April 01

Born in 1220, he ascended the throne in 1242 following the death of Emperor Shijo. His reign was marked by efforts to restore imperial authority amid the dominance of the Kamakura shogunate. After abdicating in 1246, Go-Saga continued to exert power through cloistered rule. He implemented reforms in court ceremonies and supported Buddhist temples, strengthening religious institutions. His policies laid the groundwork for what became known as the Jimyoin Recess. Go-Saga’s political maneuvers set a precedent for his descendants on the Chrysanthemum Throne. He died in 1272, leaving a lasting impact on the imperial succession system.

Born in 1282 to Duke Louis II of Bavaria, he became King of Germany after a contested election in 1314. He was crowned Holy Roman Emperor by Antipope Nicholas V in 1328, asserting his authority over papal opposition. Louis engaged in a prolonged struggle with Pope John XXII over the right to appoint bishops and the autonomy of the empire. He promoted trade and strengthened his Bavarian territories through administrative reforms. His court became a center of learning and patronage of the arts. Louis IV’s reign is remembered for his defense of imperial prerogatives against ecclesiastical encroachment. He died in 1347, leaving a legacy of heightened imperial independence.

Born in 1328 as the eldest daughter of King Philip VI and Queen Joan of Burgundy, she was a royal princess of France. In 1345, she married Philip of Valois, Duke of Orléans, solidifying an alliance within the royal family. As duchess, Blanche managed extensive estates and exercised influence at the Valois court. During the early years of the Hundred Years’ War, her support helped maintain ducal finances and local defenses. She was known for her piety and generous patronage of religious institutions, including convents and almshouses. Blanche’s letters reveal a thoughtful leader concerned with governance and charity. She died in 1382, remembered for her devout character and contributions to the social welfare of her domains.

Born into a Protestant noble family in Dauphiné in 1543, he rose to prominence during the French Wars of Religion. As leader of the Huguenot forces, he captured key towns and defended Protestant interests in southeastern France. His military successes earned him the title Duke of Lesdiguières and the respect of King Henry IV. In 1622, he converted to Catholicism, securing his appointment as Constable of France, the highest military office in the kingdom. He was known for his strategic skill and ability to navigate France’s turbulent religious politics. De Bonne oversaw fortifications, reorganized troops, and negotiated local peace treaties. He died in 1626, leaving a reputation as one of France’s most capable military commanders of his era.

Born in 1578 in Folkestone, Kent, Harvey studied medicine at Cambridge and the University of Padua, where he earned his doctorate. In 1628, he published De Motu Cordis, presenting experimental evidence that the heart acts as a pump circulating blood in a closed system. His theory challenged the long-standing Galenic view of blood movement and transformed the understanding of physiology. Harvey served as physician to both King James I and King Charles I, earning high esteem at court. He emphasized careful observation, dissection, and quantitative measurement in medical research. His work laid the foundation for modern cardiology and inspired generations of scientific inquiry. Harvey died in 1657, his discoveries continuing to shape medical practice today.

Born in 1610, Saint-Évremond served as an officer in the French army during the Thirty Years’ War. His sharp insights and satirical style led to his exile in England after he published critiques of courtly morals. In London, he joined the literary salons of Charles II’s court, writing essays on taste, manners, and politics. His Essais blended personal anecdote with philosophical reflection, influencing both French and English letters. He navigated shifting political landscapes with humor and skepticism, critiquing pretension and superstition. After many years abroad, he returned to France but remained cautious of authority. He died in 1703, remembered as one of the pioneers of the French essay form.

Born in 1629, d'Anglebert became one of the leading musicians at the court of Louis XIV. He was appointed organist at the royal chapel and later served as harpsichord teacher to the king. In 1689, he published Pièces de clavecin, a landmark collection showcasing his refined ornamentation and contrapuntal skill. His compositions blended French elegance with Italian and Spanish influences, shaping the future of keyboard music. D'Anglebert was praised for his improvisational talents and mastery of fugue. He collaborated with notable contemporaries and contributed to the vibrant musical life at Versailles. He died in 1691, leaving a body of work that remains central to the French Baroque repertoire.

Born in 1640 in Copenhagen, Mohr studied mathematics at the University of Copenhagen before traveling through Europe. In 1672, he published Euclides Danicus, presenting his proof that all ruler-and-compass constructions can be accomplished with a compass alone. His work predated similar discoveries by Mascheroni by over a century, though it remained obscure for many years. Mohr engaged with leading mathematicians in Germany and Italy, exchanging ideas on geometric problems. Later, he taught mathematics in Hungary, continuing his research and correspondence. His contributions were rediscovered in the 19th century, securing his place in the history of geometry. He died in 1697, honored posthumously for his pioneering theorems.

Born in 1647, Wilmot inherited the earldom as a teenager and quickly joined the court of Charles II. He gained fame for his satirical and often scandalous verse, targeting hypocrisy in politics and society. His works, including 'A Satyr Against Reason and Mankind', challenged contemporary morals and literary conventions. Wilmot’s reputation as a libertine was matched by his flamboyant personality and sharp intellect. He struggled with illness and excess, elements that fueled much of his darkly humorous poetry. Despite his short life, he left a profound impact on Restoration literature and influenced later Romantic poets. He died in 1680 at the age of 32, remembered as one of England’s most talented and controversial poets.

Born in 1697, Prévost entered the Benedictine Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés but later left the order to pursue writing. He traveled extensively in Europe and documented his journeys in detailed travelogues. In 1731, he published the novel Histoire du chevalier des Grieux et de Manon Lescaut, which became a classic of French literature. The novel’s emotional depth and exploration of passion and morality inspired numerous operas and adaptations across Europe. Prévost also translated English novels, introducing British fiction to French readers. His varied career included journalism, translation, and original fiction, reflecting his versatile talent. He died in 1763, remembered as a key figure in the development of the modern novel.

Pieter Hellendaal was born in Rotterdam and moved to England in the 1740s, where he served as organist at St. George's Church, Hanover Square. He studied under Geminiani as a violinist and became a sought-after performer across London. Hellendaal published numerous collections of violin and continuo sonatas that blended Dutch baroque traditions with English tastes. His works were admired for their lyrical melodies and harmonically rich textures, influencing chamber music of the era. Though his music fell into obscurity in the 19th century, his compositions are celebrated by early music ensembles today.

George Dance the Younger was appointed Surveyor to the City of London and designed iconic structures such as the Mansion House and Newgate Prison. Son of renowned architect George Dance the Elder, he championed neoclassical style, blending classical proportions with functional urban planning. His influential lectures and publications educated builders and designers across Britain. Beyond his built projects, Dance documented London's evolving architecture through detailed drawings. His legacy endures in the capital’s grand public edifices and urban design principles.