(Encyclopedia) Pentagon Papers, government study of U.S. involvement in Southeast Asia. Commissioned by Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara in June, 1967, the 47-volume, top secret study covered…
(Encyclopedia) Wallace, George Corley, 1919–98, governor of Alabama (1963–67, 1971–79, 1983–87), b. Clio, Ala. Admitted to the bar in 1942, he was active in the Alabama Democratic party, serving in…
(Encyclopedia) West, Dame Rebecca, 1892–1983, English novelist and critic, b. Ireland as Cicily Isabel Fairfield. West began her career as a journalist for feminist and suffragist publications. At…
(Encyclopedia) Blackstone, Sir William, 1723–80, English jurist. At first unsuccessful in legal practice, he turned to scholarship and teaching. He became (1758) the first Vinerian professor of law…
Félix Córdova DÁVILA, a Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico; born in Vega Baja, P.R., on November 20, 1878; attended the public schools at Manati; came to Washington, D.C., and was…
(Encyclopedia) Mbeki, Thabo MvuyelwaMbeki, Thabo Mvuyelwatäˈbō mv&oobreve;yĕlˈə mbĕkˈē [key], 1942–, South African political leader. Mbeki was born into a politically active family; his father,…
(Encyclopedia) Dia Art Foundation, American foundation that supports contemporary art and artists, est. 1974 by art dealer Heiner Friedrich and his wife, art patron Philippa de Menil. The foundation…
(Encyclopedia) Lewinsky scandalLewinsky scandalləwĭnˈskē [key], sensation that enveloped the presidency of Bill Clinton in 1998–99, leading to his impeachment by the U.S. House of Representatives and…