Biographies Story Briefs

We may know about a famous person's accomplishments, but what do we know about THEM? What is the human-interest story in THEIR lives? This biography collection features the stories behind the lives of some famous (and not-so-famous) individuals.

John McCrae's poem, "In Flanders Field," is often recited on Veterans' Day. Learn the story behind the poem. It is one of the most-quoted war poems in...

What actually happened in the Battle of the Atlantic during World War II?

Worried about his own future, and his lack of patients, Dr. Fred Banting had an idea during the middle of the night. What he thought about led to the ...

Once Dr. Macleod allowed Dr Banting to use a lab at the University of Toronto, research into the potential treatment of diabetes moved quickly forward...

Lt. General Ira C. Eaker, an aviation pioneer with impressive flying credentials, was a supporter of the Tuskegee Airmen and their 99th Pursuit Squadr...

Is the story about Isaac Newton and the falling apple true or just a legend? A 1752 manuscript may provide an answer.

In spite of censorship in her time, Anna Akhmatova (1889-1966) remains one of Russia's most-loved poets of the 20th century.

As police officers were transferring Oswald to another jail, Jack Ruby (a local Dallas businessman) was among the watching crowd. This image depicts R...

Jack Swigert, seen here at breakfast on launch-day morning - the 11th of April, 1970 - had replaced Ken Mattingly as Command Module Pilot three days b...

Jacques d'Arc (sometimes written as Jacquot d'Arc) was Joan of Arc's father.

James Benjamin Parker saw Leon Czolgosz approach President McKinley with a handkerchief in his hand. He then sprang into action.

James Figg (1684-1734) is credited with reviving the ancient sport of boxing in Britain (where he is known as the “Father of British Boxing”).

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