuvers aimed at maintaining autonomy amid the fragmented power structure of the dynasty. Li claimed the title of king and held sway over the local populace through both military force and political alliances. His authority extended until his death in 924, a period characterized by the disintegration of centralized power in China.
Continue ReadingKevin Gilbert
Singer-songwriter and musician.
Born
November 20th, 1966 59 years ago
Died
May 17th, 1996 29 years ago — 29 years old
A prominent figure in the world of music, this artist gained recognition as a talented singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He was a member of the progressive rock band 'Giraffe' and was also part of 'Kaleidoscope'. The individual released several solo albums, with 'Thud' being one of the most acclaimed. In addition to solo ventures, collaborations with various artists highlighted versatility and depth in musical expression.
Continue ReadingLeopold Auenbrugger
Austrian physician and inventor of percussion
Born
November 19th, 1722 303 years ago
Died
May 17th, 1809 216 years ago — 86 years old
A physician developed the technique of percussion for diagnosing diseases. This innovation transformed clinical practices. Initial experiments involved using his own chest as a model to demonstrate the value of tapping and feeling the chest wall to gather diagnostic information. The technique was outlined in a treatise published in 1761, which laid the groundwork for modern physical examination methods. The work emphasized the importance of systematic observation in medicine and was influential in the fields of internal medicine and diagnostics.
Continue ReadingPeter Schulz
German lawyer and Mayor of Hamburg
Born
April 25th, 1930 95 years ago
Died
May 17th, 2013 12 years ago — 83 years old
A lawyer and politician served as the Mayor of Hamburg during the early 1980s. Engaged in local governance, focused on urban issues and public administration. Advocated for policies aimed at improving the quality of life in Hamburg. Contributed to the development of the city's infrastructure and community programs.
Continue ReadingJorge Rafael Videla
Argentinian general and President
Born
August 2nd, 1925 100 years ago
Died
May 17th, 2013 12 years ago — 87 years old
Served as the 43rd President of Argentina from 1976 to 1981 following a military coup. Led the country during the Dirty War, a period characterized by widespread human rights abuses. Implemented policies aimed at suppressing dissent and promoting economic reforms. Oversaw actions that resulted in the disappearance and torture of thousands.
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