William Shawn

Journalist and editor of The New Yorker

William Shawn - Journalist and editor of The New Yorker
Born

August 31st, 1907
117 years ago

Died

December 8th, 1992
32 years ago — 85 years old

Category

Thinkers & Philosophers

Country

United States

Links & References

A prominent journalist and editor, this individual led The New Yorker for over 35 years, shaping its editorial voice and content. Under this leadership, the magazine grew in prominence as a platform for literary and journalistic excellence. This individual prioritized serious journalism and showcased the works of numerous writers and artists, establishing a space for critical and cultural commentary. Renowned for commitment to editorial integrity, the editorial policies emphasized in-depth reporting and narrative storytelling.

Served as editor of The New Yorker from 1952 to 1987

Cultivated a roster of distinguished writers including James Baldwin and John Updike

Other People Born on August 31st

Ahmad Al Harthy

Omani race car driver and champion.
Born
August 31st, 1981 43 years ago

Born in Oman, a race car driver began competing in various racing championships. Achievements included winning multiple titles in the GT racing circuits. Participated in the Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East and achieved notable finishes. Competed in the British GT Championship, showcasing skills on an international stage.

Continue Reading

Nicolás Tagliafico

Argentine footballer, Ajax defender
Born
August 31st, 1992 32 years ago

A professional footballer from Argentina, primarily played as a left-back. Started career in domestic leagues before moving to Europe, where performance attracted attention from major clubs. Achieved significant success with Ajax, participating in multiple domestic league titles and UEFA Champions League campaigns. Represented the Argentina national team in international tournaments.

Continue Reading

Steve Saviano

American ice hockey player
Born
August 31st, 1981 43 years ago

Played ice hockey primarily as a right winger. Competed in the NCAA for the University of New Hampshire, where significant contributions helped lead the team to notable seasons. Played professionally in various leagues, including the American Hockey League and the East Coast Hockey League. Achieved recognition for consistent scoring ability and strong performance during his career in minor league hockey.

Continue Reading

Otis G. Pike

American politician and judge
Born
August 31st, 1921 103 years ago
Died
January 20th, 2014 11 years ago — 92 years old

Served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from New York from 1971 to 1979. Prior to his congressional service, held various roles in public office, including as a judge in the State Supreme Court. From 1975 until 1979, chaired the House Select Committee on Intelligence, overseeing intelligence operations and the Church Committee's investigations. His legislative focus included civil rights and governmental transparency.

Continue Reading

Sauce Gardner

American football cornerback, NFL star
Born
August 31st, 2000 24 years ago

A prominent American football cornerback, played college football at the University of Cincinnati. Drafted by the New York Jets in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Garnered acclaim for his performance during the 2022 NFL season, contributing significantly to the Jets' defense. Recognized for exceptional coverage skills and ability to intercept passes.

Continue Reading

Ferdinando Carlo Gonzaga

Italian nobleman and governor
Born
August 31st, 1652 372 years ago
Died
1708 317 years ago — 56 years old

Born into the noble Gonzaga family, this Italian figure served as the Duke of Mantua and Monferrato. As a governor, he was involved in various administrative duties and contributed to the governance of his duchy. His tenure ultimately reflected the complexities of nobility during a time of political strife in Italy. Through various alliances and conflicts, he sought to maintain the influence of his family within the region.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on December 8th

Josip Stadler

Croatian Archbishop and founder of schools
Born
January 24th, 1843 182 years ago
Died
December 8th, 1918 106 years ago — 75 years old

Born in 1843, an influential Croatian archbishop played a significant role in the education system of Croatia. Worked towards establishing educational institutions and improving the standards of schooling. Contributed to the development of Catholic education during a tumultuous period in Croatian history. Focused on fostering cultural and spiritual growth within the community through various initiatives and projects.

Continue Reading

Kashiwado Tsuyoshi

Sumo wrestler, 47th Yokozuna
Born
1938 87 years ago
Died
December 8th, 1996 28 years ago — 58 years old

Achieved the rank of Yokozuna in sumo wrestling, becoming one of the sport's highest titles. Competed for the Takasago stable and demonstrated a strong presence in the ring throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Won a total of 24 top division championships, cementing a legacy in the sport. Retired from active competition in 1985, leaving a significant mark on the history of sumo wrestling.

Continue Reading

Robert Jay Mathews

Militant leader, founded The Order
Born
January 16th, 1953 72 years ago
Died
December 8th, 1984 40 years ago — 31 years old

An American militant leader founded The Order, a white supremacist organization, in 1983. The group sought to establish a white-only homeland in the Pacific Northwest and was involved in various criminal activities, including bank robbery and conspiracy to commit violence. Under the leadership, the organization gained notoriety for its paramilitary structure and extreme ideology. The group's operations were ultimately dismantled by law enforcement, culminating in Mathews' death during a standoff with the FBI in 1984.

Continue Reading

Pafnuty Chebyshev

Mathematician and statistician, Chebyshev polynomials
Born
May 16th, 1821 203 years ago
Died
December 8th, 1894 130 years ago — 73 years old

A Russian mathematician and statistician, contributed significantly to number theory, approximation theory, and probability. Developed Chebyshev polynomials and established the foundation for Chebyshev's inequality in statistics. Authored several influential works and served as a professor at the University of St. Petersburg, where he influenced generations of mathematicians. The Chebyshev graph and Chebyshev approximation remain pivotal concepts in analysis and computational mathematics.

Continue Reading

Richard Baxter

Theologian and poet of English Puritanism
Born
November 12th, 1615 409 years ago
Died
December 8th, 1691 333 years ago — 76 years old

A significant figure in the English Puritan movement, this individual served as a minister and played a key role in the development of Protestant thought. Recognized for extensive writings, particularly 'The Saints' Everlasting Rest' and 'The Reformed Pastor', which addressed pastoral care and spiritual devotion. Contributed to religious and philosophical discourse through sermons and publications that explored Christian doctrine. Engaged in theological debates during a turbulent period in English history, promoting a consensus among varying religious factions.

Continue Reading

Narcisa de Jesús

Ecuadorian saint and mystic
Born
October 29th, 1832 192 years ago
Died
December 8th, 1869 155 years ago — 37 years old

Born in Ecuador in 1832, dedicated life to religious devotion and prayer. Established a reputation for visionary experiences and profound spirituality. Founded a community of aspiring nuns, promoting the education and spiritual growth of local women. Canonized by the Roman Catholic Church in 2008, recognized as a model of holiness and piety for the faithful.

Continue Reading