Leading Figures in History

Discover the people who shaped our world — from rulers and scientists to artists and activists.

24415 persons found

James Holt (historian)

b. 1922

English medieval historian

James Honeyman-Scott

English guitarist and songwriter (1956–1982)

James Hook (rugby union)

b. 1985

Welsh rugby union player (born 1985)

James Horner

American film composer (1953–2015)

James Hunt

British racing driver (1947–1993)

James Hutchison Stirling

b. 1820

British philosopher

James Hutton

b. 1726

Scottish geologist, agriculturalist, chemical manufacturer (1726–1797)

James Hylton

American racing driver (1934–2018)

James II of Cyprus

15th-century King of Cyprus

James II of Majorca

King of Majorca (1243–1311)

James III of Scotland

King of Scots from 1460 to 1488

James III, Margrave of Baden-Hachberg

b. 1562

Margrave of Baden-Hachberg

James Isaac

American film director

James Ivory

b. 1928

American film director and screenwriter (born 1928)

James J. Braddock

b. 1905

American boxer (1905–1974)

James Jesus Angleton

Central Intelligence Agency officer (1917–1987)

James Joll

b. 1918

British historian and lecturer

James Jones (author)

American author (1921–1977)

James Joseph Sweeney

American prelate

James K. Polk

President of the United States from 1845 to 1849

James Kelleher

Canadian politician

James Kelman

b. 1946

Scottish writer (born 1946)

James Kent (chef)

American chef (1979–2024)

James Kinley

Lieutenant governor of Nova Scotia from 1994 to 2000