Reading List

July 31, 2010


The Amazing Book of History

Or maybe better put – the Amazing Book of Weird History Trivia. This might be called a "Coffee Table Book" – but I'll bet it was really designed for exactly what I used it for – a book to contemplate while using the toilet. Yep, over 400 pages of toilet trivia. But it was – enlightening.

It is a great book if you want to know the trivia side of – say –
Mummies from Egypt – and why Joseph Smith's finding of the Book of Abraham papyrus is not as farfetched as it may sound.
Why the Nobel Peace prize and dynamite are closely related.
The real story behind the Pied Piper.
Where Mother Goose comes from.
What were the seven wonders of the ancient world, and who originally made the list.
The story of the Oklahoma land rush.
Why seductive, manipulative women are called Jezebels.
The history of the Smithsonian, Louvre and the London Museum of Natural History
How animals have actually been put on trial and why.
More than you ever wanted to know about the Black Plague.
What was this thing called the War of the Roses.
And speaking of wars, what was the 100 Year War, the 48 Minute War and the Boer War.
What really happened to all of the passenger pigeons, and why.
If Rasputin was really a mad monk, a sex crazed crazy, or just misunderstood.
How about a short history of the Knights Templar.
Where was the first World's Fair – and how has it changed your life.
Did Cleopatra really get bit in the asp – I mean by an asp.
What was the biggest piece of cheese ever served in the White House.
How did ancient people conduct "biological warfare".

These and many more bits of worthless knowledge can be yours in 2 to 3 page bits – just enogh to contemplate at one sitting.
Needless to say – it is not on anyone's must read list – but it could keep you from wasting a lot of time.