(Encyclopedia) sociobiology, controversial field that studies how natural selection, previously used only to explain the evolution of physical characteristics, shapes behavior in animals and humans.…
(Encyclopedia) Irving, Sir Henry, 1838–1905, English actor and theatrical manager, originally named John Henry Brodribb. He made his debut in 1856 and achieved fame in 1871 with his portrayal of…
(Encyclopedia) Weaver, Sigourney , 1949- , American actress, b. New York, N.Y., as Susan Alexandra Weaver, Stanford Univ. (B.A., 1972), Yale Univ. (M.…
(Encyclopedia) Meredith, Edwin Thomas, 1876–1928, American publisher and U.S. secretary of agriculture (1920–21), b. Avoca, Iowa. After 1896 he owned and edited the Farmers' Tribune, founded (1902)…
Find everything you need to know about the 86th Academy Awards. Read biographies of the nominees as well as past hosts of the show. Check out Oscar trivia, quizzes and features while you…
(Encyclopedia) Davidson, Jo, 1883–1952, American sculptor, b. New York City. He studied at the Art Students League and the École des Beaux-Arts, Paris. He is known especially for his portrait busts,…
(Encyclopedia) prehistory, period of human evolution before writing was invented and records kept. The term was coined by Daniel Wilson in 1851. It is followed by protohistory, the period for which…
(Encyclopedia) Beer, Thomas, 1889–1940, American author, b. Council Bluffs, Iowa, grad. Yale, 1911, and studied law at Columbia, 1911–13. He is best remembered for his biographies of Stephen Crane (…
(Encyclopedia) McCarthy, Mary Therese, 1912–89, American writer, b. Seattle, grad. Vassar, 1933. As drama critic for the Partisan Review (1937–45), she gained a reputation for wit, intellect, and…
(Encyclopedia) Hale, George Ellery, 1868–1938, American astronomer, b. Chicago, grad. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1890. He founded and directed three great observatories (Yerkes, Mt.…
