Honoré de Balzac
French novelist with 'La Comédie humaine'
Born
May 20th, 1799
225 years ago
Died
August 18th, 1850
174 years ago — 51 years old
Category
Artists & Creatives
Country
France
Links & References
A prominent French novelist and playwright, contributed significantly to literature in the 19th century. Created a vast collection of interlinked stories and novels titled 'La Comédie humaine', depicting French society in that era. Addressed themes of social change, the human condition, and intricate character studies. Worked tirelessly on numerous works, influenced later writers and the development of the realist novel.
Authored the multi-volume series 'La Comédie humaine'
Made substantial contributions to realist literature
Explored themes of society and human nature
Other People Born on May 20th
Robert Doyle
Elected as the 103rd Lord Mayor of Melbourne, served from 2008 to 2012. Contributed to the development of the City of Melbourne through various initiatives aimed at urban improvement and community engagement. Prior to the mayoralty, held roles in the Victorian Parliament and focused on educational and community policies. Engaged in projects that promoted cultural activities and improved public services within the city.
Continue ReadingGerry Peyton
Born in England, this individual represented Ireland in international football. Playing as a goalkeeper, contributed significantly to club careers in England, including stints with teams like Wimbledon and Birmingham City. Transitioned to coaching roles after retirement from playing, applying experience in developing younger players and coaching at various levels. Coached the goalkeepers for the Irish national team during the late 1990s, enhancing the skill set of future generations of Irish talent.
Continue ReadingCate Campbell
Competed in international swimming events, winning multiple medals. Achieved Olympic success at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, securing gold in the 4x100 meter freestyle relay. Set numerous national records and was part of the Australian swimming team that excelled in World Championships.
Continue ReadingRoger Milla
Milla played professional football primarily as a striker. His career spanned several decades, with significant stints at clubs like Tonnerre Yaoundé and AS Monaco. Milla's international prominence rose during the 1990 FIFA World Cup, where he scored two crucial goals for Cameroon, becoming the oldest goal scorer in World Cup history at age 42. He also played in the 1994 World Cup, further solidifying his legacy in the sport. After retiring from active play, he transitioned into coaching and management roles, contributing to Cameroon's football landscape.
Continue ReadingCharles Spencer
Born into the British aristocracy, an English journalist and author holds the title of the 9th Earl Spencer. In the realm of journalism, significant contributions include writings for various publications. The literary works include several books, often centering on history and the British royal family. One notable work, 'Princess Diana: The Quest for Love,' examines the personal aspects of the life of the late Princess of Wales. Active in the public sphere, this figure advocates for various charitable causes, including those focused on children and education. The connection to the royal family influences both personal and professional life.
Continue ReadingEmile Berliner
Emile Berliner was a German-American inventor and businessman credited with the invention of the phonograph, which played a pivotal role in the development of the music recording industry. Berliner developed the flat disc record, which replaced the earlier cylinder format, leading to significant advancements in audio technology. His company, the Berliner Gramophone Company, started the commercialization of recorded music. In addition to his work in sound recording, he contributed to various fields including telephony and aeronautics, holding numerous patents.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on August 18th
Antonio Ferramolino
An architect and military engineer contributed significantly to fortification design during the Renaissance. Worked on the design of various fortresses across Italy and was involved in military engineering projects for the Papal states. Developed techniques in modern military architecture that influenced later designs. Published works outlining these engineering principles, contributing to the field of architecture and military strategy.
Continue ReadingJesse Robredo
Served as the 23rd Secretary of the Interior and Local Government in the Philippines from 2010 until his death in 2012. Implemented significant reforms in local governance and promoted transparency and accountability in government operations. Prior to this, held the position of mayor of Naga City for over 19 years, where focused on urban development and community empowerment. Advocated for disaster risk reduction and emergency preparedness during his tenure. His leadership style and dedication to public service earned him respect throughout the nation.
Continue ReadingErnst Thälmann
Born in 1886, a German politician and prominent member of the Communist Party of Germany. Participated in anti-fascist activities and was a key opponent of the Nazi regime. Elected as the party's national chairman in 1925, worked to strengthen the party's presence in German politics. Arrested by the Nazis in 1933 and remained imprisoned until execution in 1944. Posthumously recognized as a martyr of the communist movement.
Continue ReadingKhaled al-Asaad
Contributed significantly to the understanding of ancient sites in Syria, particularly within the Palmyra region. Worked as the head of antiquities at the Palmyra Museum and dedicated efforts to preserve and document archaeological artifacts. Authored publications on the history and significance of the Palmyra ruins, influencing the field of archaeology. Captured and executed by ISIS in 2015 for refusing to reveal the location of hidden artifacts.
Continue ReadingWalafrid Strabo
A German monk and theologian contributed significantly to the theological discourse of the Carolingian Renaissance. He became a monk at the abbey of Reichenau and later served as its abbot. Strabo was an influential figure in the development of medieval thought, engaging in biblical commentary and education. His work included various writings that focused on scriptural interpretation and the integration of classical literature with Christian theology. He is also recognized for his efforts to promote learning and education during a period marked by a resurgence of interest in intellectual pursuits.
Continue ReadingB. F. Skinner
A prominent psychologist and author, focused on behaviorism and learning processes. Developed the theory of operant conditioning, emphasizing reinforcement and punishment in shaping behavior. Contributed significantly to psychological research and education methodologies. Authored several influential books, including 'Walden Two' and 'Verbal Behavior', which explored behavior analysis and its applications. Established the Skinner Box, a device used to measure behavior in controlled environments, advancing the field of experimental psychology.
Continue Reading