“Perhaps nobody has changed the course of history as much as the historians.”
Franklin P. Jones, American journalist
1. The earliest surviving dated printed book was produced in China
On this day in history in 868 The earliest surviving dated printed book was produced in China. The “Diamond Sutra” is one of the most important texts in Mahayana Buddhism. The British Library in London presently houses the copy.
2. The musical Cats was premiered
On this day in history in 1981 The musical Cats was premiered. The piece sparked a musical craze around the world and catapulted the composer Andrew Lloyd Webber to stardom.
3. 6 football fans died in a stadium fire
On this day in history in 1985 56 football fans died in a stadium fire.
During a match against Lincoln City, the wooden stands at Valley Parade football ground went up in flames. The exits were locked. A burning cigarette thrown into a waste bin has been determined as the probable cause of the disaster.
4. ValuJet flight 592 crashed into the Florida Everglades shortly after takeoff
On this day in history in 1996 ValuJet flight 592 crashed into the Florida Everglades shortly after takeoff. All 110 people on board lost their lives in the crash that was caused by a fire in the cargo compartment.
5. India executed a series of nuclear weapons tests
On this day in history in 1998 India executed a series of nuclear weapons tests. The detonations raised fears of a nuclear conflict in the area and sparked international protests. On May 13, 1998, India officially declared itself a nuclear power.
