British writer and journalist Jonathan Swift is born. He is known for satirical travelogue novel Gulliver's Travels.

In 1835 Mark Twain, American author whose real name was Samuel Clemens, is born. He wrote humorous verses, novels about travelling and villains. His most famous works are The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

In 1840 collector of Slovenian folk songs Andrej Smole dies.

In 1874 British Conservative politician and statesman Winston Churchill is born. Before the start of the World War II he lambasted England's friendly policy towards Hitler. After the fall of France in 1940 he began to oppose the Axis powers, and a year later he made a friendly agreement with the Soviet Union.

In 1900 English writer Oscar Wilde dies. His best known works are The Picture of Dorian Gray and The Importance of Being Ernest.

In 1965 American actor Ben Stiller is born.

MUSIC HISTORY
1971 - Sly and The Family Stone are at the top of the American singles chart with 'Family Affair'.
1979 – the group Pink Floyd reveal their rock opera 'The Wall'.
1985 - Wham! Is No.1 on the British singles chart with 'I'm Your Man'.
1991 - Michael Jackson is at the top of the British albums chart with 'Dangerous'.

BORN ON THIS DAY
1954 - June Pointer, singer in the group Pointer sisters ('Jump').
1955 - singer Billy Idol (1987 'Mony Mony').
1986 – singer Des'ree ('Delicate').