Biographies: Shennen Bersani (1961-) Biography - Personal to Mark Burgess Biography - Personal

Brief Biographies

Elizabeth (Mary Risk) Laird (1943-) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Writings, Sidelights

Born 1943, in Wellington, New Zealand; Education: University of Bristol, B.A. (with honors), 1966; London University, Certificate of Education, 1967; Edinburgh University, M.Litt., 1971. Religion: Church of England (Anglican). Hobbies and other interests: Chamber music, gardening. Office—c/o Author Mail, Macmillan Reference USA, 300 Park Ave. S., New York, NY 10010. Writer, 1980—. Be…

19 minute read

Pierre (Francis Demarigny) Berton (1920-2004) Biography

(Lisa Kroniuk) OBITUARY NOTICE— See index for SATA sketch: Born July 12, 1920, in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada; died of heart failure November 30, 2004, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Journalist, editor, broadcaster, and author. Berton enjoyed a varied career as a magazine editor, television panelist, and author of books—often on history—for both adults and children. Grad…

1 minute read

Lynne Bertrand (1963-) Biography - Personal, Career, Writings, Sidelights

Born 1963, in Exeter, NH; Education: Gordon College, B.A.; New York University, M.A. Politics: Democrat. Religion: Christian. Newspaper reporter and freelance journalist and writer, 1987–; chair of local school committee, beginning 1993. One Day, Two Dragons, illustrated by Janet Street, Clarkson Potter (New York, NY), 1991. Good Night, Teddy Bear, Chapters, 1992. Let's Go! Teddy Bea…

2 minute read

Jeanne Betancourt (1941-) Biography - Personal, Career, Awards, Honors, Sidelights - Addresses, Member, Writings

Agent—c/o Author Mail, Scholastic, 557 Broadway, New York, NY 10012. New York Women in Film (president, 1981-82). The Rainbow Kid, Avon (New York, NY), 1983. Turtle Time, Avon (New York, NY), 1985. Puppy Love, Avon (New York, NY), 1986. Crazy Christmas, Bantam (New York, NY), 1988. Valentine Blues, Skylark, 1990. Ten True Animal Rescues, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1998. I Want a Pony, Schol…

4 minute read

Ingrid Betancourt: 1961—: Politician Biography - Born Into Privilege, Returned To Colombia, Became A Politician, Launched Presidential Campaign

Ingrid Betancourt: 1961—: Politician. On February 23, 2002, a group of Colombian revolutionaries called the Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) kidnapped presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt and her chief of staff, Clara Rojas. While the event received worldwide press coverage, reaction from the Colombian government was more subdued. Political officials had been abducted before, and a n…

1 minute read

Doris Betts Biography

Nationality: American. Born: Statesville, North Carolina, 1932. Education: Woman's College, Greensboro, North Carolina, 1950-53; University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, 1954. Career: Journalist, Statesville Daily Record, 1950-51; Chapel Hill Weekly and News Leader, 1953-54; Sanford Daily Herald, 1956-57. Editorial staff, N.C. Democrat, 1961; editor, Sanford News Leader, 1962. Lecturer of…

6 minute read

Raymond Bial (1948–) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Writings, Sidelights

Born 1948, in Danville, IL; Education: University of Illinois, B.S. (with honors), 1970, M.S., 1979. Politics: "Independent." Religion: Roman Catholic. Hobbies and other interests: Gardening, fishing, hiking, travel. Home and office—First Light Photography, P.O. Box 593, Urbana, IL 61801. Photographer, librarian, and writer. Parkland College Library, Champaign, IL, librarian,…

16 minute read

Eric Bibb Biography - Steered Toward Blues by Jazz Musician, Moved to Sweden, Influenced by Taj Mahal

1951— Blues guitarist Bibb, Eric, photograph. Jo Hale/Getty Images. One of the most imaginative modern musicians working within the blues tradition, Eric Bibb is also one of the least recognized in proportion to his talent, at least in his home country of the United States. Bibb is a singer, songwriter, and guitarist with deep roots in American music, roots that come from his family …

7 minute read

Mary Bibb and Henry Biography - Henry Bibb: Raised as a Slave, Mary Miles: Educated in New England

1820-1877 1815-1854 Abolitionist leaders Mary and Henry Bibb were partners in marriage who worked together at the height of the abolitionist movement, moving to Canada after the passage of the American Fugitive Slave Law in 1850 and setting up a crucial endpoint of the Underground Railroad near Windsor, just across the Detroit River from Detroit, Michigan. They are often remembered for their work …

9 minute read

John (William) Bierhorst (1936-) - Awards, Honors, Writings, Sidelights - Personal, Career, Member, Autobiography Feature

Born 1936, in Boston MA; Education: Cornell University, B.A., 1958. Writer. Former concert pianist and writer for an advertising agency. The Nature Conservancy, Rondout-Esopus Land Conservancy (board of advisors), American Anthropological Association. The Fire Plume: Legends of the American Indians, illustrated by Alan E. Cober, Dial (New York, NY), 1969. The Ring in the Prairie: A Shawnee Legend,…

56 minute read

Big Punisher: 1971-2000: Rapper Biography - Discovered By Fat Joe, Weight Gain Lead To Early Death, Fame Continued After Death

Big Punisher: 1971-2000: Rapper. Puerto Rican rapper Big Punisher, also known as Big Pun, was the first Latin-American hip-hop star. He brought Latino rap—popular before only in his South Bronx neigh-borhood—into the hip-hop mainstream, which has typically been dominated by African-American artists. His first hit single, "I'm Not a Player," set the stage for …

1 minute read

(Lady) Rachel (Mary) Billington Biography

Nationality: British. Born: Rachel Mary Pakenham, Oxford, 1942; daughter of the writers Lord Longford and Elizabeth Longford; sister of the writer Antonia Fraser. Education: University of London, B.A. (honors) in English 1963. Career: Freelance writer; reviewer for Financial Times and Evening Standard, both London, and New York Times; columnist, Sunday Telegraph, London. Agent: David Higham Associ…

6 minute read

Maeve Binchy Biography - Maeve Binchy comments:

Nationality: Irish. Born: Dublin, 1940. Education: Holy Child Convent, Killiney, County Dublin; University College, Dublin, B.A. in education. Career: History and French teacher, Pembroke School, Dublin, 1961-68. Since 1968 columnist, Irish Times, Dublin. Agent: Christine Green, 2 Barbon Close, London WC1N 3JX, England. I write novels and stories set within my own experience of time and place, but…

6 minute read

Jane M(arie) Bingham (1941-) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Writings, Sidelights

Born 1941, in Huntington, WV; Education: Flint Junior College, A.A., 1961; Central Michigan University, B.A., 1964; Michigan State University, M.A., 1966, Ph.D., 1970. Office—Department of Education, Oakland University, 501 O'Dowd Hall, Rochester, MI 48309-4401. Elementary school teacher at public schools in Flint, MI, 1961-65; Michigan State University, East Lansing, assistant inst…

5 minute read

Caroline Bingham (1962-) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Writings

Born 1962. Agent—c/o Author Mail, DK Publishing Inc., 95 Madison Ave., 10th Fl., New York, NY 10016. Children's book author. Incredible Wild West, Dorling Kindersley (London, England), 1995. Incredible Universe, Dorling Kindersley (London, England), 1995. Fire Truck: And Other Emergency Machines, Dorling Kindersley (Boston, MA), 1996, published as Fire Engine, Dorling Kindersley (Lon…

1 minute read

Jeanne Birdsall (1951–) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Honors Awards, Writings, Adaptations, Work in Progress, Sidelights

Born 1951; Education: Attended Boston University, 1969; attended California College of Arts and Crafts, 1972. Agent—Barbara S. Kouts Literary Agency, P.O. Box 560, Bellport, NY 11713. Children's book author. Booklist Top Ten First Novels for Youth inclusion, School Library Journal Best Books designation, and National Book Award for Young People's Literature, all 2005, all for …

4 minute read

Nic Bishop (1955–) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Honors Awards, Writings, Sidelights

Born 1955; father a biology teacher and science writer, mother a scientist. Education: University of Nottingham, B.Sc. (with honors), 1976; University of Canterbury, Ph.D. (plant science), 1989. Nic Bishop Agent—c/o Author Mail, Houghton Mifflin, 222 Berkeley St., Boston, MA 02116-3764. Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand, research fellow, 1977–80; University of Canterbu…

13 minute read

Neil Bissoondath Biography

Nationality: Canadian (emigrated from Trinidad in 1973). Born: Devindra Bissoondath, Trinidad, West Indies, 1955. Education: York University, Toronto, B.A. in French 1977. Career: Teacher of English and French, Inlingua School of Languages, Toronto, 1977-80; teacher of English and French, Language Workshop, Toronto, 1980-85. Awards: McClelland and Stewart award for fiction, 1986, and National Maga…

4 minute read

Steve Björkman Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Writings

Education: Attended college. Office—6 Journey #250, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656. Agent—Vince Kamin, 400 W. Erie, Chicago, IL 60610. Illustrator, beginning c. mid-1970s, including advertising/editorial, children's books and greeting cards. Art teacher at youth camps and for other groups. Good Night, Little One, WaterBrook Press (Colorado Springs, CO), 1999. The Flyaway Kite, WaterBr…

4 minute read

Albert Black Biography - Encouraged Early To Get An Education, Success In High School Led To College, Became Interested In Sociology

1940— Sociologist, principal lecturer Albert Black's parents taught him about hard work and responsibility when he was very young, and he took their lessons to heart. He not only worked throughout his childhood to help support his family, but he worked persistently to gain a higher education when it often seemed impossible that he would succeed. When he finally did earn his doctorate…

less than 1 minute read

Barry C. Black Biography - Studied Bible and Oratory, Heeded His Calling, Found His Place and Mission, Appointed to Top Posts

1948— U.S. Senate Chaplain, Chief Navy Chaplain In June of 2003 Rear Admiral Barry C. Black was appointed the 62nd Chaplain to the United States Senate. His nomination by then-President Bill Clinton and the Secretary of the Navy during Black's tenure as Chief of Navy Chaplains was acknowledgement of a long and illustrious military career and indeed a special relationship with God. Th…

8 minute read

Leonard Blackshear Biography - Worked for IBM, Raised Funds for Plaque, Faced Cancer Diagnosis

1943— Organization executive, entrepreneur As founder and president of Annapolis, Maryland's Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Foundation, Leonard Blackshear shepherded the creation and development of one of the most distinctive monuments of African-American history in the United States. The Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Memorial, visited annually by crowds estimated to be in excess of one million peo…

8 minute read

Robert D. Blackwell Sr. Biography - Rose from Service Class to Computer Sales, Abandoned Top IBM Spot to Go Solo

1937— Executive Robert D. (Bob) Blackwell, Sr. could very well have settled into an early retirement at the end of his first career. As a consulting director at computer giant IBM, Blackwell was one of the highest ranking African Americans in the information technology (IT) business. Born into a family of domestics barely a generation out of slavery, Blackwell had excelled beyond all expect…

8 minute read

Gary L. Blackwood (1945–) Biography - Personal, Career, Honors Awards, Writings, Sidelights

Born 1945, in Meadville, PA; Education: Grove City College, B.A., 1967. Hobbies and other interests: Music, outdoor pursuits. Writer of fiction and nonfiction books, playwright, and writing teacher. Missouri Southern State College, teacher of playwriting, 1989–93, 1997–; Trinidad State Junior College, teacher of writing-for-publication course, 1995. Military service: U.S. Army, serge…

11 minute read

Rubén Blades: 1948—: Salsa Singer, Actor, Activist Biography - Political Unrest Sobered Dreams Of Music, Recorded Most Successful Salsa Record, Created Socially Conscious, Yet Danceable Music

Rubén Blades: 1948—: Salsa singer, actor, activist. Rubén Blades has three very distinct careers that rarely, if ever, meet. As a Grammy Award-winning musician and salsa singer, Blades has released Buscando America, Escenas, Mundo, and Siembra, one of Latin music's most popular albums. As a popular Hollywood actor, he has appeared in such films as The Milagro Beanfi…

1 minute read

David Blaine: 1973—: Magician and Daredevil Biography - Constantly Practiced Card Tricks, Spent 61 Hours In Ice Block

David Blaine: 1973—: Magician and daredevil. Part magician, part street performer, and perhaps part mystic, David Blaine emerged as one of the entertainment world's most intriguing figures in the late 1990s. Blaine grabbed public attention with a series of amazing televised feats, including spending three days encased in a block of ice. He became known for approaching ordinary in…

1 minute read

Jayson Blair Biography - Joined Staff of the New York Times, Covered D.C.-Area Sniper Shootings

1976— Writer Blair, Jayson, photograph. New York Times/Getty Images. Jayson Blair became embroiled in one of the most devastating scandals in American journalism when his employer, the esteemed New York Times, revealed that he had plagiarized several news stories from other sources, or filed stories from the field while actually holed up in his New York City apartment. Blair became o…

8 minute read

Clark (Lee) Blaise Biography - Clark Blaise comments:

Nationality: Canadian. Born: Fargo, North Dakota, United States, 1940; became Canadian citizen, 1973. Education: Denison University, Granville, Ohio, 1957-61, A.B. 1961; University of Iowa, Iowa City, 1962-64, M.F.A. 1964. Career: Acting instructor, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, 1964-65; teaching fellow, University of Iowa, 1965-66; lecturer, 1966-67, assistant professor, 1967-69, associate …

7 minute read

Robert J. Blake Biography - Personal, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Writings, Sidelights

Born 1971-75; attended Art Students League of New York. Children's book author and illustrator. New York Society of Illustrators. Nebraska Golden Sower Award, and New Jersey Jerry Award, both for Riptide by Frances WArd Weller; Washington State Children's Choice award, Irma S. and James H. Black Award, Vermont Red Clover Award, and Indiana Young Hoosier Award, all for Akiak; Southwes…

6 minute read

Jesse B. Blayton Sr. Biography

1897–1977 Pioneering Certified Public Accountant, radio station owner Radio hall of fame inductee Jesse B. Blayton Sr. became the first black radio station owner and operator in the United States when he bought Atlanta radio station WERD in 1949. The station pioneered radio programming for the black community, deliberately cultivating what it called "Negro appeal" by playing r…

4 minute read

Lucy Jane Bledsoe (1957–) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Writings, Sidelights

Born 1957, in Portland, OR; companion of Patricia E. Mullan. Education: Attended Williams College, 1975–77; University of California at Berkeley, B.A., 1979. Hobbies and other interests: Cycling, mountaineering, kayaking, skiing, hiking, literacy programs. Agent—c/o Author Mail, Holiday House, 425 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10017. Lucy Jane Bledsoe Writer. Martin Luther King Junior …

8 minute read

Karen E. Bledsoe (1962–) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Writings, Work in Progress, Sidelights

Born 1962, in Salem, OR; Education: Willamette University, B.S., 1985, M.A.T., 1991; Oregon State University, M.S., 1988; doctoral study in science and mathematics education. Hobbies and other interests: Gardening, shin-shin toitsu aikido. Office—Department of Biology, Linn-Benton Community College, 6500 Pacific Blvd. SW, Albany, OR 97321. Educator and author. Temporary and substitute teac…

5 minute read

Harry Bliss (1964-) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Illustrator, Sidelights

Born 1964, in NY; Education: Attended Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts; University of the Arts, B.F.A. (illustration); Syracuse University, M.A. Agent—c/o Author Mail, Joanna Cotler Books/HarperCollins Children's, 1350 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10019. Cartoonist and illustrator. New Yorker, New York, NY, cartoonist and cover artist. Society of Illustrators. Award of E…

3 minute read

Francesca Lia Block (1962-) Biography - Awards, Honors, Sidelights - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Writings, Adaptations

Born 1962, in Hollywood, CA; Education: University of California, Berkeley, B.A., 1986. Politics: Democrat. Agent—c/o Author Mail, Lydia Wills Artists Agency, 230 West 55th St., Suite 29D, New York, NY 10019. Writer. Authors Guild, Authors League of America, Writers Guild of America, Phi Beta Kappa. Weetzie Bat, HarperCollins (New York, NY), 1989. Witch Baby, HarperCollins (New York, NY), 1…

1 minute read

Judith (Bernette) Bloom Fradin (1945-) Biography - Personal, Career, Writings, Work in Progress, Sidelights

Born 1945, in Chicago, IL; Education: Northwestern University, B.A., 1967; Northeastern Illinois University, M.A., 1975. Politics: "Local." Religion: Jewish. Hobbies and other interests: Trying to grow dahlias. High school English and history teacher, 1967-75, 1982-90; Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago, writing instructor, 1975-82; photo researcher, 1985—; researcher a…

5 minute read

Edward (William) Bloor (1950-) Biography - Personal, Career, Honors Awards, Writings, Adaptations, Work in Progress, Sidelights

Born 1950, in Trenton, NJ; married Pamela Edward Bloor Dixon (a teacher), August 4, 1984; Education: Fordham University, B.A., 1973. Novelist and editor. English teacher in Florida public high schools, 1983-86; Harcourt Brace School Publishers, Orlando, FL, senior editor, beginning 1986. Named among Books in the Middle Outstanding Titles of 1997, named on Voice of Youth Advocates and Horn B…

7 minute read

Joan W(insor) Blos (1928-) - Personal, Sidelights - Addresses, Career, Honors Awards, Writings, Work in Progress, Autobiography Feature

Agent—Curtis Brown Ltd., 10 Astor Place, New York, NY 10003. Bank Street College of Education, New York, NY, associate in publications division and member of faculty, 1958-70; University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, lecturer in juvenile literature at School of Education, 1972-80. Volunteer reviewer of children's books for Connecticut Association of Mental Health, 1954-56. John Newbery Med…

65 minute read

Rose Blue (1931–) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Writings, Adaptations, Sidelights

Surname originally Bluestone; born 1931, in New York, NY; Education: Brooklyn College (now Brooklyn College of the City University of New York), B.A.; Bank Street College of Education, M.A. Politics: Democrat. Agent—c/o Author Mail, Millbrook Press, Simon & Schuster, 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020. Writer. Former teacher in public schools in New York, NY; former teac…

15 minute read

Paul Boateng Biography - Earned Law Degree, Promised "Tomorrow Soweto!", Named to Blair Cabinet

1951– Politician Boateng, Paul, photograph. Naashon Zalk/Bloomberg News/Landov. Paul Yaw Boateng twice made political history in Britain: in 1987, he became one of the first black Britons elected to the House of Commons. Fifteen years later, Prime Minister Tony Blair appointed Boateng an undersecretary at the Treasury, making him the first black ever to hold a cabinet position in Britain. H…

7 minute read

Julio Bocca: 1967—: Ballet Dancer Biography - Began Dancing At Four, Soared Onto The International Stage, Danced For Argentina, Approached Future By Taking On Challenges

Julio Bocca: 1967—: Ballet dancer. Since his spectacular win at the 1985 International Ballet Competition, Julio Bocca has established himself as one of the twentieth century's most renowned dancers. "There's something about his very person that attracts you," a ballet director told Dance Magazine, "not only his great technique and talent, but he dance…

1 minute read

(Charles) Fred(erick) Bodsworth Biography - Fred Bodsworth comments:

Nationality: Canadian. Born: Port Burwell, Ontario, 1918. Education: Port Burwell public and high schools. Career: Reporter, St. Thomas Times-Journal, Ontario, 1940-43; reporter and editor, Toronto Daily Star and Weekly Star, 1943-46; staff writer and editor, Maclean's Magazine, Toronto, 1947-55. Since 1955 freelance writer. Director and former president (1965-67), Federation of Ontario Nat…

4 minute read

Maribeth Boelts (1964-) Biography - Personal, Career, Member, Writings, Sidelights

Born 1964, in Waterloo, IA; Education: University of Northern Iowa, B.A., 1987; Hawkeye Institute of Technology, emergency medical technician certification, 1988. Politics: Democrat. Religion: Christian Reformed. Hobbies and other interests: Reading, exercise, spending time with husband and children. Author. St. John/St. Nicholas School, Evansdale, IA, preschool teacher, 1988-91, has also worked a…

7 minute read

William J. Boerst (1939–) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Honors Awards, Writings, Sidelights

Born 1939; Education: State University of New York College at Fredonia, B.S. (education); also attended State University of New York College at Potsdam, Syracuse University, and College of Saint Rose. Politics: Democrat. Religion: "Atheist." Hobbies and other interests: Kayaking, reading, gardening. Office—Fenton 250, SUNY Fredonia, Fredonia, NY 14063. English teacher at a pu…

3 minute read

Muggsy Bogues Biography - Used Milk Crate as Basket, Used Contract Money to Hire Lawyer, Appeared Three Times in Playoffs

1965– Professional basketball player, coach By far the shortest player in the history of the National Basketball League, Tyrone "Muggsy" Bogues became a fan favorite over his 16-season career from 1987 to 2001. Bogues's life and his exploits on the court were showcases for the possibilities of pure determination, for he overcame the damaging effects of poverty and sough…

7 minute read

Dermot Bolger Biography

Nationality: Irish. Born: Finglas, Ireland, 1959. Education: Attended Beneavin College Secondary School. Career: Founder and editor, Raven Arts Press, Finglas, Ireland, 1979-92; executive editor, New Island Books, 1992—. Awards: A. E. Memorial Prize, 1986; Macaulay Fellowship, 1987; Samuel Beckett Award; Stewart Parker BBC Award; Edinburgh Fringe First Award; A. Z. Whitehead Prize. Agent: A…

10 minute read

Max Bollinger (1929–) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Honors Awards, Writings

Born 1929, in Glarus, Switzerland; Education: Studied in Switzerland at progymnasium, 1943–46, Seminar Wettingen, 1946–51, and University of Zurich, 1958–61; also studied in London, England, 1956. Agent—c/o Author Mail, Henry Holt & Co. Children's Books, 115 W. 18th St., New York, NY 10011. Educator and writer. Teacher in Kallern, Switzerland, 1951–54, Mei…

3 minute read

Nancy (Barbara) Bond (1945-) Biography - Personal, Career, Honors Awards, Writings, Sidelights

Born 1945, in Bethesda, MD; Education: Mount Holyoke College, B.A., 1966; College of Librarianship (Aberystwyth, Dyfed, Wales), Dip.Lib., 1972. Oxford University Press, London, England, member of promotional staff, 1967-68; Lincoln Public Library, Lincoln, MA, assistant children's librarian, 1969-71; Gardner Public Library, Gardner, MA, director, 1973-75; Massachusetts Audubon Society, Linc…

89 minute read

Beverly Bond Biography - Became Model Record Collector, Dug Deep to Find DJ Dreams, Spun Records to Fame and Respect

1970- Disc jockey Beverly Bond was born to DJ. Though her looks propelled her down fashion runways, it was music that set her heart flying. "Eventually the music chose me and I had to become a DJ," Bond told Contemporary Black Biography (CBB). Since setting up her turntables in 2000, Bond has captivated jet-setters, style-breakers, and baggy-panted beat makers with her ingenious mixe…

7 minute read

Ian Bone (1956-) Biography - Awards, Honors, Writings, Sidelights - Personal, Addresses, Career

Born 1956, in Geelong, Australia; Education: Attended Rusden State College, 1975-78; Australian Film and Television School, diploma of art (film and television), 1981; Adelaide University, M.A. (creative writing), work toward Ph.D. Politics: "The politics of tolerance and reason." Agent—c/o Author Mail, Dutton, Penguin Putnam, 375 Hudson St., New York, NY 10014. Australian Br…

1 minute read

Tony Bonning (1948–) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Writings, Sidelights

Born 1948, in Crosshill, Carrick, Scotland. Education: Studied engineering. Agent—c/o Croig Police Close, 82 High St., Kirkudbright DG6 4JL, Scotland. Journalist and author. Freelance writer, 1994–. Children's poet-in-residence, Taigh Chearsabhagh on North Uist March, 2001. Markings (poetry magazine, co-publisher; Galloway Children's Festival, founder and director. Sco…

3 minute read

Colin Bootman Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Writings, Sidelights

Born in Trinidad. Education: Attended School of Visual Arts. Agent—c/o Author Mail, Holiday House, 425 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10017 Illustrator. Teacher of art to middle-and high-school students. Fish for the Grand Lady, Holiday House (New York, NY), 2005. Kinda Walvoord Girard, Young Frederick Douglass: The Slave Who Learned to Read, Albert Whitman (Morton Grove, IL), 1994. Joanne Hypp…

3 minute read

Mel Boring (1939–) Biography - Personal, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Writings, Sidelights

Born 1939, in St. Clair Shores, MI; Education: Sterling College, B.A., 1961; Princeton Theological Seminary, M.Div., 1965. Elementary school teacher in Meriden, KS, 1961–62; Chi Alpha Student Center, Berkeley, CA, assistant director, 1965–67; ordained interdenominational minister, 1966; Inter-Church Team Ministries, Newhall, CA, director of student conferences and seminars, 1967 …

5 minute read

Dan Bortolotti (1969-) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Honors Awards, Writings, Sidelights

Born 1969, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Education: University of Waterloo, B.A. (English; with honors), 1992. Dan Bortolotti Agent—Don Sedgwick, Transatlantic Literary Agency, 1603 Italy Cross Rd., Petite Riviere, Nova Scotia, Canada B0J 2P0. Writer and journalist. Science in Society Book Award shortlist, both 2003, both for Exploring Saturn and Panda Rescue. Exploring Saturn, Firef…

3 minute read

Fernando Botero: 1932—: Artist Biography - Trained As Bullfighter, Developed Signature Style, Botero And The Medellín Cartel, Donated Paintings To Colombia

Fernando Botero: 1932—: Artist. Considered one of the leading figures in contemporary Latin American art, Fernando Botero has become best known for robust figures whose immense size dominate the canvas. Botero has drawn upon Colombian folklore and history, especially that of his native Antioquia, for inspiration. In the 1990s, Botero paintings began commanding figures as high as $1 mill…

1 minute read

Barbara Bottner (1943–) Biography - Personal, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Writings, Adaptations, Work in Progress, Sidelights

Born 1943, in New York, NY; Education: Attended Boston University, 1961–62, and École des Beaux Arts, 1963–64; University of Wisconsin—Madison, B.S., 1965; University of California, Santa Barbara, M.A., 1966; studied animation at School of Visual Arts. Hobbies and other interests: Dancing, travel, politics, Buddhism. Barbara Bottner (photograph reproduced by permission …

9 minute read

Paulette Bourgeois (1951-) Biography - Adaptations, Sidelights - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Writings

Born 1951, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Education: University of Western Ontario, B.Sc., 1974; attended Carleton University. Agent—c/o Author Mail, Kids Can Press, 29 Birch Ave., Toronto, Ontario M4V 1E2, Canada. Royal Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, staff occupational therapist, 1975-76; Canadian Broadcasting Corp., reporter, 1977-78, 1980-81; freelance writer, 1981—. Wr…

5 minute read

Vance (Nye) Bourjaily Biography

Nationality: American. Born: Cleveland, Ohio, 1922. Education: Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Maine, B.A. 1947. Military Service: Served in the American Field Service, 1942-44, and in the United States Army, 1944-46. Career: Instructor at the Writers Workshop, 1957-58, and associate professor, 1960-64, 1966-67, 1971-72, University of Iowa, Iowa City; visiting professor, 1977-78, and professor, 1980-8…

7 minute read

Patricia Bow (1946–) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Writings, Work in Progress, Sidelights

Born 1946, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Education: Carleton University, B.A., 1968; University of Toronto, 1969, B.L.S.; Conestoga College, 1995, Dip. Journalism. Religion: Anglican. Hobbies and other interests: Reading, textile arts. Office—University of Waterloo, 100 University Ave. W., Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada. Writer. University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, publicati…

5 minute read

Anne Bowen (1952–) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Honors Awards, Writings, Sidelights

Born 1952; children: two sons. Agent—c/o Author Mail, Carolrhoda Books, Inc., 241 1st Ave. N., Minneapolis, MN 55401. School teacher for approximately twenty-five years, including work with hearing-impaired children. Utah Language Arts Teacher of the Year, 1996–97. I Loved You Before You Were Born, illustrated by Greg Shed, HarperCollins Publishers (New York, NY), 2001. How Did You G…

1 minute read

John (Griffith) Bowen Biography - John Bowen comments:

Nationality: British. Born: Calcutta, India, 1924. Education: Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Crediton, Devon; Pembroke College, Oxford (editor, Isis), 1948-51; St. Antony's College, Oxford (Frere Exhibitioner in Indian Studies), 1951-53, M.A. in modern history 1953; Ohio State University, Columbus, 1952-53. Military Service: Served in the Mahratha Light Infantry, 1943-47: Captain.…

12 minute read

George Bowering Biography - George Bowering comments:

Nationality: Canadian. Born: Keremeos, British Columbia, 1935. Education: University of British Columbia, B.A. 1960, M.A. 1963; also studied at University of Western Ontario. Military Service: Aerial photographer, Royal Canadian Air Force, 1954-57. Career: Instructor and later assistant professor, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, 1963-66; instructor and writer-in-residence, Sir George Will…

9 minute read

Tim Bowler (1953-) Biography - Writings, Sidelights - Personal, Addresses, Career, Honors Awards, Adaptations, Work in Progress

Born 1953, in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, England; Education: Attended East Anglia University. Hobbies and other interests: Squash, rugby, swimming, sailing, basketball, soccer, yoga, reading, listening to music. Agent—Caroline Walsh, David Higham Associates Ltd., 5-8 Lower John St., Golden Square, London W1F 9HA, England. Worked in the forestry and the timber trade; spent seven years as a teache…

less than 1 minute read

Gwendolyn E. Boyd Biography - Became an Engineer, Joined the APL Administration, Led Delta Sigma Theta, Devoted Herself to Service

1955— Engineer, activist As the 22nd national president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the nation's largest black sorority, in her career as an engineer at Johns Hopkins University's Applied Physics Laboratory, and in her dedicated community service, Gwendolyn E. Boyd has been a prominent advocate for women's equality and for the recruitment of black Americans int…

8 minute read

Suzanne Boyd Biography

1963— Journalist Boyd, Suzanne, photograph, Peter Kramer/Getty Images. Magazine editor Suzanne Boyd launched Suede, a fashion magazine aimed at African-American women, in 2004. Unfortunately, Suede struggled financially through five issues before its parent company put it on indefinite hiatus. Future career prospects for Boyd—a Canadian of West Indian background—were un…

5 minute read

William Boyd Biography

Nationality: British. Born: William Andrew Murray Boyd, Accra, Ghana, 1952. Education: Gordonstoun School, Elgin, Morayshire; University of Nice, France, diploma 1971; University of Glasgow, M.A. (honours) in English and philosophy 1975; Jesus College, Oxford, 1975-80. Family: Married Susan Anne Wilson in 1975. Career: Lecturer in English, St. Hilda's College, Oxford, 1980-83. Television c…

8 minute read

Clare Boylan Biography - Clare Boylan comments:

Nationality: Irish. Born: Dublin, 1948. Education: Convent schools in Dublin. Career: editor, Young Woman, Dublin, 1969-71; staff feature writer, Dublin Evening Press, 1973-78; editor, Image, Dublin, 1981-84. Regular book reviewer and feature writer for Sunday Times, London, Irish Times, Dublin, Evening Standard, London, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, The Guardian, London, Cosmopolitan, Vogue,…

8 minute read

T. Coraghessan Boyle Biography

Nationality: American. Born: 2 December 1948. Education: State University of New York, Potsdam, B.A. in English and history 1968; University of Iowa, Iowa City, M.F.A. in fiction 1974, Ph.D. in British literature 1977. Career: Assistant professor, 1978-82, associate professor, 1982-86, and since 1986 professor of English, University of Southern California, Los Angeles. Awards: Coordinating Council…

5 minute read

Sandra (Keith) Boynton (1953-) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Writings, Sidelights

Born 1953, in Orange, NJ; Education: Yale University, B.A., 1974; graduate study at University of California-Berkeley Drama School, 1974-75, and Yale University School of Drama, 1976-77. Religion: Quaker. Office—c/o Workman Publishing, 708 Broadway, New York, NY 10003-9555. Author, illustrator, and cartoonist. Recycled Paper Products, Inc., Chicago, IL, designer of greeting cards, 1974-95, …

15 minute read

Virginia Brackett (1950–) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Writings, Sidelights

(Virginia Roberts Meredith Brackett) Born 1950, in Fort Riley, KS; divorced); (second marriage) Marcus A. Brackett (stepson). Education: University of Arkansas Medical Center, B.S.M.T. (medical technology), 1973; Missouri Southern State College, B.S. (marketing and management), 1989; Pittsburgh State University, M.A. (English), 1991; University of Kansas, Ph.D. (English), 1998. Politics: Democrat.…

7 minute read

Malcolm (Stanley) Bradbury Biography - Malcolm Bradbury comments:

Nationality: British. Born: Sheffield, Yorkshire, 1932. Education: West Bridgford Grammar School, Nottingham, 1943-50; University College, Leicester, 1950-53, B.A. in English (1st class honours) 1953; Queen Mary College, University of London (research scholar), 1953-55, M.A. in English 1955; Indiana University, Bloomington (English-Speaking Union fellow), 1955-56; University of Manchester, 1956-58…

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Ray(mond Douglas) Bradbury Biography - Ray Bradbury comments:

Nationality: American. Born: Waukegan, Illinois, 1920. Education: Los Angeles High School, graduated 1938. Career: Since 1943 full-time writer. President, Science-Fantasy Writers of America, 1951-53. Member of the Board of Directors, Screen Writers Guild of America, 1957-61. Lives in Los Angeles. Awards: O. Henry prize, 1947, 1948; Benjamin Franklin award, 1954; American Academy award, 1954; Boys&…

16 minute read

Marie Bradby Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Honors Awards, Writings, Sidelights

Born in Alexandria, VA; Education: Hampton University, B.A. (sociology). Agent—c/o Author Mail, Orchard Books/Scholastic Books, 557 Broadway, New York NY 10012. Author of children's books. Worked as a reporter for Providence Journal, Providence, RI, and Lexington Herald, Lexington, KY, and Courier Journal, Louisville, KY; staff writer for National Geographic, Washington, DC. America…

5 minute read

David (Henry Bradley Jr.) Biography - David Bradley comments:

Nationality: American. Born: Bedford, Pennsylvania, 1950. Education: Bedford Area High School, graduated 1968; University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia (Franklin scholar, Presidential scholar), 1968-72, B.A. (summa cum laude) in creative writing 1972; King's College, University of London (Thouron scholar), 1972-74, M.A. in area studies 1974. Career: Reader and assistant editor, J.B. Lippinc…

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John Ed Bradley Biography

Nationality: American. Born: Opelousas, Louisiana, 1958. Education: Louisiana State University, B.A. 1980. Career: Staff writer, Washington Post, 1983-87; contributing writer, Washington Post, 1988-89. Since 1991 contributing editor, Esquire; since 1993 contributing writer, Sports Illustrated. Agent: Esther Newberg, International Creative Management, 40 West 57th St., New York, New York 10019, U.…

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Melvyn Bragg Biography - Melvyn Bragg comments:

Nationality: British. Born: Carlisle, Cumberland, 1939. Education: Nelson-Thomlinson Grammar School, Wigton, Cumberland, 1950-58; Wadham College, Oxford, 1958-61, M.A. (honours) in modern history 1961. Career: With BBC Television and Radio from 1961: general trainee, 1961-62; producer on Monitor, 1963; for BBC 2 editor on New Release (later Review, then Arena), Writers World, and Take It or Leave …

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William Stanley Braithwaite Biography - Discovered English Romantic Poetry, Edited Numerous Anthologies, Taught for a Decade, Selected writings

1878-1962 Critic, poet Though in his lifetime William Stanley Braithwaite was termed the "Boston Dictator" for his formidable authority as an arbiter of taste in the world of American poetry, his influence later waned, and literary history seems to have forgotten him after his 1962 passing. An editor, anthologist, critic, and published poet himself, Braithwaite was a key figure in th…

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Muriel Miller Branch (1943-) Biography - Personal, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Writings, Work in Progress, Sidelights

Born 1943, in Montclair, NJ; Ethnicity: "African American." Education: Virginia State University, B.S., 1964, M.Ed., 1978; additional studies at Appalachian State University, Virginia Commonwealth University, James Madison University, and University of Virginia. Religion: Baptist. Richmond Public Schools, Richmond, VA, library media specialist, 1967-98; writer, 1998—. Maggie L…

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Aliki (Liacouras) (Aliki) Brandenberg Biography - Awards, Honors, Sidelights - Personal, Career, Writings

Born 1929, in Wildwood Crest, NJ; Education: Graduated from Philadelphia Museum School of Art (now Philadelphia College of Art), 1951. Hobbies and other interests: Macrame, weaving, music, baking, traveling, reading, gardening, theater, films, museums. Muralist and commercial artist in Philadelphia, PA, and New York, NY, 1951-56, and in Zurich, Switzerland, 1957-60; commercial artist, writer, and …

7 minute read

George Branham III Biography - Began Bowling as a Young Boy, Became First Black to Win PBA Title

1962— Professional bowler In 1993 George Branham became the first African American to win a Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) title. He had bowled since the age of six and joined the PBA at age 24. In 17 years as a professional bowler, Branham won five major titles, including the sport's highest honor, the Tournament of Champions. He also rolled 23 games with a perfect score of …

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Sasthi Brata Biography - Sasthi Brata comments:

Nationality: British. Born: Sasthibrata Chakravarti in Calcutta, India, 1939. Education: Calcutta Boys School; Presidency College, Calcutta University. Career: Has worked in Europe as a lavatory attendant, kitchen porter, barman, air-conditioning engineer, and postman, and in New York as a freelance journalist; London columnist, Statesman, 1977-80. Awards: Arts Council grant, 1979. Agent: Barbara …

7 minute read

Benjamin Bratt: 1963—: Actor Biography

Benjamin Bratt: 1963—: Actor. Benjamin Bratt wasn't sure he wanted to be an actor, but for someone who thought that at least he could teach if his acting career didn't pan out, he has certainly built himself a promising career. He started out acting in a few small spots in movies, then landed the role that shot him to fame as Detective Reynaldo Curtis on Law & Order…

6 minute read

Katy Bratun (1950-) Biography - Personal, Career, Member, Writings, Sidelights

Born 1950, in Ogden, UT; Education: University of New Mexico, B.F. A., 1972; attended Art Institute of Boston, 1983-84. Hobbies and other interests: Collecting picture books, reading, biking, downhill skiing. Illustrator and author. Illustration instructor at Art Institute of Boston and Peabody Essex Museum. Speaker at elementary and middle school; presenter and lecturer at conferences. Exhibition…

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Libba Bray Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Writings, Sidelights

Born 0027;s book agent); Education: University of Texas, B.A. (theatre), 1988. Hobbies and other interests: People watching, touring New York City. Agent—c/o Author Mail, Delacorte Press, Dell Publishing, 1540 Broadway, New York, NY 10036. Novelist and freelance writer. Penguin Putnam, New York, NY, former member of publicity department staff; Spier (advertising agency), New York, NY, membe…

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(Guy) Berke(ley) Breathed (1957–) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Honors Awards, Writings, Adaptations, Work in Progress, Sidelights

Surname rhymes with "method"; born 1957, in Encino, CA; Education: University of Texas at Austin, B.A., 1979. Politics: "Middle-winger." Agent—Esther Newberg, ICM, 40 West 57th St., New York, NY 10019. Cartoonist and writer. University of Texas at Austin, photographer and columnist for Daily Texan (university newspaper), 1976–78; freelance cartoonist, 1978…

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Robin D. Brickman (1954-) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Writings, Sidelights

Born 1954, in Arlington, VA; two Education: Bennington College, B.A., 1976. Hobbies and other interests: Music (piano), fiber arts. office—Robin Brickman Illustrations, 32 Fort Hoosac Place, Williamstown, MA 01267. Freelance illustrator. Western Massachusetts Illustrators Guild, Children's Literature Connection, Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. Child Study…

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Andrew F. Brimmer Biography - Excelled in School, Respected for His Economic Expertise, Selected writings

1926— Economist Brimmer, Andrew F., photograph. AP/Wide World Photos. Reproduced by permission. The first black man to be named a governor of the Federal Reserve System, Andrew F. Brimmer is a noted economist who heads his own successful Washington consulting firm, Brimmer & Co., Inc., and is considered a specialist in federal reserve monetary policy. He is also a frequent com…

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Larry Dane Brimner (1949–) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Writings, Sidelights

Born 1949, in St. Petersburg, FL; Education: San Diego State University, B.A. (literature), 1971, M.A. (writing), 1981. Hobbies and other interests: Reading, snow skiing, animals, pine furniture, travel, American folk art. Office—P.O. Box 87257, Tucson, AZ 85754. Agent—c/o Author Mail, 21 Hillside Cir., Bayfield, CO 81122. Central Union High School, El Centro, CA, writing teacher, 1…

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André (Philippus) Brink Biography - André Brink comments:

Nationality: South African. Born: Vrede, Orange Free State, 1935. Education: Lydenburg High School; Potchefstroom University, Transvaal, B.A. 1955, M.A. in English 1958, M.A. in Afrikaans and Dutch 1959; the Sorbonne, Paris, 1959-61. Career: Lecturer, 1963-73, senior lecturer, 1974-75, associate professor, 1976-79, and professor, 1980-90, Department of Afrikaans and Dutch Literature, Rhodes Univer…

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Constance Brissenden (1947-) Biography - Personal, Career, Honors Awards, Writings, Work in Progress, Sidelights

Born 1947, in Canada; companion to Larry Loyie (a writer and speaker). Education: University of Guelph, B.A.; University of Alberta, M.A. Travel and history writer; director of plays by partner, Larry Loyie. Co-founder, Living Traditions Writers Group. Co-recipient, with Loyie, Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children's Nonfiction, 2003, for As Long as the Rivers Flow: A Last Summer before R…

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Maria Brito: 1947—: Painter, Sculptor Biography

A member of "The Miami Generation" of Cuban-born artists who relocated to the United States after Cuba's communist revolution, Maria Brito has won acclaim for paintings and sculptures that evoke themes of displacement, loss, and the search for identity. Her work, praised for its intuitive appeal and its densely symbolic qualities, has earned national attention and is included …

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Betty (Carter) Brock (1923-2003) Biography

OBITUARY NOTICE—See index for SATA sketch: Born August 31, 1923, in Biltmore, NC; died December 4, 2003, in Lake Forest, IL. Author. Brock was a popular children's author best known for her 1970 book, No Flying in the House. After attending the University of North Carolina and George Washington University, she left formal education behind to marry and raise a family. During her lifet…

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Erna (May) Brodber Biography - Erna Brobder comments:

Nationality: Jamaican. Born: Woodside, St. Mary, Jamaica, 1940. Education: University College of the West Indies, London, 1960-63, B.A. (honours) in history 1963; University of Washington, Seattle, (Ford Foundation fellowship), 1967; University College of the West Indies, Kingston, M.Sc. in sociology 1968, Ph.D. in history 1985; University of Sussex, (Commonwealth fellowship), 1979. Career: Lectur…

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Marian Broida Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Writings, Sidelights

Female. Religion: Jewish. Office—c/o Author Mail, Benchmark Books, 99 White Plains Rd., Tarrytown, NY 10591. Writer and speaker; former community college instructor; registered nurse and health educator; art instructor; former artist-in-residence at Seattle Children's Museum. American Research Center in Egypt. Sydney Taylor Book Award honor book selection, Association of Jewish Libr…

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Christine Brooke-Rose Biography - Christine Brooke-Rose comments:

Nationality: British. Born: Geneva, Switzerland. Education: Somerville College, Oxford, 1946-49, B.A. in English, M.A. 1953; University College, London, 1950-54, B.A. in French, Ph.D. 1954. Career: Freelance literary journalist, London, 1956-68; Maître de Conférences, 1969-75, and professeur, 1975-88, University of Paris VIII, Vincennes. Awards: Society of Authors traveling prize, 1965; …

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Anita Brookner Biography

Nationality: British. Born: London, 1928. Education: James Allen's Girls' School; King's College, University of London; Courtauld Institute of Art, London, Ph.D. in art history. Career: Visiting lecturer, University of Reading, Berkshire, 1959-64; lecturer, 1964, and reader, 1977-88, Courtauld Institute of Art; Slade Professor, Cambridge University, 1967-68. Fellow, New Hall, …

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Kevin M. Brooks (1959-) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Honors Awards, Writings, Sidelights

Born 1959, in Exeter, England; Education: Attended Aston University, 1980; North East London Polytechnic, B.A., 1983. Agent—c/o Author Mail, Scholastic, Inc., 524 Broadway, New York, NY 10012. Worked various jobs in England, including musician, gasoline station attendant, crematorium handyman, civil service clerk, hot dog vendor at the London Zoo, post office clerk, and railway ticket offic…

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Erik Brooks (1972-) Biography - Personal, Career, Member, Writings, Work in Progress, Sidelights

Born 1972, in Madison, WI; Education: Carleton College, B.A., 1994. Author and illustrator of children's books. Carleton College, Northfield, MN, cross-country and track coach. Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, Children's Literature Network, Loft Literary Center. The Practically Perfect Pajamas, Winslow Press (New York, NY), 2000. Octavius Bloom and the Hous…

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Errol Broome (1937-) Biography - Writings, Sidelights - Personal, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Adaptations, Work in Progress

Born 1937, in Perth, Australia; Ethnicity: "Caucasian." Education: University of West Australia, B.A., 1957. Hobbies and other interests: Gardening. West Australian, Perth, Western Australia, journalist, 1958-60; Herald-Sun Television, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, journalist, 1961; writer, 1978—. Errol Broome Australian Society of Authors, Fellowship of Australian Wr…

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William Brower Biography

1916-2004 Journalist The career of journalist William Brower spanned vast developments in African-American life, and he chronicled them all. When he was hired by the Blade newspaper of Toledo, Ohio, in 1946, he was one of just a handful of African-American journalists employed by white-owned newspapers. Over the next 50 years he never stopped perfecting his craft, and by the time he retired he had…

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Byrd R. Brown Biography

1930-2001 Attorney, civil rights activist In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Byrd Brown is considered a local hero. As a courageous and articulate civil rights activist, he fought prejudice and inequality during a time in history when progressive political leadership was crucial in America, thus giving voice to those who had no access to power. "Byrd Brown was an African American who stood in the…

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Sean Brown Biography - Played in Ontario Hockey League, Often Inhabited Penalty Box, Signed by Devils

1976— Professional hockey player Brown, Sean, photograph. Bruce Bennett Studios/Getty Images. New Jersey Devils defenseman Sean Brown, one of just a handful of players of African descent in the National Hockey League (NHL), brings to the minds of many fans an earlier, more physical era of professional ice hockey. He is big (six-feet three-inches tall, 210 pounds), powerful, and a bit…

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Jo Brown (1964–) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Writings, Adaptations, Sidelights

Born 1964. Education: University of Nottingham, B.A.; University of Manchester, M.A. Agent—c/o Author Mail, 18 Tichborne St., Brighton, East Sussex BN1 1UR, England. Graphic artist, author, and illustrator. Has worked on projects involving advertising, animation, packaging, toy design, and greeting cards. Where's My Mommy?, Tiger Tales (Wilton, CT), 2002. If Dogs Wore Clothes, Campb…

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Ruth Brown (1941–) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Honors Awards, Writings, Adaptations, Sidelights

Born 1941, in Tiverton, England; Education: Attended Bournemouth College of Art, 1957–59; Birmingham College of Art, degree (with first-class honors), 1961; Royal College of Art, M.A., 1964. Politics: Liberal. Hobbies and other interests: Gardening, walking the dog in the countryside, reading, traveling, visiting antique shops, cooking. Agent—c/o Author Mail, Andersen Press, Ltd., Ra…

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Oscar Brown Jr. Biography - Took to Airwaves as Teen, Fought Racism with Politics and Revolution

1926-2005 Entertainer Brown, Oscar, Jr., photograph. AP/Wide World Photos. Reproduced by permission. Oscar Brown Jr. was not a man easily defined. Labels like songwriter, composer, actor, singer, director, producer, playwright all fit, but not quite. He was also an activist, a visionary, and a social commentator. As influenced by the Harlem Renaissance as he was by the Civil Rights Movement, Brown…

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Elizabeth Ferguson Brown (1937-) Biography - Personal, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Writings, Work in Progress, Sidelights

Born 1937, in Newark, NJ; Education: College of New Jersey, B.S., 1959; Kean University, M.A., 1990, M.A., 1992. Bridgewater-Raritan School District, Bridgewater, NJ, classroom teacher, 1959-61; Scotch Plains-Fanwood School District, Scotch Plains, NJ, classroom teacher, 1972-85, curriculum facilitator, 1985-92, member of school district staff development team, 1985-95, classroom teacher, 1992-…

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Angela M. Brown Biography - Pursued Spiritual Path through Song, Groomed to be a Verdi Soprano

1964(?)— Opera singer Brown, Angela M., photograph. AP/Wide World Photos. Shimmering, mesmerizing, soaring—these are just a few of the adjectives lavished on the voice of Angela M. Brown. An operatic sensation who has commanded standing ovations from the world's most famous stages, Brown came to opera almost as an afterthought. "I never wanted to be what I would …

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Homer S. Brown Biography

1896-1977 Judge, attorney, civil rights activist Considered the father of the Pennsylvania state Fair Employment Practices Act and the first African-American judge in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Homer S. Brown was a civil and political rights activist for most of his life. For over fifty years, from the time he received his law degree in 1923 until illness forced him to retire two years before his d…

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Kathryn Brown (1955–) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Honors Awards, Writings, Sidelights

(Kathy Brown) Born 1955, in Twin Falls, ID; children: Frances. Agent—Ginger Knowlton, Curtis Brown Agency, 10 Astor Place, New York, NY 10003. Illustrator and author. Notable Book citation, American Library Association, Outstanding Children's Book of the Year, Parenting, Joan Fassler Memorial Book Award, Association for the Care of Children's Health, and Washington Children&#x…

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Rita Mae Brown Biography

Nationality: American. Born: Hanover, Pennsylvania, 1944. Education: University of Florida, Gainesville; New York University, B.A. 1968; New York School of Visual Arts, cinematography certificate 1968; Institute for Policy Studies, Washington, D.C., Ph.D. 1976. Career: Photo editor, Sterling Publishing Company, New York, 1969-70; lecturer in sociology, Federal City College, Washington, D.C., 1970-…

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Rosellen Brown Biography

Nationality: American. Born: 1939. Career: Instructor in American and English literature, Tougaloo College, Mississippi, 1965-67; instructor in creative writing, Goddard College, Plainfield, Vermont, 1976, and University of Houston, Texas, 1982-85. Since 1989 instructor in creative writing, University of Houston. Visiting professor of creative writing, Boston University, 1977-78. Awards: National …

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Wesley Brown Biography

Nationality: American. Born: New York, New York, 1945. Education: Oswego State University, B.A. 1968. Though he may not be prolific, Wesley Brown is certainly a proficient author and his two novels Tragic Magic and Darktown Strutters offer virtuoso proof of his talents. While both works explore issues of racial injustice roiling beneath the surface of white America, it is the seismic and shifting…

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Anthony (Edward Tudor) Browne (1946-) Biography - Personal, Career, Honors Awards, Writings, Adaptations, Sidelights

Born 1946, in Sheffield, England; Education: Leeds College of Art, B.A. (with honors), 1967. Hobbies and other interests: Reading, music, theater, films, swimming, tennis, squash, cricket. Anthony Browne Victoria University of Manchester, Manchester, England, medical artist at Royal Infirmary, 1968-70; Gordon Fraser Greeting Cards, London, England, designer, 1971-88; author and illustrator …

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N.M. Browne (1960–) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Writings, Work in Progress, Sidelights

(Nicola Matthews, Nicky Matthews Browne) Born 1960, in Burnley, Lancashire, England; Education: New College, Oxford, B.A. (philosophy and theology; with honors), 1983; Kings College, Cambridge, P.G.C.E.; Manchester Business School, M.B.A., 1987. Politics: "Liberal/Left." Religion: Church of England (Anglican). Hobbies and other interests: "Singing (badly), walking, rowing a Th…

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Betty Brownlie (1946-) Biography - Personal, Career, Honors Awards, Writings, Sidelights

Born 1946, in Feilding, New Zealand; Ethnicity: "Caucasian." Education: Trained as a school dental nurse. Hobbies and other interests: Traveling, flying her small aircraft, reading, sponsoring an African family in Kenya, being with friends and family. Illustrator, author, and wildlife artist. Formerly worked as a dental nurse. Exhibitions: Artwork exhibited in Napier, New Zealand, 19…

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Bruce Bruce Biography - Selected works

Comedian 19??– All comedians want to be funny, but few can be described as truly hilarious. Bruce Bruce can claim the elusive ability to make audiences break into laughter not only during his performances, but also for hours afterwards as they recall the things he says. Bruce is irreverent and lovable at the same time, with a girth to match his huge personality and stage presence. Bruce arr…

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Nick Bruel Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Honors Awards, Writings, Sidelights

wife's name Carina. Agent—c/o Author Mail, Roaring Brook Press, 2 Old New Milford Rd., Brookfield, CT 06804. Cartoonist and children's book author. Top-ten finalist, Dr. Seuss Picture-Book Contest, 1993. Boing, Roaring Brook Press (Brookfield, CT), 2004. Bad Kitty, Roaring Brook Press (New Milford, CT), 2005. Also author of How to Be a Real Good Cartoonist, 2003. Contributor …

2 minute read

Alyssa (F.) Brugman (1974-) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Writings

Born 1974, in Lake Macquarie, New South Wales, Australia; Education: University of Newcastle, B.B.A., 1996. Agent—c/o Author Mail, Allen & Unwin, P.O. Box 8500, St. Leonards, New South Wales 1590, Australia. Writer. Worked variously as an after-school tutor for Aboriginal children, a business college instructor, an operations manager, and in public relations. Australian Society of A…

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Laurent de Brunhoff (1925-) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Honors Awards, Writings, Adaptations, Sidelights

Surname is pronounced "broon-awf"; born 1925, in Paris, France; immigrated to the United States, 1985; Education: Attended Lycee Pasteur and Academie de la Grande Chaumiere. Hobbies and other interests: Gardening, birdwatching, travelling, hiking, watercolor. Agent—c/o Author Mail, Harry N. Abrams, Inc., 100 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10011. Author and illustrator of children&…

22 minute read

Jane Buchanan (1956-) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Writings, Work in Progress, Sidelights

Born 1956, in Boston, MA; father a pediatrician, mother a nurse practitioner; Education: Graduated from college. Hobbies and other interests: Watching birds, gardening, reading, going for walks, rooting for the Boston Red Sox. Agent—c/o Author Mail, Farrar Straus & Giroux, Children's Marketing Department, 19 Union Square W., New York, NY 10003. Former newspaper journalist; li…

3 minute read

(Florence Onye) Buchi Emecheta Biography

Nationality: British. Born: Lagos, Nigeria, 1944. Education: Methodist Girls' High School, Lagos; University of London, B.Sc. (honors) in sociology 1972. Career: Librarian, 1960-64; library officer, British Museum, London, 1965-69; youth worker and resident student, Race, 1974-76; community worker, Camden Council, London, 1976-78; visiting lecturer at 11 universities in the United States, 1…

7 minute read

James Buckley Jr. (1963–) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Writings, Sidelights

Born 1963, in Washington, DC; Education: University of California, Berkeley, B.A. (English), 1985; Radcliffe Publishing Course, certificate, 1985. Religion: Roman Catholic. Office—Shoreline Publishing Group, 125 Santa Rosa Pl., Santa Barbara, CA 93109. East West Network, New York, NY, senior editor, 1988–89; Sports Illustrated, New York, NY, editorial project manager, 1989–93…

8 minute read

(Carl) Frederick Buechner Biography - Frederick Buechner comments:

Nationality: American. Born: New York City, 1926. Education: Lawrenceville School, New Jersey, graduated 1943; Princeton University, New Jersey, A.B. in English 1947; Union Theological Seminary, New York, B.D. 1958: ordained a Minister of the United Presbyterian Church, 1958. Military Service: Served in the United States Army, 1944-46. Career: English Master, Lawrenceville School, 1948-53; Instruc…

7 minute read

Caralyn (M.) Buehner (1963-) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Honors Awards, Writings, Adaptations, Sidelights

Surname pronounced Bee-ner; born 1963, in St. George, UT; Education: Attended University of Utah, 1981-83, and Utah State University, 1983-85. Religion: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormon). Agent—c/o Lisa Sandick, Dial Press, 375 Hudson St., New York, NY 10014. Writer. Children's Choice Award, Children's Book Council, 1994, and Utah Children's Choice Aw…

9 minute read

Mark Buehner (1959-) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Honors Awards, Illustrator, Adaptations, Sidelights

Name pronounced Bee-ner; born 1959, in Salt Lake City, UT; Education: Attended University of Utah, 1981-82; Utah State University, B.S., 1985. Religion: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormon). Hobbies and other interests: Interior and landscape design. Agent—c/o Lisa Sandick, Dial Press, 375 Hudson St., New York, NY 10014. Illustrator of children's books. Performs volun…

12 minute read

Margaret Buffie (1945–) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Writings, Adaptations, Sidelights

Born 1945, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Education: University of Manitoba, received degree, 1967, certificate in education, 1976. Agent—c/o Author Mail, Kids Can Press Ltd., 29 Birch Ave., Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4V 1E2. Hudson's Bay Co., Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, illustrator, 1968–70; Winnipeg Art Gallery, Winnipeg, painting instructor, 1974–75; River East Schoo…

10 minute read

Lois McMaster Bujold Biography

Nationality: American. Born: Lois McMaster in Columbus, Ohio, 1949. Education: Attended Ohio State University, 1968-72. Career: Pharmacy technician, Ohio State University Hospitals, 1972-78. Awards: Nebula Award (Science Fiction Writers of America), best novel, 1988, best novella, 1989, best novel, 1995; Hugo Award (World Science Fiction Society), best novella, 1989, best novel, 1990, 1991, 1995; …

8 minute read

Leslie Bulion (1958–) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Writings, Work in Progress, Sidelights

Born 1958, in New York, NY. Education: Cornell University, B.A.; University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography, M.S.; Southern Connecticut State University, M.S.W. Hobbies and other interests: Hiking, bicycling, cross-country skiing, scuba diving, pottery, knitting, reading, eating chocolate. Agent—Moon Mountain Publishing, Inc., P.O. Box 188, West Rockport, ME 04865-0188. Chi…

2 minute read

Ella Bully-Cummings Biography

1957(?)— Police chief Bully-Cummings, Ella, photograph. AP/Wide World Photos. Reproduced by permission. Detroit Police Department veteran Ella Bully-Cummings became the first woman to serve as chief of police in her city, long known for its high crime rate. Bully-Cummings was named to the post in November of 2003 after a spate of recent troubles on the force, and immediately won high…

6 minute read

Gisele Bundchen: 1980—: Model Biography

Gisele Bundchen: 1980—: Model. The rise of Brazilian beauty Gisele Bundchen in the late 1990s startled many in the world of fashion. Bundchen's robust, voluptuous looks seemed to mark the end of the era for the so-called "waif look" en vogue at the time, and her tanned, curvy figure was said to have sparked a search for copycat models. Bundchen's stardom was …

7 minute read

(Anne) Eve(lyn) Bunting (1928-) Biography - Awards, Honors, Sidelights - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Writings, Adaptations

(Evelyn Bolton, A. E. Bunting) Born 1928 in, Maghera, Northern Ireland; came to United States, 1960; became U.S. citizen; Education: Graduated from Methodist College, Belfast, 1945; also attended Queen's University, Belfast. Politics: Democrat Religion: Protestant Agent—c/o Author Mail, Harcourt Brace, 525 B. St., San Diego, CA 92101. Freelance writer, 1969—. University of Cal…

11 minute read

Michael Burgan (1960–) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Writings, Sidelights

Born 1960, in Hartford, CT; Education: University of Connecticut, B.A., 1983; attended Emerson College, 1987–88. Politics: Democrat. Religion: Unitarian-Universalist. Hobbies and other interests: Playwriting, films, music, travel, cooking, sports. Agent—c/o Author Mail, Compass Point Books, Compass Point Books, 3109 W. 50th St., No. 115, Minneapolis, MN 55410. Weekly Reader Corp., M…

10 minute read

Marjorie L. Burgess Biography

1928– Corrections official, poet Marjorie Laura Burgess had a long career in the State of New York corrections department. She began work after her children were mostly out of the house and steadily advanced in rank. She became a middle-aged college student, earned several degrees, and continued to further her career. Yet these accomplishments alone might not have earned Burgess her listing…

5 minute read

Mark Burgess Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Writings, Sidelights

Born in England; Education: Attended Slade School (London, England). Hobbies and other interests: Reading, gardening, walking. Agent—c/o Author Mail, Dutton/Penguin Putnam, 375 Hudson St., New York, NY 10014. Writer and illustrator. Designer of Web sites, greeting cards, and animation. The Cat's Pajamas, Doubleday (New York, NY), 1990. One Little Teddy Bear, Collins (London, England…

3 minute read