An interesting person in history?

Question

Which person in history would you like to read more about? About whom would you like to see more and varied biographies?

I'd be rather interested to find out more about the Swordsman of Calais who decapitated Anne Boleyn. Also, Napoleon Bonaparte's son, the little King of Rome. And many more...

Thank you all for excellent answers; food for much thought!

Thanks, David, I know about the C C Humphreys book. Must read it.

I have a novel about the Roi de Rome, only it's in French - so much effort!

I'd like to read about Agnes Sorel, the first French Mistress.

I wonder why there are so many thumbs-down? If people disagreed, why didn't they post their suggestions?

Anyway, thank you for your responses. I can't possibly choose just one, so will have to let it go to vote.

Answer 1

Jacqueline Diboix

Answer 2

Picking a single person is nearly impossible. A few might be. . . . . . Lou Henry Hoover – One of the most interesting women from within the United States. First Lady who desegregated the white house, she was the first with radio chats, and many other things long before women’s liberation. Ayn Rand – As an author she wrote two of the most influential books (the Fountain Head and Atlas Shrugged) ever written in the United States during the 20th Century. Nikola Tesla – A brilliant mind and inventor without whom we might not have had practical Alternating Current electricity. I would combine together Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Benjamin Franklin, and Tom Paine. Together the experience and education of these individuals birthed a new approach to government. Lysander Spooner – A great scholar of Magna Carta, and one of the great writers of peoples’ freedom. Frank Lloyd Wright – a major influence on architecture as well as being a most interesting character. Shakespeare – At least through his writings. Harold II, Godwinson – Who, although beaten and killed by William in 1066 represented the last of the Celtic Kings of England. George Washington Carver, born out of slavery and reared in Reconstruction, this humble man emerged to become a great benefactor to his people and he became the first and greatest chemurgist, almost single-handedly revolutionized Southern agriculture. Johnny Appleseed (real name John Chapman) who brought apples to the early United States. Tecumseh (c.1768? October 5, 1813), whose given name might be more accurately rendered as Tecumtha or Tekamthi, was a famous Shawnee leader. He spent much of his life attempting to rally disparate Native American tribes in a mutual defense of their lands, which eventually culminated in his death in the War of 1812. That is a few, but there are so many interesting people you can almost flip open a book of famous people, close your eyes, and stick your finger on the page and that person will be worth reading about.

Answer 3

Look Syb it's me and do you know why? I just got a TEN to one victory over the treehuggers and suburban tractor drivers that have a go at Top Gear. Now I think that deserves ten points of anyones money. I argued the case I ignored the facts and I came out on top. I am also very close to level three so be a dear, or an antelope if you prefer and vote me best.

Answer 4

Without doubt Agrippina the Younger of first century Rome- the daughter of Germanicus, who should have been emperor- the sister of Caligulla- the wife of Claudius-the mother of Nero
Now if thats not a life story of interest I don't know what is!

Answer 5

How can I answer that. I love history so much that it would be so hard to name someone. I learned so much about the wives of Henry the VIII and his children. I love to go to the Renaissance fairs and it makes me feel as if I walked into the 16th century. I recommend that. The costumes are so cool.

I also love Mary, Queen of Scotts. Her story with Elizabeth is a love, hate relationship. I am now learning about Marie Antoinette. She is totally misunderstood in my oppinion.

So for me, I love English royalty the most. Queen Elizabeth I and her family is my favorite. Thanks for the questiion.

K&C's Mommy

Answer 6

basil brush (BOOM,BOOM)

Answer 7

Gandhi

Answer 8

Harry Harbord "the Breaker" Morant...
Harry was an English poet and a philosopher who had emigrated to Australia from England prior to the Boer war in South Africa.

Harry was a skilled horseman and became known as "the Breaker" because of his ability to tame wild bush horses, called brumbies in the rugged Australian outback.

When the Commonwealth committed forces to fight the Boer in South Africa , Harry signed on with the Bushveld carbineers an irregular mounted infantry company of a mixed Colonial force that hounded and fought the Boer "commandos " at their own game.

It was evident that a German preacher was given Boer commandos information about the carbineer movements that resulted in Harry and his Lieutenant Sullivan to kill the preacher.

This was swiftley followed up by a supposed massacre of Boer prisoners at a veld in the Orange free state under the command of the carbineers.

England was very worried about German intervention on behalf of the Boers and did not want a new enemy in a war that was costing them greatly.

In the usual English way , Lord Kitchener was more than happy to sacrifice his colonial troops for englands greater glory.. as a result after a shame trial that was perverted by lies from Kitcheners Officers and false evidence given by german/boer spies the result was a forgone conclusion.

Harry and Sullivan were to be Shot by firing squad and the third soldier implicated was to be imprisoned.

This is the true face of Englands glory and empire and the price you pay as a soldier of the queen,any queen of England.................long may she reign.!

Answer 9

I find Edgar Cayce, the American medium fascinating. Also Emanuel Swedenborg, the Swedish genius. Ralph Waldo Emerson. Dame Julian of Norwich. Sir Thomas More. Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. Also characters caught in difficult social/political situations like Rupert of the Rhine, Claus von Stauffenberg, Madame Chiang Kai-shek. Interesting groups like the Cathars and the Zionists who resettled Palestine in the 20th century. And, as you say, many more!

Answer 10

I have studied Empress Marie-Luise, later Duchess of Parma, and know a bit about the King of Rome. She seemed to be devoted to Napoleon during the marriage, accd to love letters, but after his downfall, it was out of sight out of mind. He must have been a good lover, because she had a series of lovers to take his place. More interested in sex than her child, Napoleon II was sent to Austria. At first he was treated well, but as he grew older he was essentially under house arrest, and died of tuburculosis, I think, about the age of 16-18. His mother completely abandoned him, although she had another family (three children) with her lover..finally husband, Adam Albert von Neipperg.
I can't find anything about the French executioner families before Sanson, and the French Revolution.
One of my favorite, and a most inspiring person in history, is Bishop John Fisher, of Rochester, ex. by Henry VII, for refusing to sign the Oath of Succession, making Henry, instead of the Pope, head of the English church. He represented Katherine of Aragon in the many hearings discussing the viability of her marriage. Few were brave enough to stand up to Henry VII. He lived a quiet, decent, moderate life in contrasts to Wolsey's extravagances, and was well respected.
I also like Diane de Poitiers, who was 20 years older than her lover Henri II of France. She became his mistress when he was a teen-age prince, and stayed his favorite until his death.
Also, Madame de Pompadour, mistress of Louis XV of France is fascinating, if only for her support of artists, such as Boucher.
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