(Encyclopedia) Francis Ferdinand, 1863–1914, Austrian archduke, heir apparent (after 1889) of his uncle, Emperor Francis Joseph. In 1900 he married a Czech, Sophie Chotek. She was made duchess of…
Uncovering the business of high fashion —David Johnson The term “haute couture” is French. Haute means “high” or “elegant.” Couture literally means “sewing,” but has come to indicate the business…
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(Encyclopedia) Webster, John, 1580?–1634, English dramatist, b. London. Although little is known of his life, there is evidence that he worked for Philip Henslowe, collaborating with such playwrights…
(Encyclopedia) George I (George Louis), 1660–1727, king of Great Britain and Ireland (1714–27); son of Sophia, electress of Hanover, and great-grandson of James I. He became (1698) elector of Hanover…
(Encyclopedia) Diane de PoitiersDiane de Poitiersdyän də [key]Diane de Poitierspwätyāˈ [key], 1499–1566, duchess of Valentinois, mistress of King Henry II of France. Noted for her beauty, Diane, who…
(Encyclopedia) Lydgate, JohnLydgate, Johnlĭdˈgāt [key], c.1370–c.1450, English poet, a monk of Bury St. Edmunds. A professed disciple of Chaucer, he was one of the most influential, voluminous, and…
(Encyclopedia) Gaveston, PiersGaveston, Pierspērz găvˈəstən [key], d. 1312, favorite of Edward II of England. Son of a Gascon knight at the court of Edward I, he was a boyhood playmate of the future…
(Encyclopedia) Henry III, 1207–72, king of England (1216–72), son and successor of King John.
Henry III has suffered at the hands of many historians, in part, because of the hostility of…
(Encyclopedia) Kneller, Sir GodfreyKneller, Sir Godfreynĕlˈər [key] or Gottfried von KnillerGottfried von Knillergôtˈfrēt fən knĭlˈər [key], 1646–1723, English portrait painter, b. Germany. After…