March 06

Princess Clémentine of Orléans (1817–1907) was the youngest daughter of King Louis-Philippe I of France and Maria Amalia of Naples and Sicily. She was renowned for her elegance, charitable works, and patronage of the arts during the turbulent times of 19th-century Europe. Her marriage to Prince August of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha linked French and German royal families, fostering diplomatic ties. Throughout her life, she maintained a strong devotion to her family and played a discreet role in European court life. Clémentine’s legacy endures in the art collections and charitable institutions she supported.

Georg Johann Luger (1849–1923) revolutionized firearm design with his development of the Parabellum pistol, commonly called the Luger. Introduced in 1900, the Luger pistol became renowned for its distinctive toggle-lock mechanism. His design was adopted by the German military and saw widespread use in both World War I and II. Luger also contributed to early automatic weapon concepts and held several patents in firearms technology. His work influenced modern handgun engineering and remains a subject of interest for collectors and historians.

Born in 1882, F. Burrall Hoffman studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, honing his classical architectural skills. In 1916, he collaborated with landscape architect Diego Suarez to create Villa Vizcaya, a Mediterranean Revival estate that blended European elegance with Florida's landscape. The villa's intricate gardens, grand halls, and waterfront site reflect Hoffman's attention to historical detail and innovative design. His work on Vizcaya remains a celebrated example of early 20th-century American architecture. Hoffman continued designing residences and public buildings, contributing to the architectural heritage before his death in 1980.

Ring Lardner (1885–1933) was a prominent American journalist and author renowned for his wit and satirical portrayal of sports culture. Born in Niles, Michigan, he made his name writing for the Chicago Tribune, where his humorous columns and the "You Know Me Al" series captured the vernacular of everyday Americans. His stories often featured flawed, larger-than-life characters and sharp social commentary, influencing generations of humorists and writers. Lardner also wrote plays and novels, showcasing his versatility and mastery of dialogue. Despite his struggles with alcoholism, his writing remained crisp and insightful, cementing his legacy as a key figure in American literature. He passed away in East Hampton, New York, leaving behind a body of work still celebrated for its humor and humanity.

Henri Jeanson (1900–1970) began his career writing for Paris newspapers, where his witty prose and fearless critiques drew attention. He transitioned to cinema in the 1930s, penning screenplays and dialogue for influential French films. Jeanson's work often blended humor with political and social observation, making him both celebrated and controversial. His collaborations with directors like Marcel Carné helped define poetic realism in French cinema. Jeanson continued writing columns and film scripts until his death, leaving a lasting imprint on journalism and filmmaking.

Born in 1910, Emma Bailey broke gender barriers when she became the first woman licensed as an auctioneer in the United States in 1950. She founded her own auction firm, specializing in antiques and estate sales, and authored influential guides on the auction business. Bailey’s expertise and mentorship opened doors for women in a traditionally male-dominated field. Beyond her auctions, she lectured at trade schools and consulted for museums before her passing in 1999.

Born in 1936 in Buffalo, New York, Akin combined his passion for racing with a talent for storytelling. He secured multiple wins in prestigious endurance races, including the 12 Hours of Sebring and Daytona, often driving Porsches. Alongside his racing career, he contributed articles and columns to automotive publications, sharing his expertise with fellow enthusiasts. Akin also led his own racing team and served as president of an auto parts firm. His dedication to both driving and journalism earned him induction into the Motorsports Hall of Fame. He passed away in 2002, leaving a lasting influence on sports car culture.

Glenn Greenwald is an American journalist, author and constitutional rights attorney. He co-founded The Intercept in 2014 as a platform for investigative journalism. Greenwald rose to prominence for publishing classified documents provided by Edward Snowden in 2013, igniting global debates on surveillance. He has authored several books on politics, privacy, and media critique, including 'No Place to Hide'. Known for his outspoken views on civil liberties and press freedom, he continues to influence public discourse worldwide.