Aristotle

THE ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle (384–322 BC) was one of the greatest thinkers of all time. His writings make up practically an encyclopaedia of ancient Greek knowledge. His work influenced almost every area of modern thought. He was born in Stagira in northeastern Greece.

His father was a doctor for the king of Macedonia, a country to the north. At about the age of 17, Aristotle moved to Athens where he became a student of Plato, another famous Greek philosopher. Aristotle studied at Plato's school, called the Academy, until Plato died in 348 or 347. Aristotle then left Athens and spent time in several Greek cities and Macedonia. While in Macedonia, he tutored the king of Macedonia's son who later became known as Alexander the Great.

George Orwell

Author of Animal Farm and other works. His real name was Eric Arthur Blair. He derived his pen name from St George, patron saint of England, and the River Orwell in Suffolk, on whose banks he had once lived.