Will Durant

Historian and philosopher, The Story of Civilization

Will Durant - Historian and philosopher, The Story of Civilization
Born

November 5th, 1885
139 years ago

Died

November 7th, 1981
43 years ago — 96 years old

Category

Thinkers & Philosophers

Country

United States

Links & References

An American historian and philosopher, contributed significantly to popularizing history through writings. Co-authored with his wife, authored a multi-volume series, The Story of Civilization, which detailed Western history from ancient times to the 19th century. Received the Pulitzer Prize for The Story of Philosophy, which discussed the contributions of various philosophers throughout history. Emphasized the accessibility of historical knowledge and the relevance of philosophy in understanding human society.

Co-authored The Story of Civilization series

Received Pulitzer Prize for The Story of Philosophy

Other People Born on November 5th

Maarten Tjallingii

Dutch professional road cyclist
Born
November 5th, 1977 47 years ago

A professional road cyclist, specialized in endurance racing. Competed for several teams including Rabobank and Garneau-Quebecor. Achieved notable success in time trials and stage races. Contributed to team efforts in prestigious events such as the Tour de France and the Giro d'Italia.

Continue Reading

William Daniel Phillips

Physicist, Nobel Prize winner in Physics
Born
November 5th, 1948 76 years ago

An American physicist, contributed extensively to the field of laser cooling and quantum electronics. Led research that demonstrated laser cooling of atoms, which has been fundamental in advancing atomic physics and has implications for quantum computing and precision measurements. Held academic positions at various institutions, influencing the next generation of scientists. Received multiple honors for contributions to physics, including the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1997 for work in this area.

Continue Reading

Hans Mommsen

Historian and academic
Born
November 5th, 1930 94 years ago
Died
November 5th, 2015 9 years ago — 85 years old

Born in 1930, a prominent German historian focused on modern and contemporary history. Contributed significantly to the study of the Weimar Republic and the history of Nazi Germany. Held a professor position at the University of Bochum and published extensively on German history. Influenced historical discourse with a critical perspective on totalitarian regimes, engaging in political debates and public discussions related to historical events.

Continue Reading

Joel McCrea

American Actor known for Westerns
Born
November 5th, 1905 119 years ago
Died
October 20th, 1990 34 years ago — 84 years old

Born in 1905, this American actor became prominent in the early 20th century, gaining fame for performances in Western films. McCrea starred in classics such as 'Shane' and 'The Oklahoman'. He worked with notable directors and collaborated with actors in the Golden Age of Hollywood. Throughout a career spanning several decades, this actor transitioned from silent films to talkies, maintaining a strong presence in the industry until retirement. His contributions to cinema reflected a robust understanding of character and storytelling, particularly in the Western genre, leading to a lasting legacy.

Continue Reading

Johnny Damon

Baseball player, 2004 World Series champion
Born
November 5th, 1973 51 years ago

A professional baseball outfielder played for several teams including the Kansas City Royals, Boston Red Sox, and New York Yankees. Contributed to the Red Sox's historic 2004 World Series championship, breaking an 86-year championship drought. Played a significant role in the Yankees' 2009 World Series victory. Recognized for both offensive and defensive skills, including batting and fielding capabilities.

Continue Reading

Hans Gillhaus

Dutch footballer and scout
Born
November 5th, 1963 61 years ago

A footballer played as a winger for teams such as FC Twente and SC Heerenveen during the 1980s and early 1990s. Transitioned to a scouting role after retirement, contributing to talent identification and recruitment in Dutch football. His career in professional football included significant playing time in the Eredivisie, where strong performances showcased skill and technique. After hanging up his boots, transitioned into scouting, facilitating the growth of future football talents.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on November 7th

James R. Thompson Jr.

Naval officer, NASA director
Born
1936 89 years ago
Died
November 7th, 2017 7 years ago — 81 years old

Served as a naval officer and engineer, assuming the role of the 5th Director of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. Oversaw major projects including the Space Shuttle program and contributed to advancements in rocket technology. Worked on various engineering initiatives during a career dedicated to aerospace leadership. Advocated for safety and innovation within NASA's various missions during tenure. Retired with significant contributions to both the military and space exploration fields.

Continue Reading

Shorty Rogers

American jazz trumpet player and composer
Born
April 14th, 1924 101 years ago
Died
November 7th, 1994 30 years ago — 70 years old

A prominent figure in the jazz genre during the mid-20th century. Began musical career in the 1940s, performing with leading orchestras, including Lionel Hampton's and Woody Herman's bands. Developed a unique style that blended bebop with the West Coast jazz scene. Composed and arranged music, contributing to the sound and direction of jazz during this period. Created several influential albums, showcasing innovative approaches to composition and improvisation.

Continue Reading

Paul Sandby

Painter and cartographer of England
Born
1725 300 years ago
Died
November 7th, 1809 215 years ago — 84 years old

An English painter and cartographer, this individual played a significant role in the development of British landscape painting. Active during the 18th century, this artist produced numerous topographical maps and landscapes that captured the English countryside. Contributions included being one of the founding members of the Royal Academy in 1768, where he played a critical role in promoting the arts. Most renowned for watercolor techniques, this individual’s works included detailed depictions of places such as Windsor and the surrounding areas, often combining artistic flair with geographical precision.

Continue Reading

Bill Hoest

American cartoonist known for newspaper strips
Born
1926 99 years ago
Died
November 7th, 1988 36 years ago — 62 years old

A significant figure in American cartooning, contributed to the medium through various comic strips. Created the long-running series 'The Lockhorns,' which humorously depicted the lives of a married couple. Also created 'Harry's Hawks,' a cartoon series centered around a group of hawks. Worked for several newspapers, bringing unique humor and a distinct style to comic art. Legacy includes influencing future cartoonists and entertaining audiences for decades through colorful illustrations and witty narratives.

Continue Reading

Maldeo Rathore

Rao of Marwar during the 16th century
Born
1511 514 years ago
Died
November 7th, 1562 462 years ago — 51 years old

Rao served as the ruler of Marwar, a region in present-day Rajasthan, India, during the 16th century. Responsible for consolidating power and maintaining the independence of Marwar against various challenges. Significant military engagements included conflicts with the Mughal Empire and neighboring territories. Promoted the development of agriculture and local governance, contributing to the stability of the region during his rule. His reign is often marked by efforts to enhance the cultural heritage of Marwar.

Continue Reading

Solomon Luria

Polish rabbi and educator
Born
1510 515 years ago
Died
November 7th, 1574 450 years ago — 64 years old

A prominent figure in Jewish scholarship, this individual significantly contributed to the development of Jewish law and ethics. Involvement in rabbinical courts and extensive writing shaped Jewish communal life during a pivotal era. Established yeshivas that became centers for learning, preserving tradition, and training future scholars. Engaged in correspondence with other celebrated rabbis of the time, exchanging ideas and interpretations that influenced Jewish thought.

Continue Reading