Capponi, Gino, 1792-1876

A wealthy Italian statesman, historian, Catholic liberal, and influential figure in the Italian Unification movement, Gino Capponi's salon in Florence was said to be a hub for leading European liberals. Capponi founded two periodicals, L'Antologia ("Anthology") and Archivio storico italiano ("Italian Historical Review"), as well as his 1875 masterpiece, Storia della repubblica di Firenze ("History of the Republic of Florence").

Di Belmonte, E. C. (Ernesto Capocci), 1798-1864

Italian author, astronomer, mathematician, and politician. Capocci published his fiction under the name "Belmonte" to avoid damaging his reputation as a professional. Under this name he published his historical novel Il primo vicerè di Napoli in 1837. He also authored a science fiction novella called Relazione del viaggio alla Luna fatto da una donna nell'anno di grazia 2057 (Report of the Trip to the Moon done by a Woman in the Year of our Lord 2057)

Canning, George, 1770-1827

Canning had been a conservative British politician since the early 1790s, serving, among other posts, as foreign minister before rising to Prime Minister in April 1827. In addition to his memorable political speeches, Mr. Canning wrote for both the Anti-Jacobin Review, which he co-founded, and the Quarterly Review. His health failed soon after his Prime Minister appointment, and he died in August of the same year.