Category: Biography
George Washington George Washington, (1732-99). American general and first president of the US (1789-97). He began work as a land surveyor at the age of 14 and inherited his …
Andy Warhol Andy Warhol, (1926-87). US painter and ‘underground’ film-maker. The son of Czechoslovak immigrants, Warhol began his career in commercial design. During the late 1950s he emerged as …
Perkin Warbeck Perkin Warbeck, (c. 1474-99). Pretender to the English throne during the reign of Henry VII. He was persuaded by enemies of the king to impersonate Richard, Duke …
Sir William Turner Walton Sir William Turner Walton, (1902-83). British com-poser. A chorister and later an undergraduate at Christ Church, Oxford, Walton was largely self-taught as a composer. He …
Sir Robert Walpole Sir Robert Walpole, (1676-1745). British Whig states-man, regarded as Britain’s first prime minister. He served as chancellor of the exchequer (1715-17) and took up this office …
Sir Barnes Wallis Sir Barnes Wallis, (1887-1979). British aeronautical engineer. His many aeronautical achievements included the R100 airship, the geodetic system used in the Wellington bomber, and the swing-wing …
Fats Waller Fats Waller, real name Thomas Waller (1904-43). Black. US jazz pianist and composer. He played the organ in his father’s church before becoming a pianist in cabarets. …
Sir William Wallace Sir William Wallace, (c. 1270-1305). Scottish soldier and patriot. After Edward I of England had assumed control of Scotland (1296), Wallace led attacks on the English …
