What was unusual about 19th century Hungarian pianist and composer Franz Liszt’s family background?
Answer: His grandfather had no fewer than 25 children. Not surprisingly, he died penniless. Musical genius Liszt’s smile was once described as “like the glitter of a dagger in the sunlight.”
Source: Birth of the Modern by Paul Johnson
1349 – The rule of the Bavand dynasty in Mazandaran, in today’s Iran, is brought to an end by the murder of Hasan II.
1397 – Geoffrey Chaucer recites the Canterbury Tales to King Richard II’s court.
1524 – Florentine explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano reaches New York harbor. Unlike subsequent adventurers he does not acquire any real estate.
More at: History
A short, sharp hit of history in video format. Acclaimed Irish playwright and novelist Oscar Wilde was the toast of London society in the 1890s until things came decidedly unstuck through an association with a young British aristocrat, Lord Alfred Douglas, known as ‘Bosie’.
More Quick Shot Videos on HistoryWow's YouTube Channel: 
Last week’s answer:
Darius I, King of Persia
More at: History
“Let a fool hold his tongue and he will pass for a sage.”
Publilius Syrus (85BC to 43BC) Syrian writer, best known for his sententiae. Brought as a slave to Italy, by his wit and talent he won the favour of his master, who freed and educated him.
Russian general. He acted as general for both the Imperial Russian Army and the counter-revolutionary army fighting the Bolsheviks. He is most famous for attempting a military coup against the Russian Government while serving as its commander-in-chief.
More at: History
