(Encyclopedia) Biddle, Nicholas, 1786–1844, American financier, b. Philadelphia. After holding important posts in the American legations in France and England, he returned to the United States in…
(Encyclopedia) Brown, James, 1933–2006, African-American rhythm-and-blues singer known as the “godfather of soul,” b. Barnwell, S.C., as James Joe Brown, Jr. Abandoned by his parents, he left school…
(Encyclopedia) Ellison, Ralph (Ralph Waldo Ellison), 1914–94, African-American author, b. Oklahoma City, studied Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee Univ.). Originally a trumpet player and aspiring…
Top of Page
Disaster News | Science & Technology News | World News
The world is a very busy place, and it's hard to stay on top of everything. Infoplease has got you covered. Here are the world…
Because hurricanes often occur at the same time, officials assign short, distinctive names to the storms to avoid confusion among weather stations, coastal bases, and ships at sea. Since 1953…
(Encyclopedia) capital punishment, imposition of a penalty of death by the state.
Since the 1970s almost all capital sentences in the United States have been imposed for homicide. There has been…
(Encyclopedia) Laffite, JeanLaffite, JeanzhäN läfētˈ [key], c.1780–1826?, leader of a band of privateers and smugglers. The name is often spelled Lafitte. He and his men began operating (1810) off…
(Encyclopedia) Maupassant, Guy deMaupassant, Guy degē də mōpäsäNˈ [key], 1850–93, French novelist and short-story writer, of an ancient Norman family. He worked in a government office at Paris and…
Trending
Here are the facts and trivia that people are buzzing about.
World's Most Corrupt Leaders & Politicians
Western Christian Holidays, 2010-2030
The Best Movie Quotes of All Time!
Top 10 Biggest Waterfalls in the World (Tallest, Widest, & Most Volume!)
