(Encyclopedia) Martinson, Harry, 1904–78, Swedish writer. Orphaned early, Martinson was self-educated. His works reveal his appreciation of nature and his distrust of modern technological society. He…
(Encyclopedia) Thrale, Hester Lynch, later Mrs. PiozziThrale, Hester Lynch,pēŏzˈē, pēôtˈtsē [key], 1741–1821, Englishwoman, noted for her intimate friendship with Samuel Johnson. Daughter of John…
(Encyclopedia) Schurman, Jacob GouldSchurman, Jacob Gouldshûrˈmən [key], 1854–1942, American educator and diplomat, b. Freetown, Prince Edward Island. His education was completed in London, Edinburgh…
(Encyclopedia) Belloc, Hilaire (Joseph Hilaire Pierre Belloc)Belloc, Hilairebĕlˈŏk [key], 1870–1953, English author, b. France. He became a British subject in 1902, and from 1906 to 1910 was a…
(Encyclopedia) Colorado Plateau, physiographic region of SW North America, c.150,000 sq mi (388,500 sq km), in Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico, including the “Four Corners” area. It is…
(Encyclopedia) circuit rider, itinerant preacher of the Methodist denomination who served a “circuit” consisting usually of 20 to 40 “appointments.” The circuit system, devised by John Wesley for his…
(Encyclopedia) Gibran, Kahlil or KhalilGibran, Kahlil or Khalilkəlēlˈ jĭbränˈ [key], 1883–1931, Lebanese poet and novelist. His family emigrated to America in 1895 and settled in Boston; Gibran moved…
(Encyclopedia) despotism, government by an absolute ruler unchecked by effective constitutional limits to his power. In Greek usage, a despot was ruler of a household and master of its slaves. The…
(Encyclopedia) Truth, Sojourner, c.1797–1883, American abolitionist, a freed slave, originally called Isabella, b. Ulster co., N.Y. Convinced that she…
(Encyclopedia) Polk, Leonidas, 1806–64, American Episcopal bishop and Confederate general in the Civil War, b. Raleigh, N.C. He left the army to study for the ministry and was ordained in 1831. He…