Matthew Prior
Poet and British Ambassador to France

Born
July 21st, 1664
360 years ago
Died
September 18th, 1721
303 years ago — 57 years old
Category
Artists & Creatives
Country
United Kingdom
Links & References
Born in 1664, a prominent English poet and diplomat, served as the British Ambassador to France. Education was completed at Westminster School and St John's College, Cambridge. Early works included poems such as 'The Solomon' and 'Alma,' which showcased a blend of satire and lyricism. Gained recognition for contributions to the literary world and held political roles during the reign of Queen Anne. Engaged in diplomatic efforts, notably during the negotiations that led to the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713. Involved in the literary circles of his time and befriended influential writers and thinkers.
Served as British Ambassador to France
Authored notable poems 'Alma' and 'The Solomon'
Other People Born on July 21st
Morris Iemma
Served as the 40th Premier of New South Wales from 2005 to 2008. Held the position of Member of the New South Wales Parliament representing the Lakemba electorate from 1991 to 2011. Focused on education and health reforms throughout tenure. Resigned from the premiership following internal party dissatisfaction and pressure.
Continue ReadingMichael Connelly
An author acclaimed for contributions to the crime fiction genre. Famed for creating the character Harry Bosch, a detective in the LAPD, who features in numerous novels including 'The Black Echo' and 'The Lincoln Lawyer.' Connelly's works often explore themes of justice and morality, blending intricate plotting with rich character development. In addition to novels, adaptations of his works into films and television series have garnered attention, further popularizing his stories. Received multiple awards throughout a successful writing career, solidifying a place within modern American literature.
Continue ReadingKarel Reisz
A Czech-English director and producer, influential in British cinema during the 1960s and 1970s. Contributed to the British New Wave film movement. Directed several acclaimed films, including 'Saturday Night and Sunday Morning' and 'The French Lieutenant's Woman'. Worked as a producer on notable projects while mentoring emerging filmmakers. Also collaborated on television productions, contributing to documentaries and drama series.
Continue ReadingHans Fallada
Born in 1893, this German author achieved prominence with the novel 'Alone in Berlin,' published posthumously in 1947. The book, a poignant portrayal of resistance against the Nazis, drew upon the author's own experiences during World War II and explored themes of courage and defiance. Originally published under the title 'Every Man Dies Alone,' the narrative illustrated the lives of ordinary citizens amidst totalitarianism. Fallada's works often reflected his struggles with mental health and substance abuse, which influenced his writing style and thematic choices. He produced numerous other novels throughout his career, many of which examined social issues and human relationships.
Continue ReadingSara Carter
A prominent figure in American folk music, contributed significantly to the development of country music. Began performing with The Carter Family in the early 1920s, which became one of the first and most influential country music groups. The group recorded numerous songs that became classics, including 'Wildwood Flower' and 'Keep on the Sunny Side'. The pioneering music style combined traditional folk tunes with harmonies and instrumentation that shaped future generations of musicians. Aside from recordings, performances at various venues helped popularize the genre across the United States.
Continue ReadingSarah Waters
This author gained recognition for work in historical fiction, particularly focusing on LGBTQ+ themes. The writing often explores the lives of women in different historical contexts. Notable works include 'Fingersmith' and 'The Night Watch', both of which exhibit intricate plots and rich character development. The author's novels frequently blend elements of mystery and romance, drawing on a keen understanding of social history. 'Fingersmith' was adapted into a television miniseries, further expanding its reach.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on September 18th
Karol Kurpiński
Born in 1785 in Poland, a composer and conductor contributed significantly to Polish music in the 19th century. Active in the operatic genre, works included notable operas that gained popularity in Warsaw. Served as a conductor for various theatrical productions and established a reputation for promoting Polish musical traditions. Involved in the education of young musicians, influencing the next generation of composers and performers through mentorship.
Continue ReadingHaim Hefer
Born in Poland, migration to Israel occurred during childhood. Hefer became a prominent figure in Hebrew music as a songwriter, creating a significant body of work that resonated with Israeli culture. Collaborated with major Israeli artists and inspired generations through lyrics that often reflected themes of national identity and collective memory. Hefer also contributed to the cultural life of Israel through poetry and involvement in the arts. Over the years, his work gained recognition within Israeli society, solidifying his legacy as a key contributor to Hebrew literature and song.
Continue ReadingAlan Watt
A public servant and diplomat served as Australian Ambassador to Japan. Played a key role in strengthening bilateral relations between Australia and Japan during a critical period in post-war history. Worked to promote trade, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding between the two nations. Contributed to various diplomatic initiatives that fostered cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.
Continue ReadingLeonhard Euler
A prominent mathematician and physicist, contributions included advancements in calculus, graph theory, and topology. Introduced the concept of a mathematical function. Developed Euler's formula that establishes a profound connection between complex analysis and trigonometry. Published over 800 papers and books, making significant contributions to various fields of mathematics and mechanics. His work laid the groundwork for modern mathematics, influencing future generations of mathematicians and scientists.
Continue ReadingEdward J. King
Served as the 66th Governor of Massachusetts from 1979 to 1981. King was the first Democratic governor of Massachusetts in 20 years. His administration focused on issues such as education reform, fiscal policy, and urban development. King faced challenges dealing with a struggling economy and rising unemployment during his tenure. After leaving office, he continued to be active in politics and public service.
Continue ReadingGelett Burgess
Born in 1866, Burgess was a significant figure in American literature as a poet and author. He created the character 'The Goops', which became a popular subject in children's literature. Burgess wrote extensively for magazines, contributing humor and critiques on art and literature. He also held the distinction of being a prominent figure in the Lark, a humor magazine that he co-founded. Burgess's work in literary criticism and poetry positioned him as an influential literary voice in his time.
Continue Reading