Lodewijk Elzevir

Dutch publisher, co-founder of Elzevir

Lodewijk Elzevir - Thinkers & Philosophers born 1546
Born

1546
480 years ago

Died
Category

Thinkers & Philosophers

Country

Netherlands

Links & References

Co-founded the House of Elzevir, which became a prominent publishing house in the 17th century. Elzevir operated in Leiden and nurtured a reputation for high-quality book production. The press specialized in scholarly works and classical literature. A significant innovation included the development of pocket-sized editions, which improved accessibility to literature. Elzevir's publications contributed to the spread of knowledge during the Dutch Golden Age. The House of Elzevir continued operations long after its founder's death, influencing publishing techniques across Europe.

Co-founded the House of Elzevir

Pioneered pocket-sized book editions

Published significant scholarly works

Other People Who Died on February 4th

Antonio del Pollaiuolo

Renaissance artist and painter
Born
January 17th, 1429 597 years ago
Died
February 4th, 1498 528 years ago — 69 years old

Antonio del Pollaiuolo was an Italian painter, sculptor, and engraver active during the Renaissance period. Significant works include 'The Battle of the Ten Nudes' and 'Hercules and Antaeus', both showcasing a mastery of human anatomy and dynamic composition. Pollaiuolo's work displayed a deep understanding of movement and muscle structure, which was a notable advancement in the portrayal of the human figure in art during this era. He played a pivotal role in the development of engraving as an art form, contributing to the dissemination of Renaissance ideas across Europe.

Continue Reading

Patricia Highsmith

American novelist and thriller writer
Born
January 19th, 1921 105 years ago
Died
February 4th, 1995 31 years ago — 74 years old

Born in 1921, a prominent figure in American literature, known for psychological thrillers that explore themes of morality and identity. Achieved recognition with the publication of "Strangers on a Train" in 1950, which established a new genre of suspense fiction. The creation of the character Tom Ripley in the novel "The Talented Mr. Ripley" (1955) further solidified a legacy in thriller writing. Highsmith's works often featured complex characters and moral ambiguity, influencing the genre significantly throughout her career. Her writing style and innovative plot techniques garnered critical acclaim, leading to several adaptations of her novels into films, thereby reaching wider audiences.

Continue Reading

John Rogers

Minister and physician of early America
Born
January 11th, 1630 396 years ago
Died
February 4th, 1555 471 years ago — -75 years old

Born in England and later relocating to America, served as a minister, physician, and academic. Contributed significantly to the early development of religious and medical practices in the new world. Played a pivotal role in both community leadership and education, impacting various aspects of colonial life. Engaged with several prominent figures of the time and worked to establish institutions that supported the growth of knowledge in the community. His writings and teachings influenced future generations in both ministry and medicine.

Continue Reading

Satyendra Nath Bose

Indian physicist recognized for Bose-Einstein statistics
Born
January 1st, 1894 132 years ago
Died
February 4th, 1974 52 years ago — 80 years old

Contributed significantly to theoretical physics, particularly in quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics. Developed Bose-Einstein statistics, which describes the statistical distribution of indistinguishable particles. Collaborated with Albert Einstein on quantum theory, leading to the concept of Bose-Einstein condensates. Served as a professor and published numerous papers, influencing the field of physics.

Continue Reading

Betty Friedan

Author and feminist activist
Born
February 4th, 1921 105 years ago
Died
February 4th, 2006 20 years ago — 85 years old

An influential feminist activist and author, she wrote 'The Feminine Mystique' in 1963, a work that challenged traditional gender roles and contributed to the second wave of feminism in the United States. This book sparked widespread discussions on women's rights and issues related to gender equality. In 1966, she co-founded the National Organization for Women (NOW), which aimed to advocate for equal rights for women in various sectors of society. Her writings and public speeches highlighted the need for women's liberation and examined the societal expectations placed on women, particularly in domestic roles. Throughout her career, she engaged with various social and political movements to promote gender equality.

Continue Reading

Robert Daniel

American politician and soldier
Born
1936 90 years ago
Died
February 4th, 2012 14 years ago — 76 years old

Served in the military and later transitioned to a political career. Engaged in farming while also participating in local governance. Contributed to state-level political discussions and decisions during tenure. Focused on agricultural policies and rural community development.

Continue Reading