Quentin Crisp

English author and illustrator of 'The Naked Civil Servant'

Quentin Crisp - English author and illustrator of 'The Naked Civil Servant'
Born

December 25th, 1908
116 years ago

Died

November 21st, 1999
25 years ago — 90 years old

Category

Artists & Creatives

Country

United Kingdom

Links & References

An author and illustrator gained recognition for the autobiographical work 'The Naked Civil Servant', which candidly depicted experiences as a gay man in mid-20th century Britain. The book's publication in 1968 drew considerable attention and was later adapted into a television film in 1975. Crisp's unique style and perspective contributed to the discourse on gender and sexuality in literature. He also published several other works, including 'Miss Crisp' and 'The Age of Consent', showcasing a distinctive voice and narrative approach. Later in life, emigrated to the United States, where continued to write and speak on various topics, influencing discussions on identity and society.

Published 'The Naked Civil Servant'

Adapted 'The Naked Civil Servant' into a TV film

Authored 'Miss Crisp' and 'The Age of Consent'

Other People Born on December 25th

Willy Taveras

Baseball player and outfielder
Born
December 25th, 1981 43 years ago

A professional baseball player developed a career as an outfielder in Major League Baseball. Debuted in 2004 with the Colorado Rockies. Played with several teams including the Houston Astros and Cincinnati Reds. Achieved a career batting average of .281 and led the National League in stolen bases in 2006.

Continue Reading

Jacqui McShee

English singer with Pentangle
Born
December 25th, 1943 81 years ago

A prominent figure in the British folk music scene, gained recognition as the lead vocalist of the band Pentangle. The group formed in 1967 and became known for blending traditional folk music with jazz, blues, and rock elements. Released several influential albums, including "Basket of Light" and "Reflection," during the late 1960s and early 1970s. McShee's distinctive vocal style contributed significantly to the band's unique sound. Continued to perform both with Pentangle and as a solo artist, showcasing a consistent dedication to folk music throughout the decades.

Continue Reading

Giovanni Battista Somis

Violinist and composer of the Baroque period
Born
December 25th, 1686 338 years ago
Died
1763 262 years ago — 77 years old

Born in 1686, Somis was an influential violinist and composer during the Baroque period. His work contributed significantly to the development of violin technique and repertoire in Italy. He served as a violinist at the royal court in Turin and held the position of music director at the Church of San Lorenzo. Somis's compositions include numerous violin sonatas and concertos that showcase his virtuosic style. He studied under Corelli and eventually became a prominent figure within the chamber music scene of the time. His contributions influenced many later composers and musicians in the evolution of the violin as a leading instrument in classical music.

Continue Reading

Oscar Lewis

American anthropologist of Latin America
Born
December 25th, 1914 110 years ago
Died
December 16th, 1970 54 years ago — 55 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of anthropology with a focus on the lives and cultures of the poor in Latin America. Developed the concept of the 'culture of poverty' based on extensive fieldwork in Mexico and Puerto Rico. Spent much of his career studying the socio-economic conditions affecting marginalized communities and published numerous works that highlighted social conditions and human behavior.

Continue Reading

Chevalier de Saint-Georges

Caribbean-French violinist and composer
Born
December 25th, 1745 279 years ago
Died
June 9th, 1799 225 years ago — 53 years old

Born in the French Caribbean, a prominent violinist, composer, and conductor, became influential in classical music during the 18th century. Raised in France, developed a successful career in Paris, where gained recognition for exceptional violin performance and compositions. Worked as a conductor for the Concert des Amateurs, an important orchestra in France. Contributed to the repertoire of classical music with notable works, including symphonies and quartets. Continued to perform and compose until the late 18th century, leaving a lasting legacy in the music world.

Continue Reading

Hana Meisel

Agronomist and politician from Israel
Born
December 25th, 1883 141 years ago
Died
1972 53 years ago — 89 years old

An agronomist and politician, she dedicated efforts to agricultural reform and contributed to the establishment of the agricultural sector in Palestine. Active in political circles, her work focused on improving farming conditions and advocating for agricultural innovation. In Israel, she played a key role in agricultural development policies. Her expertise helped shape agricultural practices during a pivotal time in the region's history.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on November 21st

Lou Cutell

American actor in film and television
Born
1930 95 years ago
Died
November 21st, 2021 3 years ago — 91 years old

Acted in numerous television shows and films, drawing recognition for unique character roles. Gained attention for performance in the sitcom 'Seinfeld' as the character Dr. Anthony. Also appeared in the film 'Pee-wee's Big Adventure' as the character Large Marge. Engaged in a variety of guest roles on shows such as 'Grey's Anatomy' and 'The Golden Girls'. Worked extensively in theater productions, contributing to a robust performance background over several decades.

Continue Reading

Dean Hart

Canadian wrestler and referee
Born
1954 71 years ago
Died
November 21st, 1990 34 years ago — 36 years old

Contributed to professional wrestling as both a wrestler and referee. Started wrestling in the 1950s, becoming part of the Hart wrestling family legacy. Refereed for major wrestling promotions, showcasing skills and knowledge of the sport. Helped train the next generation of wrestlers, leaving a lasting influence on the industry.

Continue Reading

Hadda Brooks

Singer-songwriter and pianist
Born
1916 109 years ago
Died
November 21st, 2002 22 years ago — 86 years old

Originated from the United States, contributed significantly to the music scene as a blues and jazz vocalist and pianist. Recorded numerous albums throughout a career that spanned several decades. Gained attention for a blend of traditional jazz with rhythm and blues, leading to popular performances in various venues. Achieved popularity during the 1940s and 1950s, particularly in the Los Angeles area, where she was a fixture in nightclubs. Celebrated for her unique vocal style and ability to convey emotion through music.

Continue Reading

Felice Bonetto

Italian race car driver and Mille Miglia winner
Born
June 9th, 1903 121 years ago
Died
November 21st, 1953 71 years ago — 50 years old

Born in Italy, a race car driver competed in multiple motorsport events during the mid-20th century. Achieved significant recognition by participating in prestigious races such as the Mille Miglia. Established a reputation for skill and speed on European circuits. Played a key role in racing teams, contributing to their successes.

Continue Reading

Heinrich XXVII

Prince and Head of the Reuss Younger Line
Born
November 10th, 1858 166 years ago
Died
November 21st, 1928 96 years ago — 70 years old

Born into German nobility, served as the head of the Reuss Younger Line. Succeeded his father as prince in 1902, overseeing family affairs and representing the lineage in various ceremonial functions. Actively engaged in local governance and contributed to cultural and social initiatives within the region. Involved in World War I, played a role in military and administrative matters pertaining to his principality.

Continue Reading

Henry Purcell

English organist and composer of opera
Born
September 10th, 1659 365 years ago
Died
November 21st, 1695 329 years ago — 36 years old

An English composer and organist, contributed significantly to the Baroque music era. Served as the organist of Westminster Abbey and composed various sacred music, operas, and instrumental works. Purcell is notable for his opera 'Dido and Aeneas', recognized as one of the earliest English operas. His works exhibit a deep emotional thrust and innovative use of harmony, influencing subsequent generations of composers.

Continue Reading