1455 Mainz (German), Technology: The first print run of the so-called Gutenberg Bible began, the first European book printed with metal, moveable type rather than carved wooden blocks of text. Perhaps fifty copies survive of a print run of about 150. It was not a commercial success for Johannes Gutenberg.
1940 Okemah (Oklahoma), Music: Woody Guthrie wrote the song ‘This Land is Your Land.’ He intended it to be a response to Irving Berlin’s paean ‘God Bless America.’ It became a working class anthem, which inspired the likes of Bob Dylan. Notice the sticker on the guitar.
1963 Vienna, Music: Luciano Pavarotti made his debut in ‘La Traviata’ with a voice like an all-enveloping ocean, said one critic.
1970 Perth, Technology: The Indian Pacific train left for Perth from Sydney on its inaugural run. The trip was made for the first time without changing rains or stopping. It had taken ten years for the South and Western Australia tracks to be converted to match the Australian National standard. The trip takes about seventy-two hours in all. Never done it. Never been tempted to do so.
1981 Madrid, Politics: King Juan Carlos went on television to demand that the uniformed rebels who, having shot their way into parliament had seized hostages, lay down their arms, and ordered the remainder of the Army to abide by the constitution. It was a risk that no one would obey this ersatz king to whom many referred as ‘The Swiss’ and the backstage story must have been tense. Below is a still photograph from that broadcast. This was the farce that followed the tragedy of the Spanish Civil War.
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