History and defining moments
Stories and turning points associated with July 17th, placed together in an enjoyable journey through time.
A gift made for their exact birthday
The Birthday Book: July 17th
July 17th 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 July 17th edition
The story of one date, seen from every angle
This edition is researched and written specifically for July 17th. 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 July 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 July 17th
A small taste of the people, discoveries and defining moments connected to this exact day across history.
- 1850
William Cranch Bond and John Adams Whipple took a daguerreotype of Vega, the first astrophotograph of a star other than the Sun.
Read the source - 1862
The garrotting and robbery of James Pilkington, a British member of Parliament, led to a moral panic in London.
Read the source - 1918
Russian Revolution: Tsar Nicholas II and his family were murdered by Bolsheviks at Yekaterinburg.
Read the source - 1944
Laden with munitions for World War II, two ships exploded at the Port Chicago Naval Magazine in California, killing 320 people and injuring more than 400 others.
Read the source - 2014
Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 was shot down over eastern Ukraine, killing all 298 people on board.
Read the source
Historical selections adapted from Wikipedia's Selected Anniversaries pages under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence.
Questions about this edition
July 17th Birthday Book FAQs
Is the entire book about July 17th?
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.