History and defining moments
Stories and turning points associated with August 21st, placed together in an enjoyable journey through time.
A gift made for their exact birthday
The Birthday Book: August 21st
August 21st 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 August 21st edition
The story of one date, seen from every angle
This edition is researched and written specifically for August 21st. 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 August 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 August 21st
A small taste of the people, discoveries and defining moments connected to this exact day across history.
- 1717
Austro-Turkish War: Austrian troops under Prince Eugene of Savoy captured the strategically important city of Belgrade from the Ottoman Empire.
Read the source - 1808
Peninsular War: British and Portuguese forces put an end to the first French invasion of Portugal at the Battle of Vimeiro.
Read the source - 1942
World War II: The Imperial Japanese Army lost the Battle of the Tenaru, the first of its three major land offensives during the Guadalcanal campaign.
Read the source - 1963
South Vietnamese special forces loyal to Ngô Đình Nhu, the brother of President Ngô Đình Diệm, raided and vandalised Buddhist pagodas across the country, arresting thousands and leaving hundreds dead.
Read the source - 2015
Passengers on a Thalys train from Amsterdam to Paris confronted and subdued an attacker who attempted a mass shooting.
Read the source
Historical selections adapted from Wikipedia's Selected Anniversaries pages under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence.
Questions about this edition
August 21st Birthday Book FAQs
Is the entire book about August 21st?
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.