Jules Laforgue

Uruguayan-French poet and author

Jules Laforgue - Uruguayan-French poet and author
Born

August 16th, 1860
165 years ago

Died

August 20th, 1887
138 years ago — 27 years old

Category

Artists & Creatives

Country

France

Links & References

Born in Uruguay and later settling in France, Laforgue became a significant figure in French poetry during the late 19th century. His work is characterized by a unique style that blends symbolism with modernist influences. He published several poetry collections and essays, with notable works including 'L'Imitation de Jésus-Christ' and 'Sonnets et poèmes'. His innovative techniques and thematic explorations of existential angst and irony have had a lasting impact on subsequent generations of poets.

Published 'L'Imitation de Jésus-Christ'

Authored 'Sonnets et poèmes'

Contributed to the Symbolist movement

Other People Born on August 16th

Wilhelm Wundt

Psychologist and founder of psychology
Born
August 16th, 1832 193 years ago
Died
August 31st, 1920 105 years ago — 88 years old

This individual established psychology as a distinct scientific discipline separate from philosophy and physiology. In 1879, founded the first experimental psychology laboratory at the University of Leipzig, marking the formal beginning of psychology as a science. Developed the method of introspection for studying conscious experience, contributing to the establishment of experimental psychology. Authored numerous works, including 'Principles of Physiological Psychology,' which provided a comprehensive overview of the nature and structure of psychology.

Continue Reading

Eri Kitamura

Voice actress and singer in anime
Born
August 16th, 1987 38 years ago

Born in 1987, this voice actress and singer gained recognition for her roles in various anime series. Significant contributions include performances in popular series such as 'Angel Beats!' as Yui and 'KonoSuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World!' as Aqua. Alongside voice acting, this individual also pursued a music career, releasing singles and albums that added to her popularity within the anime community.

Continue Reading

Kevin Ayers

Singer-songwriter and guitarist, 'Joy of a Toy'
Born
August 16th, 1944 81 years ago
Died
2013 12 years ago — 69 years old

An English singer-songwriter and guitarist, contributed significantly to the psychedelic and progressive rock music scenes. Founded the band Soft Machine in the 1960s, which blended jazz, rock, and avant-garde elements. Released several solo albums, with 'Joy of a Toy' being one of the most recognized works. His style incorporated humor and whimsical lyrics, influencing later musicians in the genre.

Continue Reading

E. F. Schumacher

Economist and statistician; wrote 'Small Is Beautiful'
Born
August 16th, 1911 114 years ago
Died
September 4th, 1977 48 years ago — 66 years old

An economist and statistician, contributed to development economics and sustainability. Advocated for appropriate technology and emphasized the importance of small-scale and decentralized practices. Founded the Intermediate Technology Development Group to promote such technologies in developing countries. Wrote 'Small Is Beautiful: A Study of Economics as if People Mattered', which critiqued conventional economic thought and promoted human-scale technologies. Influenced a generation of thinkers and practitioners in development economics and environmentalism.

Continue Reading

Otto Messmer

Animator and screenwriter for Felix the Cat
Born
August 16th, 1892 133 years ago
Died
October 28th, 1983 42 years ago — 91 years old

An American animator and screenwriter, contributed significantly to the animated film industry during the silent film era. Created the iconic character Felix the Cat, who became one of the first cartoon stars to gain widespread popularity. Developed Felix's character, short films, and comic strips that entertained audiences in the 1920s. Worked for Pat Sullivan Studios, producing numerous Felix the Cat cartoons that featured innovative animation techniques.

Continue Reading

Arthur Cayley

Mathematician and author of Cayley's theorem
Born
August 16th, 1821 204 years ago
Died
January 26th, 1895 130 years ago — 73 years old

Contributed extensively to algebra and matrix theory. Developed the Cayley-Hamilton theorem, which asserts that every square matrix satisfies its own characteristic polynomial. Worked on group theory and established the concept of Cayley graphs. Published numerous papers that advanced mathematical knowledge and provided foundational work for future mathematicians. Held a professorship at the University of Cambridge and was a member of the Royal Society.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on August 20th

Frank Wilkes

Australian soldier and politician
Born
1922 103 years ago
Died
August 20th, 2015 10 years ago — 93 years old

Served as a soldier in the Australian Army during World War II and later became a politician. Held the position of member of Parliament for the Labor Party. Represented the electorate of Wilmot in Tasmania from 1980 to 1984. Engaged in various community initiatives and advocated for veterans' rights during and after the political career.

Continue Reading

Đặng Phong

Vietnamese economist and historian
Born
1937 88 years ago
Died
August 20th, 2010 15 years ago — 73 years old

Contributed significantly to the understanding of Vietnam's economic history and socialist transformation. Served as a professor at the National University of Vietnam, specializing in economic history. Conducted extensive research on the historical development of Vietnam's economy from the colonial period to post-war reconstruction. Authored several influential works that examined the impact of governmental policies on economic growth and social change.

Continue Reading

Martin Opitz

German poet and composer of Baroque era
Born
December 23rd, 1597 427 years ago
Died
August 20th, 1639 386 years ago — 41 years old

A prominent poet and composer during the Baroque period, contributions to the German literary landscape included a significant role in establishing the German language in poetry. Opitz published 'Buch von der deutschen Poeterey', which laid theoretical foundations for German poetry and advocated for the use of the German language in literature. His works reflected a blend of classical influences and new forms of expression and played an essential role in the development of German drama and lyrical poetry.

Continue Reading

Marian McPartland

Pianist and composer of jazz music
Born
March 20th, 1918 107 years ago
Died
August 20th, 2013 12 years ago — 95 years old

A prominent jazz pianist and composer, contributed to the jazz scene through performance and radio. Emerged as a significant figure in the world of jazz starting in the 1940s. Hosted the radio program 'Piano Jazz' on National Public Radio for over three decades, showcasing a variety of jazz talents. Recorded numerous albums, collaborating with various renowned musicians. Her compositions reflect a blend of classical and jazz influences, and her work has contributed to the evolution of modern jazz.

Continue Reading

Larry Knechtel

Session musician and The Wrecking Crew member
Born
August 4th, 1940 85 years ago
Died
August 20th, 2009 16 years ago — 69 years old

A prominent American bass player and pianist, became a leading session musician in the 1960s and 1970s. Contributed to numerous iconic recordings across various genres. Notably played on tracks for The Beach Boys, including the seminal album 'Pet Sounds'. Collaborated with artists such as Elvis Presley and Simon & Garfunkel, contributing to the classic hit 'Bridge Over Troubled Water'. Won a Grammy Award for his work with the band Bread. Knechtel's expertise in both bass and keyboard instruments solidified his reputation in the music industry as a highly sought-after session musician.

Continue Reading

William Waldegrave

English admiral and politician
Born
July 9th, 1753 272 years ago
Died
August 20th, 1825 200 years ago — 72 years old

Served as an admiral in the Royal Navy and held the position of the 34th Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland. As a prominent figure in military and political circles, contributed to naval operations during a period of conflict and governance in colonial territories. Engaged in political matters influencing the administration of Newfoundland during the late 18th century.

Continue Reading