Complete list of biographies
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Adams, Ansel
In a career that spanned more than 50 years, he combined a passion for natural landscape, meticulous craftsmanship as a printmaker and a missionary's zeal for his medium to become the most widely exhibited and recognized photographer of his generation.
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Adams, John
Followed George Washington as president of the United States, becoming the country's second chief executive. An early colonist agitator against the Stamp Act of 1765, John Adams helped draft the Declaration of Independence in 1776. His son, John Quincy Adams, was president from 1825-29.
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Adams, Samuel
American politician and Revolutionary leader, born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. A second cousin to John Adams, he studied law, failed at several business enterprises, became a tax collector, then devoted himself to politics. One of the first and most outspoken colonists to oppose British laws and policies.
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Addison, Joseph
English essayist and translator of Virgil's Georgics. Joseph Addison founded the Spectator in 1711 and made some famous remarks on gardens - in which he praised the natural and criticised the artificial. In issue, No. 37, he sees the perfect garden as one which is guided by both Nature and Reason. Joseph Addison brought together the key ideas from which the Augustan Style He died at Holland House in what is now Holland Park.
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Agnew, Spiro
US vice-president, born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA, the son of a Greek immigrant. After service in World War 2 he studied law at Baltimore University (1947). In 1966 he was elected governor of Maryland on a liberal platform, introducing anti-racial-discrimination legislation that year. As a compromise figure acceptable to most shades of Republican opinion, he was Nixon's running mate in 1968 and 1972, and took office as vice-president in 1969. He resigned in 1973, following an investigation into bribery and other crimes.
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Ali, Muhammad
American boxer and former three-time World Heavyweight Champion and winner of an Olympic gold medal. In 1999, Ali was crowned "Sportsman of the Century" by Sports Illustrated and the BBC. Muhammad Ali beat more champions and top contenders than any heavyweight champion in history.
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Allen, Woody
Actor, director, screenwriter, and playwright Woody Allen redefined film comedy during the 1970s, bringing a new measure of sophistication and personal complexity to the form. His movies - intimate meditations on recurring subjects such as art, religion, and romance - put a knowing, confessional spin on the anxieties of contemporary audiences.
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Andretti, Mario
Named Driver of the Century for his distinguished racing career that spanned five decades. Andretti earned his reputation with Championship cars. He won a total of 52 Championship car races, including the prestigious Indianapolis 500 in 1969. He is also the all time leader of Championship car pole position wins with 67 and the all time lap leader with 7,587 laps.
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Aristotle
Greek philosopher, a student of Plato and teacher of Alexander the Great. He wrote on diverse subjects, including physics, metaphysics, poetry (including theater), biology and zoology, logic, rhetoric, politics, government, and ethics.
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Asimov, Isaac
Russian-born American writer, esteemed for his science fiction and for his popular works in all branches of science. He authored more than 400 books for young and adult readers, extending beyond science and science fiction to include mystery stories, humor, history, and several volumes about the Bible and English playwright William Shakespeare.
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Augustine, Saint
Born in Thagaste, North Africa, he is a major Christian pilosopher and theologian and the key figure in the transition from pagan to specifically christian philosophy.
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Aurelius, Marcus
Roman emperor, named originally Marcus Annius Verus. He was a nephew of Faustina, the wife of Antoninus Pius, who adopted him. Marcus married Antoninus’ daughter, another Faustina. From youth he was a diligent student and a zealous Stoic. With his adoptive brother, Lucius Verus, as colleague, Marcus succeeded Antoninus in 161. Verus allowed him to dominate, and from 169 Marcus was sole emperor.