Book Description
With annual sales of 200,000 copies, The Top 10 of Everything is clearly the place people go to get the lowdown on what or who was the best, worst, richest, fiercest, deadliest, or simply biggest of practically anything. It features 600 lists on a diverse range of subjects, from blockbuster movies and music to stellar universities, from crime and punishment to popular drinks. Find out which stars of stage and screen shone the brightest and which terrestrial animals weigh the most. See which habitable buildings are the tallest and which bodies are the largest in the solar system. Check out stats on airlines, crops, natural disasters, and sports. Some of the lists are entirely new; some are updated with the latest news, and all appear on attractively illustrated spreads with excellent background information. “First” and “Fast” fact boxes pinpoint the pioneers and the most recent achievers in various endeavors. It’s entertaining and educational!
Customer Reviews:
Just about everything here.......2007-05-27
Very entertaining and covered about every subject matter under the sun. This book was well researched and presented in an easy to read manner.
Fine if you do not take it too seriously .......2007-02-15
It is perhaps a bit unfair to criticize a work for 'hyping itself' when exaggeration and outdoing are part of its very subject. i.e. I would maintain that there are very important areas of life in which making lists of top - ten are absurd i.e. the ten top kindest people in the world. There is also the fact that in most things 'listing a top ten' means making a kind of subjective judgment. Consider choosing the top ten writers of all time. The English - speaking world would have no trouble with the first one, Shakespeare. The French would hear nothing of this .The Russians or some of them might agree. But a candidate for the number two position of world's great writers, and arguably the greatest novelist mankind has known, Tolstoy could not stand Shakespeare considered him immoral.
This reservation aside the 'Top Ten Book' can be a lot of fun if not taken too seriously. It can also provide a lot of information .It does try to be more 'factually based' than most works of this kind. It is certainly not among the most Top Ten reference- books of all time, but may well be among the 'Top Ten books' whose subject is the 'Top Ten of Everything'
Interesting book of lists which include anything worldwide!.......2007-01-11
We have all enjoyed reading segments of this book. The lists are surprising and very enlightening. Many vast areas of knowledge compiled in this terrific book. A great gift!
Entertaining and Educational.......2007-01-03
This is the type of book that cures the curious George in all of us. Interested in movies? Learn which are the top studios. Still want more? Find out the Top Ten movies for each major studio. What films won the most oscars? Which films were nominated for the most? It's all here and then some. You get the picture. The information is wide open and global in it's scope with chapters entitled The Universe and The Earth(aren't we a part of the universe, just wondering), Life on Earth, The Human World, Town and Country, Culture, Music, Stage and Screen, Commercial World, Transportation and Tourism and Sports. Anywhere from seven to twenty categories are within each subject chapter with Sports toping the list. I found this book to be very entertaining and educational as I learned many things that I was unaware of; it is good to have all this type of information in one convenient place. You can straighten out some misconceptions or errors in what you believe to be true. For example, I was under the impression tha Mexico City was the largest city(and capital city too) in the world and it is not; Tokyo, Japan has that distinction. Who has the largest defense budget? You guessed it, the good old U.S.A. This book may especially be helpful for students and in some cases may stimulate further learning about certain subjects. For example, most people might guess that Bill Gates is the man with the most personal wealth but who is the richest woman ? Turns out it is a woman by the name of Liliane Bettencourt from France. Her source of wealth is L'Oreal, she's worth sixteen big ones, that's billions! A young girl might want to do a research paper on this woman for a class after learning initially about her wealth. There really is alot of cool information here. Considering this is the eighteeth year of annual publication "The Top Ten of Everything" has hooked upon a successful market. I think this book is good for students both young and old. Many schools dedicate a shorter period after lunch to reading and this book would be excellent for that quick read. Middle school to high school age students can benefit greatly from the information found in this book. It is conveyed in snapshots or snippets of information which requires very little reading and is made for skipping around from subject to subject by whatever catches your fancy. The color photographs are nicely done and appeal to the pop culture lust so many people seem to possess. However, the photgraphs of other cultures, nature and animals are also well done to present an overall stimulating visual appeal. Recommended for young curious minds that want ot know more about the world we live in.
Average customer rating:
- Great History
- Clear-eyed, if extremely conventional
- intriguing
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How Did it Really Happen (Readers Digest)
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Truth About History
ASIN: 0762102772
Release Date: 2001-09-06 |
Customer Reviews:
Great History.......2007-06-08
This book begings with the big bang and ends with the end of the world. In between are thousands of years of interesting historical occurances from the time before Christ to the death of Princess Diana. If you are interested in any aspect of History this book is for you
Clear-eyed, if extremely conventional.......2003-02-16
This fascinating book is a look at many historical mysteries and misunderstandings, ranging from the Big Bang, through the "real" George Washington, and on to the death of Princess Diana. Along the way, conspiracies are debunked and misinformation is swept away. Each topic is given between two and ten pages, with many colorful pictures and informational sidebars being tossed in.
Overall, I found this to be a fascinating read. If you have any pet conspiracies, then this book will disappoint you. But, if you are interested in a clear-eyed, if extremely conventional, look at a group of historical mysteries, then this book is for you.
intriguing.......2002-09-09
This book covers a wide range of mysteries and conspiracy theories,and is very interesting.Don't hesitate to buy it if you are at all interested in the unexplained.
Amazon.com
Historic trivia is fascinating stuff. The secret to great trivia reporting is not just in the gathering of the details, however, but in the presentation. Organization is vital, because without an appealing structure, the mind won't grapple with the facts. The human brain needs an inviting presentation to wrap around any new information, and this is what D'Epiro and Pinkowish have done. It's why their compilation of 107 cultural questions is so beguiling.
The elemental secret of their innovative table of contents is the use of numbers. Starting with three and working their way up (with a gap here and there) to 24, they pose a series of intriguing questions which are then answered to everyone's satisfaction on the indicated pages. What are the three Laws of Thermodynamics? Who were the three Furies? and What are the three ages of Vico's historical cycle? These are the sorts of queries they present in the chapter entitled Three. Further chapters inquire after the four properties of a musical tone, the six flavors of quarks, the seven Virtues, the 12 Labors of Heracles, the 14 Points of Woodrow Wilson, and the unofficial Homeric titles of the 18 chapters of Ulysses.
While the questions are appealing in and of themselves, the answers are even better. Going far beyond mere lists, they delve into the histories and texts, the theories and significance of each. The question is the hook, but the answer is the prize, riveting you with more information than you'd anticipated, reminding you of the joy of learning. --Stephanie Gold
Book Description
Can you name...Newton's 3 laws of motion?The 4 horsemen of the Apocalypse?The 5 pillars of Islam? The 6 wives of Henry VIII?The 7 kinds of plane triangles? The 8 Beatitudes?If you're not sure about the answers to the above, this is the book for you. A compendium of 101 culturally significant particulars from the fields of mythology, religion, literature, history, science, mathematics, art, and music, What Are the 7 Wonders of the World? is a stimulating fusion of facts and fun that makes for an invaluable reference and an entertaining diversion.
Questions are grouped in sections according to the number of items in their answer (all the 3s, all the 4s, all the 5s, etc.), so that the answers are in the form of easily memorized lists. You won't find Luther's 95 theses, or the 264 Popes, for example, but you will find everything from the 3 sons of Adam and Eve all the way up to the 24 letters of the ancient Greek alphabet.
This clever format lends itself well to quizzing and guessing, which gives it a deliciously sophisticated parlor-game quality. But for those who wish to delve a little deeper, there are thoughtful essays to go with each answer that include fascinating details and place the list in its larger cultural or historical context. Much more than a book of trivia, What Are the 7 Wonders of the World? offers a grand overview of the knowledge needed to appreciate many of the finest things in our cultural and intellectual life.
Customer Reviews:
7 Wonders of the World.......2007-05-14
Absolutley superb trivia book. Saat down and read it in my FIRST sitting. Very enjoyable. Great seller, too; very fast turnaround time!
A Potpourri of Interesting Questions.......2006-09-25
This is a clever little volume which, for the most part, I enjoyed. Essentially, it is 101 questions (see the title for an example) with answers provided in short, generally engaging essays. For a triviophile like myself, it provided a lot of interesting stuff, though it's not really a book to be read straight through. Instead, taking a few questions a night should prevent information overload.
In addition, the book does have a few weakness. First, there is the unavoidable one of the selection of questions. Depending on your tastes, some questions will likely be less interesting than others. Also, the authors have the occasional tendency to throw in a judgement with their answers which can rankle, especially in the religious realm. Finally, there is the feeling that some of the questions are a bit of a stretch, shaped to fit the format the authors have chosen.
Still, I don't get the sense that the book is meant to be a reference work. It is meant to be an engaging exploration of a potpourri of interesting questions. In that respect, it works quite well.
Really interesting book.......2006-03-26
This book is wonderfull. It doesnt matter what you are interested in, you will enjoy this book. In this book there is everything from what are the three sons of Adam and Eve to what are the 24 letters of the greek alphabet. You will always find something interesting in this book.
Not your typical book of lists.......2006-01-02
I found this interesting book via a book club I belong to. I've used it extensively in research for debating as well as writing fanfiction. Encyclopedic in nature (it covers a wealth of subjects from history to science to the arts) and intelligently written, I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys learning.
Not Your Average History Book.......2005-08-07
I noticed this book in a library. After seeing a couple of pages, I knew I had to have this book. I bought the book a week later. It is definitely not your average history book filled with the same ol' dates and figures. It has a wide array of interesting facts that span thousands of years. If you enjoy reading and you want to gain true knowledge, this is definitely the book for you.
Customer Reviews:
Answering life's deeper questions..........2005-06-09
The Imponderables book series by David Feldman is the pinnacle of interesting and useful bathroom reading! Since the beginning of the series, Feldman has been highlighting questions that we didn't even know we had (like exactly why is it that a mile is 5,280 feet? and where is Donald Duck's brother?) then he finds "the experts" on any given subject to answer the question. At the end of each question and answer, you are left with a little better insight into the world around you (and you can go out and impress your friends with an expanded catalog of obscure anecdotes).
These books are fantastic overall. They are one part almanac, one part encyclopedia and one part a book form of the show Mythbusters. Many of the questions Feldman seeks the answers to are sent to him by his many readers who want to know about these little-known facts (like why there are 18 holes in a golf course and why tennis balls are fuzzy). Okay, these may not be the most important questions in the world, but these are the things we take for granted in everyday life that we normally don't take the time to stop and think (why is that little finger on our hands called the pinky?).
Feldman has been answering these questions since the first Imponderables in 1986. He has a masters degree in popular culture from Bowling Green State University in Ohio and taught to first ever college course on Soap Operas. If you enjoy trivia, David Feldman is the man for you. He uncovers the hidden meanings and lost history of sports, food, words, science, politics, and everything in between, often in a humorous and insightful way.
So where did Oreos get their name?
What is the difference between Dead End signs and No Outlet signs?
Why does the letter K mean Strike Out in baseball?
You'll have to read the books to find out.
Answers to interesting little questions.......2004-01-25
If there are odd little things in your day-to-day existence that puzzle you, then this might be the book for you. It does not answer life's major mysteries, but it does a wonderful job of answering the little ones. Do you wonder what the 'Q' stands for in Q-tip? Have you pondered whether cats have navels? Do you puzzle over why there is a worm in the bottom of some tequila bottles? Have you questioned why there are no purple Christmas lights? I could go on and on, but you get the idea. These little imponderables, and many more, are collected here in one volume from three of David Feldman's earlier out-of-print books.
Besides imponderables with answers, there is also a section on "frustrables," or those imponderables that even the author's research could not uncrack. These include such mysteries as why doctors have illegible handwriting. Readers are invited to provide explanations to these unanswered questions, and there is an update in the back of each book section with reader's answers. Readers are also encouraged to pose questions of their own for inclusion in future books.
This collection is not only a lot of fun, but a good source of trivia as well. It is the kind of book you can open at random and find enlightenment, entertainment, and a chuckle or two all in the space of several pages. If you are a fan of Cecil Adam's "The Straight Dope" you will find Feldman's Imponderables a great way to round out your general trivia collection.
Eileen Rieback
Plan on sleepless nights because you can't put it down........2001-11-10
David Feldman has yet another winner with this book. Personally I have loved his Imponderables books and this is the largest collection to date. What are Imponderables? Well, to be brief, they are the questions that everyone seems to ask at one time or another, but would not have the first idea where to find the answer. For example, why do weather thermometers use red mercury and medical thermometers use red mercury? Why are peanuts listed under the ingredients of plain M&Ms? Can one spider get stuck in the web of another one? While the questions are trivial this is not like traditional trivia. Among other things, my trivia books are always where I left them. People pick it up read a few and put it down. Then later they may pick it up again and read a few more. With this book I have a hard time keeping track of where the book is located. People pick it up read a few, can't put it down and take it with them to another room. By the couch, by the chair, in a bedroom, in the kitchen, in the bathroom, who knows where it ends up? Part of the fun is also being a child again. The questions are the same kind of things that children ask when they are innocent and not afraid to ask questions about anything. Get in touch with the child inside you and ask the questions that you wouldn't ask anymore as an adult.... Do Penguins have knees?
A Highly Entertaining Read.......2001-08-30
When you read this book, you encounter questions you never really thought about but once you read them, they really make you wonder. For example:
Was Ben gay?
It was invented by Dr. Ben Gué and originally called Baume Gué.
What flavor is original bubble gum?
wintergreen, vanilla, and cassia
Why do we wave Polaroid prints?
Back then, Polaroid prints used to be covered with a tacky polymer and we used to wave them to dry. For some reason, we've retained the trait.
Besides interesting questions, David Feldman also has a great sense of humor that will keep you laughing. I highly recommend this book. Now if anybody can tell me why we close our eyes when we kiss. Any answers?
Average customer rating:
- Entertaining but how true?
- Fascinating
- Fascinating light reading
- Good book but heavy Brittish emphasis
- Molly's Memory of this book
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Top 10 of Everything 2002
Russell Ash
Manufacturer: DK ADULT
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0789480425 |
Book Description
The worst storms, the richest rulers, the fastest cars, the highest jumps, the deadliest snakes, the brightest stars, the hottest hits. A great new 2002 edition of the best-selling guide to the top "pick-of-the-lists" and record breakers-completely revised and updated. Outstanding coverage of sports, music, film, and television. Over 1,000 Top 10 lists based on the latest research by leading experts. Bursting with astounding, thought-provoking and hilarious facts on every subject under the sun. A treat for trivia lovers and statistics buffs and an indispensable general knowledge guide for all the family.
Customer Reviews:
Entertaining but how true?.......2002-07-23
Bought this book beacuse it seemed interesting and it has since inspired some good conversations. BUT and its a big one, the list seem to hold little merit and often make little sense. A list on one page about Libraries that are largest(public or private? didnt specify) didnt match up with the list on the following page about Private libraries that were largest even though there was over lap. I was disappointed and as i went along i felt like some of the lists were fabricated at best.
Fascinating.......2002-01-15
If you love books, this one had the top 10 listings for libraries in the world and for the best selling books and literary awards. Like J.K. Rowling and Jack Canfield took up all of the top Children's book spots for the top 10 Children's Books in 2000.
Which made me think there must be a real spiritual hunger and also a need to escape reality. The Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul I, II and II all made the list. Of course I don't keep up with these sorts of things on a consistent basis, so a book is always helpful.
The "Who wants to be a Millionaire" board game also made the top of the board games list. That is one fun game! If you have a favorite actor, you can look up all their films and find out the year they were made.
There are quite a few quiz questions that have multiple choice answers. The "Did You Know?" entries focus on offbeat sidelights on the subjects being discussed.
The Contents Include:
The Universe & The Earth -stars, islands, weather, natural disasters, etc.
Life on Earth - animals and nature
The Human World - human body, health, lifestyle, marriage and divorce, names, The Nobel prize, criminal records, military matters, religions
Town & Country - populations, world cities, states of the US, tallest buildings, bridges
Culture & Learning - word power, children at school, higher education, libraries, book records, literary awards, the press, toys & games, art on show, art on sale, 20th century artists, women artists, objects of desire
Music & Musicians - popular songs, chart hits, chart toppers, singles, hit albums, female singers, all-time greats, top of the pops, music genres, gold and platinum disks, classical and opera.
Stage & Screen - Film hits, film genres, Oscar-winning films, stars, leading ladies, directors & writers, studios, animation, radio, top TV, top video
Commerce & Industry - Wealth of Nations, workers of the world, companies, advertising, retail, natural resources, energy, environment, science, invention, communication, The World Wide Web, Hazards, Industrial Disasters, food, sweet dreams, beverages
On the Move - Speed records, cars, road transport, road accidents, rail transport, water transport, air records, air transport, world tourism
The Sports World - summer Olympics, winter Olympics, football facts, athletic achievements, basketball bests, combat sports, baseball teams, baseball stars, International soccer, free wheelers, racing, golfing greats, horse racing, hockey highlights, what a racket, water sports, winter sports, sports trivia
Beautiful layout, plenty of pictures and lots of fun!
Fascinating light reading.......2002-01-05
Although it can be used as a reference book to look things up, it's the type of book that demands browsing. Just open it up on any random page and you'll be hooked. Lots of lists compare various countries of the world, but this is the U.S. edition which contains many U.S.-specific lists where U.K. lists appear in the British edition. I have the Canadian edition myself, which is different again.
Good book but heavy Brittish emphasis.......2001-12-16
Lovely book, lots of fun, but I feel I must warn American readers that many of the lists (top ten of this or that)are often in terms of England and the British Isles. I know that some Americans find this somewhat frustrating, so forewarned is fore-armed!
Molly's Memory of this book.......2001-11-20
This was an intresting book that will keep you and your friends questioning for hours!
Average customer rating:
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The 5 W's: Why?: An Omnium-Gatherum of World Wars & World Series, Superstitions & Psychoses, the Tooth Fairy Rule & Turkey City Lexicon & Other of Life's Wherefores (The 5 W's)
Erin McHugh
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100 Words Almost Everyone Confuses and Misuses (The 100 Words)
ASIN: 1402725736 |
Book Description
Why do mosquitos love to bites us so much? Why does baseball have a seven-inning stretch? And why do some countries drive on the left of the road? Get the details and data needed to answer an incredible range of questions, from everyday queries to philosophical conundrums.
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Firsts and Foremosts (Questions and Answers About)
Anita Generi
Manufacturer: Barrons Juveniles
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0812062922 |
Book Description
Browsers and young students alike will enjoy these lively question and answer books with their unique mix of realistic illustration and engaging cartoons. The enticing questions will amaze, amuse and inspire, while the highly visual format encourages kids to keep reading.
Customer Reviews:
Wonder Why Triceratops Had Horns:.......2007-01-04
Even though the title above also has (and Other Questions About Dinosaurs). I bought the book for a school project my daughter had. The title is deceiving because it gives you the impression that it talks more about Triceratops when only a page or less is about triceratops the rest are of the types of dinosaurs. So, I was a bit dissapointed with this book.
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Time Almanac with Information Please 2007
