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Chénier, André

(Encyclopedia)Chénier, André äNdrāˈ shānyāˈ [key], 1762–94, French poet, by some critics considered the greatest in 18th-century France. He was born in Constantinople, where his father was consul general,...

Piazzolla, Ástor Pantaleón

(Encyclopedia)Piazzolla, Ástor Pantaleón, 1921–92, Argentinian composer and player of the bandoneón (a large accordionlike instrument), b. Mar del Plata. He spent much of his childhood in New York, returned (1...

Portuguese literature

(Encyclopedia)Portuguese literature, writings in Portuguese. The literature of Brazil is considered separately (see Brazilian literature). The modern period in Portuguese letters dates from the establishment o...

Peninsular War

(Encyclopedia)Peninsular War, 1808–14, fought by France against Great Britain, Portugal, Spanish regulars, and Spanish guerrillas in the Iberian Peninsula. The Peninsular War immeasurably raised Britain's mi...

Alloa

(Encyclopedia)Alloa ălˈōə [key], town , Clackmannanshire, central Scotland, on the Forth River. Textiles, engineering, brewing, and bottle making are the principal industries. A 15t...

Worcester, John Tiptoft, earl of

(Encyclopedia)Worcester, John Tiptoft, earl of wo͝osˈtər [key] 1427?–1470, English nobleman. He studied at Oxford and was created earl of Worcester in 1449. He served as treasurer of the exchequer (1452–55) ...

Liniers, Jacques de

(Encyclopedia)Liniers, Jacques de, Span. Santiago de Liniers y de Bremond säntēäˈgō ᵺā lēnēārsˈ ē ᵺā brāmōndˈ [key], 1753–1810, French officer in Spanish service, viceroy of Río de la Plata. A...

Lenclos, Ninon de

(Encyclopedia)Lenclos, Ninon de nēnôNˈ də läNklōˈ [key], 1620–1705, French beauty and wit. Her real name was Anne de Lenclos. She numbered among her many lovers and friends such eminent men as the Great Co...

Largillière, Nicolas de

(Encyclopedia)Largillière, Nicolas de nēkôläˈ də lärzhēlyĕrˈ [key], 1656–1746, French portrait and history painter, b. Paris. He was brought up in Antwerp, and the influence of Rubens is evident in his ...

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