Sándor Petőfi

Hungarian poet and national figure

Sándor Petőfi - Hungarian poet and national figure
Born

January 1st, 1823
202 years ago

Died

1849
176 years ago — 26 years old

Category

Activists & Humanitarians

Country

Hungary

Links & References

A prominent figure in Hungarian literature and the revolution of 1848, Petőfi became a leading voice of Hungarian nationalism. His most celebrated work, the poem 'Nemzeti Dal' (National Song), served as a rallying cry during the revolution. Petőfi advocated for national independence and social rights, reflecting the aspirations of the Hungarian people. His life ended in battle during the revolution, cementing his legacy as a martyr for freedom and central figure in Hungarian cultural history.

Wrote the poem 'Nemzeti Dal'

Participated in the Hungarian Revolution of 1848

Symbol of Hungarian national identity

Other People Born on January 1st

Seabury Quinn

American author of horror fiction
Born
January 1st, 1889 136 years ago
Died
1969 56 years ago — 80 years old

An author primarily recognized for contributions to the genre of horror fiction. Created the character Jules de Grandin, a supernatural detective, who featured in numerous stories published in 'Weird Tales'. Active during the early to mid-20th century, produced a vast array of short stories, novels, and other writings that explored themes of the macabre and supernatural. Gained a dedicated readership within the pulp fiction community and left a lasting legacy in horror literature.

Continue Reading

Ouida

Author and activist known for 'Held in Trust'
Born
January 1st, 1839 186 years ago
Died
January 25th, 1908 117 years ago — 69 years old

Born in 1839, an English-Italian author produced numerous novels, stories, and plays. The author adopted the pen name Ouida and published over 30 works, many of which gained popularity during the Victorian era. Among these, 'Held in Trust' stood out as a significant title. In addition to literary pursuits, engaged in activism, particularly advocating for animal welfare and social issues. This dual focus on literature and activism characterized the author's career.

Continue Reading

Chesley Bonestell

American space artist and illustrator
Born
January 1st, 1888 137 years ago
Died
June 11th, 1986 39 years ago — 98 years old

A painter, designer, and illustrator, contributed significantly to the visualization of space and celestial phenomena. Worked on the first images of the surface of the Moon and Mars for NASA during the mid-20th century. Created artwork for magazine covers, science fiction books, and educational publications. Helped popularize astronomy and space exploration through art, inspiring generations.

Continue Reading

Davor Šuker

Croatian footballer and World Cup top scorer
Born
January 1st, 1968 57 years ago

Regarded as one of the leading forwards in the history of Croatian football. Achieved significant success during the 1998 FIFA World Cup, where finished as the tournament's top scorer. Played for clubs like Dinamo Zagreb, Sevilla, and Real Madrid, winning league titles and the UEFA Champions League. Transitioned to a successful career in football administration after retirement, serving as the president of the Croatian Football Federation.

Continue Reading

Patrick Anthony Porteous

Scottish Colonel, Victoria Cross recipient
Born
January 1st, 1918 107 years ago
Died
2000 25 years ago — 82 years old

Served as a colonel in the British Army and received the Victoria Cross for gallantry during World War II. His notable action took place at the Battle of Monte Cassino in Italy, where he displayed exceptional valor in the face of enemy fire. This act of bravery led to the awarding of the Victoria Cross, the highest military honor in the British and Commonwealth forces.

Continue Reading

Audrey Wurdemann

American poet and author, won a Pulitzer
Born
January 1st, 1911 114 years ago
Died
1960 65 years ago — 49 years old

Born in 1911, a poet and author gained recognition for lyrical works that explored themes of nature and human emotion. Published several collections of poetry, with 'The Long Night' being particularly influential. Received the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1945 for the collection 'The World is a Beautiful Place'. The writings contributed significantly to American literature during the mid-20th century.

Continue Reading