Vladimir Nabokov
Novelist and literary critic, author of Lolita
Born
April 22nd, 1899
126 years ago
Died
July 2nd, 1977
48 years ago — 78 years old
Category
Artists & Creatives
Country
United States
Links & References
Born in Russia, a prolific novelist and literary critic contributed significantly to 20th-century literature. Immigrated to the United States, where many major works were completed. Explored themes of obsession, memory, and the relationship between reality and art. Utilized a distinctive style characterized by wordplay, intricate plots, and vivid imagery. Renowned for fluency in both English and Russian, produced works that bridged cultural boundaries. Taught literature at several universities and engaged in entomology as a passionate hobby.
Authored 'Lolita', published in 1955
Wrote 'Pale Fire', published in 1962
Published 'Speak, Memory', an autobiographical work in 1951
Other People Born on April 22nd
Eve Muirhead
A Scottish curler who competed at the highest level, achieving significant success. Led her team to victory at the 2013 World Curling Championships, securing the gold medal. Represented Great Britain in the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, earning a bronze medal. Competed again in the 2022 Winter Olympics, contributing to the team's performance on an international stage. Has been a prominent figure in women's curling, recognized for skill and leadership.
Continue ReadingJames Sullivan
Graduated from Harvard College. Served as a member of the Massachusetts Provincial Congress. Played a significant role in the American Revolution. Held several elected positions including the state attorney general. Became the 7th Governor of Massachusetts from 1807 to 1808, overseeing various state matters at a critical time in the nation’s early history. Advocated for educational reforms and prison improvements during his tenure in public office.
Continue ReadingKaneto Shindo
Kaneto Shindo was a Japanese director, producer, and screenwriter who significantly contributed to the Japanese film industry. Starting his career in the 1930s, Shindo became a prominent figure in the post-war cinema era. His filmmaking often explored themes of human emotion and social issues, reflecting on the complexities of Japanese life. 'Onibaba', released in 1964, is among his most acclaimed works, gaining international recognition for its haunting narrative and visual style. Shindo established a production company to support independent filmmaking and mentored several aspiring filmmakers throughout his career.
Continue ReadingMachine Gun Kelly
A musician and actor emerged in the early 2010s, gaining recognition in the hip-hop genre. Released multiple albums including 'Lace Up', which debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart. Transitioned to pop-punk with the album 'Tickets to My Downfall', which topped the Billboard 200. Also gained attention in film roles, notably in 'Bird Box' alongside Sandra Bullock, showcasing versatility in both music and acting.
Continue ReadingGopalkrishna Gandhi
Served as a civil servant and politician in India, holding significant roles in government. Became the 22nd Governor of West Bengal, contributing to governance during his tenure. Engaged in various diplomatic and public service roles, enhancing administrative functions. Advocated for education and culture through various initiatives.
Continue ReadingFritz Mayer van den Bergh
Contributed significantly to the field of art history through extensive collection and documentation of artworks. Curated an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts, which showcased various styles and periods. Established the Mayer van den Bergh Museum in Antwerp to display the collection, ensuring public access to the artworks. Engaged in research focused on medieval and early Netherlandish art, enhancing understanding of the historical context of the pieces collected.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on July 2nd
Aris Alexandrou
An author and poet, contributed significantly to modern Greek literature. Writings often explored themes of identity and existence. Notable works include 'The Last Sunday' and 'The Gypsy', showcasing a profound command of language and narrative technique. Participated in various literary movements and contributed to cultural discourse in Greece. Besides fiction, engaged in poetry that resonated with the human condition and societal issues.
Continue ReadingEmilio Álvarez Montalván
An ophthalmologist who contributed to public health in Nicaragua and served as a politician advocating for health rights. Involved in various initiatives to improve healthcare access and quality, particularly in eye care. Played a significant role in shaping health policy and addressing issues related to vision and eye care in the country.
Continue ReadingMochtar Lubis
Born in 1922, this individual was a significant figure in Indonesian journalism and literature. His writings often addressed themes of social justice and democracy. The work 'The Prostitute' gained attention for its candid portrayal of societal issues in Indonesia. Throughout the career, this individual faced challenges due to political environments, leading to detention and censorship. Despite these obstacles, continued to write and advocate for freedom of expression.
Continue ReadingGervasio Antonio de Posadas
Born in 1757, this Argentine lawyer and politician served as the first Supreme Director of the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata from 1814 to 1815. His tenure was marked by efforts to consolidate authority during a turbulent period of Argentine independence from Spanish rule. Posadas faced various challenges, including military conflicts and opposition from regional leaders. His leadership aimed to create a cohesive national identity while navigating the complexities of political factions. After resigning, he lived in exile until his return to Buenos Aires in 1820, where he continued to be involved in political affairs until his death.
Continue ReadingDouglas Engelbart
A pioneer in computer science, contributed significantly to the development of human-computer interaction. Innovated the computer mouse, which became a central component of personal computing. Engaged in early work on collaborative software and graphical user interfaces. Founded the Augment Corporation to further research in computer augmentation of human intellect.
Continue ReadingNorm Prescott
An American animator, producer, and composer co-founded Filmation Studios, which became a prominent studio in animation during the 1960s and 1970s. The studio was responsible for popularizing animated television series such as 'He-Man and the Masters of the Universe' and 'Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids'. Prescott contributed to the creation of numerous beloved characters and series that defined the era of Saturday morning cartoons. His work in animation helped shape the landscape of children’s programming, making a lasting impact on the industry.
Continue Reading