(Encyclopedia) Dollond, JohnDollond, Johndŏlˈənd [key], 1706–61, English optician and inventor. A silk weaver, he taught himself languages, mathematics, and science, becoming a noted scholar as well…
(Encyclopedia) Wolcot, JohnWolcot, Johnw&oobreve;lˈkət [key], pseud. Peter Pindar, 1738–1819, English poet. He wrote several satires, notably Lyric Odes to the Royal Academicians (1782–83), Bozzy…
(Encyclopedia) McCrae, JohnMcCrae, Johnməkrāˈ [key], 1872–1918, Canadian physician and poet. His famous poem “In Flanders Fields,” written under fire during World War I, was published anonymously in…
(Encyclopedia) Gauden, JohnGauden, Johngôˈdən [key], 1605–62, English clergyman. He claimed to have written the Eikon Basilike (1649), a tract in defense of Charles I. After the Restoration, Gauden…
(Encyclopedia) Wilbye, JohnWilbye, Johnwĭlˈbē [key], 1574–1638, English madrigal composer. Although only two sets of his madrigals (1598, 1609) are extant, their excellence distinguishes him as…
(Encyclopedia) Slidell, JohnSlidell, Johnslīdĕlˈ, slīˈdəl [key], 1793–1871, American political leader and diplomat, b. New York City. He became a prominent lawyer and political figure in New Orleans…
(Encyclopedia) Laski, JohnLaski, Johnlăsˈkē [key], Pol. Jan ŁaskiLaski, Johnyän lăsˈkē [key], Latin Johannes Alasco, 1499–1560, Polish Protestant reformer. A learned priest, he went in 1523 to Basel…
(Encyclopedia) André, JohnAndré, Johnändrāˈ, ănˈdrē [key], 1751–80, British spy in the American Revolution. He was captured (1775) by Gen. Richard Montgomery in the Quebec campaign but was exchanged…
(Encyclopedia) Ball, John, d. 1381, English priest and social reformer. He was one of the instigators of the Peasant's Revolt of 1381 (see under Tyler, Wat). He was an itinerant for many years,…
(Encyclopedia) Penry, John, 1559–93, British Puritan author, an instigator of the Marprelate controversy, b. Wales, grad. Cambridge and Oxford. While at college he became an ardent Puritan. In 1587…
