Here I've tried to give a little background on some of the people, and other things, mentioned in Auteurs songs. It's not complete. I left out some people who are more well known, such as Bob Dylan and Queen Victoria, but if you think anyone should be added in then let me know and I'll get to it!

Bela Lugosi (X-Boogie Man)
Born Béla Ferenc Dezsõ Blaskó on the 20th of October, 1882. Bela Lugosi as he became known, is best known for playing Dracula in the 1931 film 'Dracula'. He was born in Hungary in the town of Lugos, from which he took his name. His career suffered after he played Dracula as he took almost all parts that were offered to him. He was eventually at the end of his career appearing in Ed Wood films such as 'Plan 9 from Outer Space'. Lugosi died in 1956.
Chaim Soutine (Junk Shop Clothes)
Soutine was a leading expressionist painter. Born in Lithuania in 1893, he moved to Paris. He mainly painted landscapes and portraits.
Genghis Khan (X-Boogie Man)
Born Temujin in 1167 A.D., he showed early promise as a military leader. He defeated the nearest tribes, was proclaimed Genghis Khan and created an empire that spread from Hungary to Korea, and Siberia to Tibet.
Jack the Ripper (X-Boogie Man)
Jack the Ripper committed a number of murders of prostitutes in London in 1888. The name came about from a letter, purporting to be from the killer, signed 'Jack the Ripper'. The real identity of Jack is hotly disputed with numerous strong candidates being put forward. He was never caught.
John Judnich (Lenny Valentino)
John Judnich was an engineer for two of John Mayall's albums. Most famously he was the engineer for the famous Lenny Bruce show in Berkeley.
Lazarus (Lenny Valentino)
According to the Bible, Lazarus was the brother of Martha and Mary, and was mentioned in the New Testament. He was dying and his sisters went to Jesus to ask for his help. By the time Jesus arrived Lazarus was dead. Jesus however called him to walk forth from his tomb, and he did.
Lenny Bruce (Junk Shop Clothes, Lenny Valentino)
Lenny Bruce was a controversial American comedian. Born in 1924, as Leonard Alfred Schneider, he died of a drug overdose in 1966. He was continuosly both lauded and condemned for his stage act. At one time he was charged with obsenity and brought to court.
Lenny Valentino (Lenny Valentino)
An amalgam of Lenny Bruce and Ruddy Valentino.
Neptune (The Child Brides)
The Roman God of the Sea.
Reuters (Everything You Say Will Destroy You)
A world-wide news organisation that provides news and stories to newspapers and television around the world.
Rudolph Valentino (Lenny Valentino)
Born in Italy in 1895, Ruddy Valentino was the biggest star in Hollywood by the time he died in 1926. His stunning good looks attracted him a large female following despite allegations about his sexuality. Jailed once as a bigamist, his popularity was at it's height when he died.
Susan Atkins (X-Boogie Man)
Susan Atkins was a follower of Charles Manson. She was convicted of a part in the murder of, I believe, Rosemary LaBianca. There are many claims as to her innocence; she does however still remain in prison.
The Red Lion (Dead Sea Navigators)
The most common pub name in Britain. Therefore a good 'generic' title.
Toulouse Lautrec (Chinese Bakery)
An artist born in France in 1872, he was the victim of a genetic bone disorder. His ill-health and a later addiction to alcohol didn't help him in his adult years. Despite this he enjoyed a great reputation as an artist.
Truman Capote (Daughter Of A Child)
Truman Capote was a writer. Born in New Orleans in 1924, he is best known as the author of the novella 'Breakfast at Tiffanys' and for the non-fiction novel 'In Cold Blood', about two drifters who killed a family in Kansas. He died in 1984.