What Happened This Year 1899
Born in 1899
Lotte Reiniger
Pioneered the technique of silhouette animation, starting in the 1910s. Created the first feature-length animated film, "The Adventures of Prince Achmed," released in 1926. Reiniger's innovative work involved intricate cut-out figures and detailed backgrounds, which she animated using a multi-plane camera. Throughout her career, she contributed to many short films and collaborated with other filmmakers to produce various animated works for both children and adults.
Continue ReadingGeorg von Békésy
A Hungarian-American biophysicist contributed to the understanding of sound perception through research on the inner ear. Developed the traveling wave theory of the cochlea, which explained how sound waves propagate and are processed in the auditory system. Held a position at Harvard University and contributed significantly to the field of auditory physiology. Received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1961 for discoveries concerning the physical properties of the cochlea.
Continue ReadingOtis Barton
An engineer and inventor, created the bathysphere, an early submersible used for deep-sea exploration. Collaborated with naturalist William Beebe in 1930, achieving a record depth of 3,028 feet in the Atlantic Ocean. Contributed to advances in marine science and underwater technology. Also involved in acting, appearing in several films during the 1930s, showcasing a multifaceted career in engineering and entertainment.
Continue ReadingTheippan Maung Wa
A prominent figure in Burmese literature, contributed significantly to the development of modern poetry and prose. Active during the early 20th century, focused on themes of national identity and cultural heritage. Established a distinctive voice that combined traditional Burmese literary forms with modern styles. Involved in various literary movements and served as an influence for upcoming writers in the country.
Continue ReadingElizabeth Bowen
An influential Anglo-Irish author, contributed significantly to 20th-century literature through novels, short stories, and essays. Writings often explored themes of personal and political conflict, reflecting the complexities of life in Ireland during tumultuous times. Works included 'The Last September' and 'The Heat of the Day', which examined emotional and social dynamics within the backdrop of the Irish War of Independence and World War II. Bowen's literary style combined vivid imagery with psychological depth, establishing a unique voice in modern literature.
Continue ReadingErnst-Robert Grawitz
Graduated from medical school and became a prominent figure in medicine. Served as a leader in the German medical establishment during the mid-20th century. Worked in various capacities to promote medical and scientific research and practices. Contributed to the understanding of cancer treatment and surgery. Authored multiple publications on health and medicine.
Continue ReadingStanisław Czaykowski
A prominent Polish racing driver participated in the Mille Miglia and gained recognition in motorsport during the early 20th century. He drove for various teams, showcasing driving talent and speed in a demanding racing environment. His racing career spanned several years during a time when motorsport was evolving rapidly. His contributions to the sport include competitive participation in prestigious international events, evolving the profile of Polish racing drivers in global competitions. His legacy in Polish motorsport continues to be celebrated by enthusiasts.
Continue ReadingYasunari Kawabata
A celebrated novelist and short story writer, received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1968 for contributions to literature that evoked the beauty of Japanese culture. Early works included 'Snow Country,' which depicted the emotional desolation of a love affair in a remote hot spring town, and 'The Sound of the Mountain,' exploring family dynamics and human experience. Kawabata's narrative style combined graceful language with deep psychological insight, often reflecting themes of nature and existential contemplation.
Continue ReadingWeegee
Born in Ukraine and later moving to the United States, this individual gained prominence as a photographer and journalist during the 1930s and 1940s. The work primarily focused on gritty, candid images of crime scenes and nightlife in New York City. Capturing the rawness of urban life, the individual's photography style became synonymous with the term 'Weegee'. A distinctive flash photography technique was employed to achieve dramatic effects in the images. The individual released several publications featuring this photography, contributing significantly to the field of photojournalism.
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