August 16

Henry Colburn (1785–1855) was an influential English publisher who played a key role in the dissemination of Romantic and sensational literature in early 19th-century Britain. He founded his own publishing firm in London and acquired rights to works by Lord Byron, Sir Walter Scott, and other leading authors of the era. Colburn introduced serialized novels and affordable editions to a growing reading public, shaping popular taste. He also published travelogues, memoirs, and scientific works, diversifying his catalog and achieving commercial success. His innovative marketing strategies helped establish modern publishing practices in the Victorian age.

Born in Greece in 1893, Spyros Skouras emigrated to the United States and joined the Fox Film Corporation. He rose steadily through the ranks to become president of 20th Century Fox in 1942. Under his leadership, the studio produced classics such as 'The Grapes of Wrath' and 'A Tree Grows in Brooklyn'. He championed the development of CinemaScope, revolutionizing widescreen filmmaking. Skouras retired in 1962 after two decades at the helm and remained an influential figure in the industry. His vision helped shape modern cinema and the way audiences experience film. He passed away in 1971, leaving a legacy of innovation in Hollywood.