Panati's Extraordinary Origins of Everyday Things

Rating:
Summary: trivia at its finest
Review: If you enjoy trivia and unusual
facts, then Charles Panati's
Extraordinary Origins of
Everyday Things, is the perfect
book. I have read other trivia books and I can say without
hesitation that Mr. Panati produces the best of the genre.
Many trivia books list a dry and uninspired fact sheet.
Panati, however, avoids this common pitfall and instead
entertains us with unusual and well researched trivia about
the history or origin of many everyday items and customs.
His books are formatted into logical chapter groupings
that easily flow from one topic to another. The book
is a pleasure to read and it teaches you in a pain free
style, answering questions that until now you couldn't find
answers for! Panati's words will both enlighten and
enchant you.

Rating:
Summary: A Myriad of Facts
Review: Informative, amusing, and easy to read, this book turns you into one of those people who can recite interesting random facts in almost any conversation.

Rating:
Summary: Great for a Christmas grab bag gift.
Review: One of the surgeon's I work for recommended this book so I bought several for grab bag gifts for Christmas.

It is a really fun gift for anyone.

Rating:
Summary: A Fascinating Book That You Never Get Tired of Reading
Review: Step by step explanation how many of the things from the past came to be. It sits on the bookcase with it's dogged eared pages, ready to be used again and again for what ever information one of the family would like to know. Be it about an everyday items in the house, something heard on the TV, read in the newspaper or a book. This book hasn't missed. (Makes me wonder what will be in the second version.)

Rating:
Summary: It answered a few of my daughter's 'WHY' questions.
Review: Step by step explanation how many of the things from the past came to be. It sits on the bookcase with it's dogged eared pages, ready to be used again and again for what ever information one of the family would like to know. Be it about an everyday items in the house, something heard on the TV, read in the newspaper or a book. This book hasn't missed. (Makes me wonder what will be in the second version.)

Rating:
Summary: Needs A Fact-Checker
Review: This book contains much that is fascinating and useful. Unfortunately some misinformation has slipped past the editors (of my edition, at least). For example, it repeats the false rumour that the rhyme "Ring Around the Rosie" is about the Bubonic plague; actually the song originated in 19th century America and describes a ring dance. There are enough of these errors to cast doubt on the other "origins" in this book, entertaining though they might be.

Rating:
Summary: perfect reader
Review: This is one of the best books for people who want to know more about everything out there. Potato chips, Blubeard, Valentines Day. This book talks about it all, its worth it.

Rating:
Summary: My All-Time Favorite Book
Review: This was a gift to me from my parents well over ten years ago and is a book I still read occasionally. Believe it or not, it represents the single most important positive influence in my education. I realize that most first time readers will not be impressionable elementary-school children like I was, but I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't be able to find this book an enjoyable read.

Rating:
Summary: My whole family has used this book for years
Review: When I use this book in school or university people always marvel ask where I got such unique information