History and defining moments
Stories and turning points associated with October 20th, placed together in an enjoyable journey through time.
A gift made for their exact birthday
The Birthday Book: October 20th
October 20th 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 October 20th edition
The story of one date, seen from every angle
This edition is researched and written specifically for October 20th. 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 October 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 October 20th
A small taste of the people, discoveries and defining moments connected to this exact day across history.
- 1936
British woman Mabel Freer was refused entry to Australia after failing a dictation test given in Italian, leading to a debate over Australia's immigration policy.
Read the source - 1944
World War II: Fulfilling a promise he made two years previously, General Douglas MacArthur landed on Leyte to begin the recapture of the Philippines.
Read the source - 1973
Watergate scandal: Attorney General Elliot Richardson and his deputy William Ruckelshaus resigned after refusing to obey President Richard Nixon's order to have Archibald Cox fired.
Read the source - 2022
Protests broke out across Chad after President Mahamat Déby declared his intentions to extend his rule by another two years.
Read the source - 2024
Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka were sworn in as president and vice president of Indonesia, becoming the oldest and the youngest person to assume respective offices.
Read the source
Historical selections adapted from Wikipedia's Selected Anniversaries pages under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence.
Questions about this edition
October 20th Birthday Book FAQs
Is the entire book about October 20th?
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.