The Mental Floss History of the World
An Irreverent Romp Through Civilization's Best Bits
by Erik Sass
Mem. Ed. $11.99
Pub. Ed. $23.95
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The Mental Floss History of the World
Did you know that the first Loch Ness monster sighting was reported by an Irish monk in 565? Or that Italian was Napoleon’s first language? Or that Vikings decidedly avoided wearing horned helmets into battle? Accurate, engaging and irreverent, The Mental Floss History of the World opens the door to history’s private parlor where you’ll see major human achievements paired with the saddest of spectacles—from the Mayans’ inexplicably accurate map of the universe and the Egyptian invention of the contraceptive to Joe McCarthy’s hunt for communists and the creation of the worldwide web. In addition to telling the fascinating story of human history, it includes helpful timelines and statistics throughout the book to put it all into perspective. This raucous romp through history clears up a number of misconceptions (for example, that the Dark Ages was a time of cultural stagnation) and reinforces a few others (of course the Romans had orgies!). And readers will cross paths with the likes of Charles the Fat, Louis the Stammerer, and Pepin the Short (all 3' 6" of him). The Mental Floss History of the World provides a close and entertaining look at human history in all its majesty—and travesty.
Hardcover: 464 pages
Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers ( November 01, 2008 )
Item #: 22-3627
ISBN: 9780060784775
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.25 x 0.0 inches
Product Weight: 18.0 ounces
Irreverent but good!
January 22, 2009
While this work deals with the serious subject of history, it does what other books generally do not and that is "To point out the fascinating, entertaining, baffling and sometimes naughty tidbits contained in our past. It is a veritable treasure trove of such historical jewels. So if you ever wanted to know about the ancient Babylonian goddess of beer or What really went on at a Roman Orgy, this is the book for you. However if you are a devoutly religious person i must warn you that this book does not always paint the history of religion, christianity included in the most flattering of lights. The book is not an exhaustive text by any means but it crams an awful lot of information between is covers. The style is easy to read, humorous and factual with a layout that will be familiar to anyone that has ever read a "For Dummies" book. Altogether i enjoyed this book and would recommend it especially for those who like to dazle ones friends with the odd bit of historical trivia.
Reviewer: Darrell R
History in Perspective
January 13, 2009
Mental Floss provides an excellent review of history, mixing the facts with amusing sidebar and little know tid-bits that are as facinating as they are fun. The style is readable and thought provoking. Information is broken down by historic era, allowing the reader to have a clear comparative of the globe's development, as opposed to volumes that teach history in national isolation. An informative and stimulating read.
Reviewer: Monica A
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