Bubble Gum and Hula Hoops: The Origins of Objects in Our Everyday Lives [Paperback]

Harry Oliver (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 5, 2010

The fascinating and funny origins of everyday objects-bliss for history hounds, language lovers and trivia buffs.

In this delightful volume, Harry Oliver reveals the most unusual and unexpected stories behind the household necessities, toys, common objects, technological advances, and everyday items we all take for granted. Who hasn't wondered:

?Whether Thomas Crapper really invented the toilet

?What accident led to the invention of the microwave

?Why it took nearly twenty years for someone to finally decide to slice bread

?How laziness resulted in the invention of the dishwasher

?Which discovery made the milkshake possible

?Which king's fancy for his mistress inspired the first elevator

Editorial Reviews

Review

About the Author

Writer and editor Harry Oliver is the author of the forthcoming titles March Hares and Monkeys' Uncles and Black Cats and April Fools. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Perigee Trade; Reprint edition (January 5, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399535624
• ISBN-13: 978-0399535628
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 4.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,816,826 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Disappointingly elementary, October 17, 2010

By 

Sharon "Business Lady" (Indianapolis, IN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bubble Gum and Hula Hoops: The Origins of Objects in Our Everyday Lives (Paperback)

The cover promises, "In this intriguing volume, Harry Oliver reveals the most diverting and amusing stories that lie behind the objects and inventions we take for granted..". I found neither diversion nor amusement in the one or two paragraphs for each topic. I honestly don't know why the publisher even agreed to (presumably) pay for such a poorly researched piece. You would do much better to take the first Google search or Wikipedia reference available than to check out this book.

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent, June 26, 2011

By 

D - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bubble Gum and Hula Hoops: The Origins of Objects in Our Everyday Lives (Paperback)

I think this book is excellent. It makes for great cocktail party talk and the paragraphs are the perfect length for use in public speaking presentations. It provides vignettes that would make a child interested in history.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Bubble Gum and Hula Hoops...and contraceptive devices, July 20, 2010

By 

Eric Tublin - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bubble Gum and Hula Hoops: The Origins of Objects in Our Everyday Lives (Paperback)

A nice collection of snippets--but be aware that the title and cartoon-style cover can be deceiving. Before purchasing for a child who enjoys books of this type, be aware that this may lead to a discussion you're not prepared for when they reach page 129.