This paperback reprint of the 2007 second edition (a few reviews above) lists 12 significant people born on each day of the year (including February 29), and includes a quotation from each person that allows a glimpse of their personality. For each date, a diverse dozen speakers were chosen, based on: prominence; quality of the quotation; uniqueness of the speaker (gender, time period, nationality, vocation); and conflicting social, political, religious or philosophical background. ("The quotations ... reflect and encompass the contradictions, complexities, wisdom, humor, pleasure, and prejudices of human life"--American Reference Books Annual.) In addition to those quoted, each entry lists other significant individuals born on that day.