RETROBITUARIES

He felt the lobotomy was “only a little more dangerous than an operation to remove an infected tooth."

He prepared for his role by visiting the zoo.

This learned, opinionated Renaissance monarch caused a sensation throughout Europe.

She may have been the last person to see George Armstrong Custer alive.

People didn't think a woman could cross the English Channel both ways—until Florence Chadwick came along.

Changing the shape of the modern woman was just the beginning.

He had at least 17 confirmed disguises, and five fully fleshed-out identities complete with fake identity documents, background stories, and even their own penmanship.

Also known as Bright Eyes, she achieved several important firsts for herself and her people.

“If you wish to upset the law that all crows are black, it is enough if you prove that one crow is white. My white crow is Mrs. Piper.”

She was one of the last great thinkers of ancient Alexandria—before she was brutally murdered.

The man who gave Looney Tunes their sound was an eccentric electronic music pioneer.

He was the first to figure out that irritating buzz could be a danger sign.