January 07

Jonas Alströmer (1685–1761) revolutionized Swedish agriculture by promoting potato farming, helping to alleviate famine and stabilize food supplies. After studying textile production in England, he established weaving workshops in Alingsås, laying the foundations for Sweden’s industrialization. Alströmer experimented with crop rotation and animal husbandry, boosting rural productivity. He founded trading companies and advocated for agricultural societies, earning membership in the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. His innovations had lasting impact on Sweden’s economy and social welfare.

Johann Heinrich Zedler (1706–1751) founded a leading publishing house in Leipzig, producing the Grosses vollständiges Universal-Lexicon in 64 volumes. His encyclopedia covered a wide array of topics, from natural sciences to theology, and set new standards for comprehensiveness and scholarship. Zedler employed expert contributors and high-quality engravings, making knowledge accessible to a growing literate public. He also published operatic librettos, travel accounts, and scientific treatises. His work greatly advanced the spread of Enlightenment ideas in Germany and beyond.

Emigrating to Australia during the gold rush, Munro established the 'Ballarat Times' newspaper before entering politics as a member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly. He became Premier in 1890 at a time of economic turmoil and introduced measures to stabilize the colony's finances and support land reform. His government faced severe depression and banking crises, leading to contentious debates over public spending and land policy. After resigning in 1892, Munro returned to publishing and remained active in civic affairs. He also served as a director of colonial companies and championed educational and cultural initiatives. Munro's career bridged journalism and political leadership during a formative period in Victoria's history.

Thomas Henry Ismay was an English businessman born in 1837. He established the White Star Line in 1869, focusing on luxurious transatlantic passenger service. Under his leadership, the company became known for high standards of comfort and safety. The White Star Line later gained fame with ships like the RMS Titanic. Ismay's vision shaped modern ocean travel during the golden age of steamships. He left a lasting legacy in maritime history through his entrepreneurial spirit.

Evald Relander was a Finnish teacher, agronomist, and banker born in 1856. He began his career educating rural communities in modern farming techniques. Relander conducted research in agronomy and promoted crop diversity in Finland. He later transitioned into banking, where he supported agricultural development through financial services. His work bridged education, science, and finance to improve rural livelihoods. Relander's contributions had lasting impact on Finland's agricultural economy in the early 20th century.

Adolph Zukor was born in 1873 in Hungary and emigrated to the United States as a teenager. He started in the fur business before entering the entertainment industry and launching the Famous Players Film Company. In 1916, Zukor merged companies to form Paramount Pictures, pioneering the Hollywood studio system. He championed feature-length film and star-driven productions, shaping modern cinema. Zukor served as president of Paramount for decades, overseeing its rise to a major studio. His innovative business and production strategies left a lasting mark on the global film industry.

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson served in the U.S. Army during World War I before turning to pulp magazine writing in the 1920s. In 1934, he founded National Allied Publications, precursor to DC Comics, and launched New Fun: The Big Comic Magazine, the first American periodical with entirely original comic-book content. Despite financial struggles and legal battles, his vision helped establish the comic book as a new art form and entertainment medium.

Sir Wilmot Hudson Fysh was born in 1895 and served as a pilot in the Australian Flying Corps during World War I. In 1920, he helped establish Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services (Qantas), which became Australia’s national airline. As managing director and later chairman, Fysh oversaw Qantas’s expansion into international routes and navigated the challenges of early aviation. His leadership earned him a knighthood and secured his reputation as a pioneer in airline history.

Jann Wenner (born 1946) is an American publisher best known for co-founding Rolling Stone magazine in 1967. Under his leadership, the magazine became a leading voice in music journalism and cultural reporting. Wenner expanded his media influence by launching other publications and digital platforms, shaping the dialogue around music, politics, and pop culture. A memoirist and interviewer, he has chronicled the lives of major artists and public figures. His impact on the publishing industry and rock journalism has been widely recognized.

Tony Elliott (1947–2020) was an English publisher and entrepreneur who launched Time Out in 1968. Originally a London-focused guide to events and culture, Time Out evolved into a global media brand with editions in over 30 cities. Elliott’s vision for accessible, city-centric journalism influenced the way people discover art, food, and entertainment worldwide. He built a diversified media group and championed innovative editorial design. His legacy endures in the continued success of Time Out magazine and Time Out Group.