Nathanael West
American author and screenwriter
Born
October 17th, 1903
121 years ago
Died
December 22nd, 1940
84 years ago — 37 years old
Category
Artists & Creatives
Country
United States
Links & References
An influential author and screenwriter, published several notable works during the early 20th century. Most recognized for the novel 'Miss Lonelyhearts' which explores the complexities of modern life and despair. 'The Day of the Locust' provides a critical view of Hollywood during the Great Depression. West's writing style combined elements of dark humor and social commentary, establishing a unique voice in American literature. His works faced initial obscurity but gained significant posthumous recognition, influencing future generations of writers and filmmakers.
Wrote 'Miss Lonelyhearts'
Authored 'The Day of the Locust'
Other People Born on October 17th
Tommy Kendall
Competed in professional auto racing, achieving notable success in the Trans-Am Series. Won three consecutive championships from 1995 to 1997 while driving for various teams. Transitioned to a career in broadcasting, providing commentary and insights on motorsports. Served as an analyst for numerous events, contributing to the coverage of different racing series.
Continue ReadingFelicity Jones
An English actress, she gained recognition for roles in film and television. Breakthrough performance came in 'The Theory of Everything' as Jane Hawking, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Featured in 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story' as Jyn Erso, contributing to the science fiction franchise's popularity. Other notable works include 'The Invisible Woman' and 'A Monster Calls'. She has collaborated with various acclaimed directors and participated in numerous film projects throughout her career, showcasing versatility in both independent and blockbuster films.
Continue ReadingHa-seong Kim
This individual played professional baseball in South Korea and Major League Baseball (MLB) in the United States. Starting career in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) with the Kiwoom Heroes, transitioned to MLB in 2021 joining the San Diego Padres. Demonstrated versatility by playing multiple positions including shortstop and third base.
Continue ReadingJohann Friedrich Meckel
Contributed significantly to the fields of anatomy and embryology. Conducted extensive studies on the anatomy of various organisms, particularly vertebrates. Established the Meckel's diverticulum, a significant anatomical feature in human embryology. Published numerous works, improving the understanding of anatomical structures and development. Influenced subsequent research in comparative anatomy through detailed observations.
Continue ReadingChuka Umunna
A lawyer and politician from England, engaged in politics primarily with the Labour Party. Served as a Member of Parliament for Streatham from 2010 to 2019. Advocated for social justice, economic reform, and was a vocal supporter of the European Union during the Brexit referendum. In 2019, left Labour to join the Independent Group and later founded the Independent Group for Change, focusing on promoting progressive policies.
Continue ReadingJack Owens
Born in 1912, this American musician gained recognition as a singer-songwriter and pianist, contributing significantly to the blues genre. Active during the mid-20th century, the music career included recording numerous songs that showcased a unique blend of traditional and modern influences within blues music. Emphasizing emotional storytelling through lyrics and melodies, this artist's music often reflected personal experiences and cultural narratives. They performed extensively, captivating audiences with powerful vocal performances and exceptional piano skills. Later years included collaborations with various musicians and participation in music festivals, solidifying their influence in the American music scene.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on December 22nd
James Meade
An influential economist and academic, contributed to welfare economics and international trade theories. Recognized for work on the relationship between income distribution and economic efficiency. Played a significant role in the development of contemporary economic theory. Served as a professor at the London School of Economics, where significant theories on social welfare and macroeconomic issues emerged. Received the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 1977 for contributions to economic theory, particularly regarding the relationship between market structure and market behavior.
Continue ReadingHerman Sikumbang
An Indonesian guitarist, played with the band Seventeen. Achieved popularity through performances and albums, contributing to the Indonesian music scene. Was active in creating music that resonated with many fans. Tragically lost life during the 2018 Sunda Strait tsunami while performing at a concert.
Continue ReadingChico Mendes
A trade union leader and environmental activist from Brazil focused on protecting the Amazon rainforest and advocating for the rights of rubber tappers. Mendes organized protests and worked with various organizations to promote sustainable development and conservation efforts. His work attracted international attention to the impact of deforestation in the Amazon. His efforts led to the establishment of extractive reserves in Brazil, allowing local communities to manage and protect forest resources.
Continue ReadingFreda Meissner-Blau
Born in 1927, an Austrian activist and politician committed to environmentalism and social justice. Co-founded the Austrian Green Party in 1986, advocating for ecological responsibility and sustainability. Served as a member of the Austrian Parliament from 1990 to 1994, representing the interests of green politics. Known for active participation in campaigns addressing nuclear safety, climate change, and civil rights.
Continue ReadingKarl Denke
A German individual committed multiple murders in the early 20th century. Active in the 1920s, the crimes included the killing of numerous victims, many of whom were travelers or locals in the area. Denke's actions also involved acts of cannibalism, which drew significant attention from law enforcement and the public. Arrested in 1924, he was charged with several counts of murder. The case was sensational, highlighting issues related to mental health and criminal behavior at the time. Denke died by suicide in custody shortly after his arrest.
Continue ReadingSamuel Beckett
A prominent figure in modern literature, this individual achieved recognition for contributions to drama and fiction. Often associated with existential themes, works include the play 'Waiting for Godot' and the novel 'Molloy'. The writing style employed a minimalistic approach, significantly influencing the absurdist movement in theatre. The Nobel Prize in Literature was awarded in 1969, acknowledging creative and innovative literary output. Beyond plays, exploration of narrative forms in novels and poetry also marked a significant aspect of the individual's work.
Continue Reading