History and defining moments
Stories and turning points associated with December 31st, placed together in an enjoyable journey through time.
A gift made for their exact birthday
The Birthday Book: December 31st
December 31st is more than a square on the calendar. This substantial hardback gathers a world of stories connected to that precise date into one thoughtful birthday gift.
- Completely date-specific - not the same book with a different cover
- Approximately 150 pages to read, share and return to
- Hardback format designed to feel like a proper keepsake
This edition is still being created. Request it and we’ll prioritise the dates people want most.
Inside the December 31st edition
The story of one date, seen from every angle
This edition is researched and written specifically for December 31st. Its contents follow the people, moments and cultural memories linked to the date, creating a book that feels personal without needing names or photographs added.
Music, film, television and sport
Culture and entertainment connected to the day, giving readers plenty to recognise, remember and discuss.
Notable people who share the birthday
Remarkable lives linked by the same December birthday and the stories that made them memorable.
A lasting birthday keepsake
A beautifully presented hardback that works especially well for milestone birthdays and for someone who is difficult to buy for.
On this date
Five fascinating facts about December 31st
A small taste of the people, discoveries and defining moments connected to this exact day across history.
- 1909
The Manhattan Bridge, connecting Lower Manhattan to Downtown Brooklyn and considered to be the forerunner of modern suspension bridges, opened to traffic.
Read the source - 1983
Two Australian biologists published an article titled "A Synopsis of the Class Reptilia in Australia", initiating the Wells and Wellington affair.
Read the source - 1986
Three disgruntled employees set fire to the Dupont Plaza Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico, killing more than 90 people and injuring 140 others, making it the second-deadliest hotel fire in American history.
Read the source - 1999
In accordance with the Torrijos–Carter Treaties, Panama assumed full control of the Panama Canal Zone from the United States.
Read the source - 2004
Taipei 101 in Taipei, Taiwan, opened to the public as the world's tallest building.
Read the source
Historical selections adapted from Wikipedia's Selected Anniversaries pages under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence.
Questions about this edition
December 31st Birthday Book FAQs
Is the entire book about December 31st?
Yes. The contents are created around this date; it is not simply a standard interior with a different date printed on the cover.
Is it suitable for a milestone birthday?
Yes. Its hardback format and wide range of stories make it an especially thoughtful present for milestone birthdays.
How many pages does it contain?
The completed book contains approximately 150 pages of date-specific material.
What happens after I request it?
Your request is recorded so this date can be prioritised. We’ll contact you by email when the edition is ready to order.