Born on August 15

Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821) was a French military leader and statesman who seized power in 1799 and proclaimed himself Emperor in 1804. He transformed France and Europe through his reforms and military campaigns, most notably by establishing the Civil Code, which modernized the French legal system.

Scottish writer and poet (1771–1832), Walter Scott is the father of the modern historical novel. Works such as *Ivanhoe* and *Waverley* popularized the Romantic vision of the Middle Ages across Europe.

Alfred Bruyas (1821-1877) was a French collector, patron of the arts, and amateur painter from Montpellier. Heir to a family fortune, he devoted his life to building a major art collection, most notably by supporting Gustave Courbet. His collection forms the core holdings of the Musée Fabre in Montpellier.

Sri Aurobindo is an Indian philosopher, poet, and spiritual master. First a militant in the Indian nationalist movement against British rule, he later withdrew to Pondicherry where he developed integral yoga and founded a celebrated ashram.

Pierre Dac (1893-1975) was a French humorist, cabaret songwriter and actor, a major figure of absurdist humour. A member of the Resistance, he became the voice of Free France on Radio London during the Occupation. Together with Francis Blanche he created the famous radio serial “Signé Furax”.

An American biochemist of Czech origin, Gerty Cori was the first woman to receive the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1947, which she shared with her husband Carl Cori. Her work on glycogen metabolism laid the foundations of modern biochemistry.

American chef and television host

Canadian jazz pianist and composer (1925-2007), regarded as one of the greatest virtuosos of jazz piano. Renowned for his dazzling technique, his swing, and his feel for the blues, he recorded more than 200 albums.