Wilkie Collins
English novelist and playwright

Born
January 8th, 1824
201 years ago
Died
September 23rd, 1889
135 years ago — 65 years old
Category
Artists & Creatives
Country
England
Links & References
An English novelist, playwright, and short story writer contributed significantly to the development of the mystery and detective fiction genres. Collin's most notable work includes the novel 'The Woman in White', published in 1859, which is often regarded as one of the earliest mystery novels. 'Armadale', released in 1866, further established his reputation as a master of suspense. He collaborated closely with fellow author Charles Dickens, sometimes contributing to Dickens's periodicals. Collins also served as a playwright, writing several successful plays during his career, such as 'The Frozen Deep'. His writing style often featured complex narratives and unreliable narrators, influencing many future authors.
Wrote 'The Woman in White'
Wrote 'Armadale'
Collaborated with Charles Dickens
Other People Born on January 8th
Jan Pieterszoon Coen
Served as the Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies. Established Batavia as the capital of the Dutch colonial empire in Asia. Implemented policies that expanded Dutch dominance in spice trade and pushed out Portuguese and English interests in the region.
Continue ReadingIgnas Brazdeikis
Born in Lithuania and later relocating to Canada, a basketball player excelled at the University of Michigan before entering the NBA. Competing as a forward, significant contributions were made during the NCAA tournament, showcasing scoring ability and defensive skills. Drafted by the New York Knicks in the second round of the 2019 NBA Draft, marked the transition to professional basketball. Also represented the Canadian national team, further establishing a reputation in international play.
Continue ReadingJohn Curtin
Served as the 14th Prime Minister of Australia from 1941 to 1945. Played a crucial role in leading Australia through World War II, addressing national security and mobilization issues. Advocated for closer relations with the United States, particularly during the Pacific War. Promoted social welfare policies and post-war reconstruction efforts, contributing to the foundation of the modern welfare state in Australia.
Continue ReadingMarco Fu
An accomplished snooker player from Hong Kong, earned recognition in the sport with numerous titles and accolades. Achieved significant success in the early 2000s, including a UK Championship title. Demonstrated skill and competitiveness in major tournaments, consistently performing at high levels. Participated in various global events and represented Hong Kong in international competitions.
Continue ReadingGenevieve Cortese
Gained recognition for the role of Ruby in the television series Supernatural. Appeared in various other productions, showcasing versatility in acting. Engaged in philanthropic efforts and participated in fan conventions related to the series.
Continue ReadingRudolf of Austria
An archduke of Austria and a prominent archbishop, played a significant role in the ecclesiastical landscape of the region during the 19th century. Inherited noble status and was involved in church leadership prior to the decline of the Holy Roman Empire. Contributed to various religious and social reforms within the church during his tenure. Engaged in efforts to modernize the church's approach and connect with the laity.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on September 23rd
Emmanuel Benner
Born in 1836 in France, this artist specialized in landscape painting, capturing the beauty of rural settings and natural scenes. Active during the 19th century, his works often reflected the Impressionist style emerging in his time. Exhibited at the Paris Salon, his paintings gained recognition among art circles. Over the years, he cultivated a distinct approach to light and color, contributing to the visual language of the period. His artistic output remains an important reference in the context of French landscape painting.
Continue ReadingGil Dozier
Served as a captain in the United States Army during World War II. Following military service, practiced law and entered politics. Elected to the Mississippi State Senate, where significant legislative work was undertaken. Held the position of Senate President Pro Tempore in Mississippi, contributing to various state initiatives and governance.
Continue ReadingPeter Leonard
An Australian journalist and author contributed to various publications. Worked for notable newspapers and news services, specializing in political reporting and international affairs. Authored several books that provided critical insights into significant events and figures in Australian history. Maintained a strong presence in journalism throughout a career that spanned several decades until retirement.
Continue ReadingLyman Bostock
A professional baseball player, Bostock played as an outfielder in Major League Baseball from 1972 to 1978. He started his career with the Minnesota Twins before joining the California Angels. Recognized for his batting skills and consistency at the plate, he achieved a career batting average of .311. Bostock's tenure included 1977 when he contributed significantly to the Angels' lineup. His career was tragically cut short when he was killed in a shooting incident in 1978, leading to considerable mourning within the baseball community.
Continue ReadingAbdel Hamid al-Sarraj
Served as a key military officer in Syria and held significant political roles during a tumultuous period. Al-Sarraj was involved in the Ba'ath Party and played a prominent part in the coup that led to the establishment of a new political regime in the 1960s. He held the position of Minister of Interior, overseeing internal security and contributing to the consolidation of power by the ruling party. His influence within the military and government circles positioned him as an important figure during the administration of Hafez al-Assad. Al-Sarraj's career was marked by loyalty to the Ba'athist ideology and engagement in regional political activities until his later years.
Continue ReadingRobert Dodsley
An English poet and playwright, contributed significantly to the literary culture of the 18th century. Published the poem 'The Economy of Human Life' in 1751, which gained popularity and was translated into several languages. Established a successful career as a playwright, with works such as 'The Toyshop', which was well-received. In addition to his poetry and plays, Dodsley also became a notable bookseller, influencing the distribution of literature during his time. Engaged with the literary community and collaborated with prominent writers of the era.
Continue Reading