For lovers of facts, students of popular culture, history buffs, and science enthusiasts, the fascinating stories behind 500 everyday items, expressions, and customs--from Kleenex to steak sauce, Barbie Dolls to honeymoons.
Extraordinary Origins of Everyday Things
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More About the Author
Charles Panati is a physicist, and for many years was the science editor of Newsweek. He's published 13 non-fiction books, and two novels, and his most recent novel, a psychological thriller, THE ROCKY HORRORS, is available at the Kindle Store. His 'Browser's Book of Beginnings' was the basis for the TV show THE START OF SOMETHING BIG, hosted by comedian Steve Allen, and written by Panati. In his early twenties, Panati was an escort for several Miss America contestants, and in September of 1965 the girl he escorted, Debbie Irene Bryant, became Miss America of 1966. In his newest fiction, THE ROCKY HORRORS, the science of genetics, one experimenter's hubris, and a seriously dysfunctional family all commingle to produce a story of hair-raising suspense - all concluding in a triple whammy of an ending. One the reader never sees coming. Imagine Alfred Hitchcock meets The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Panati's most recent non-fiction is also a Kindle book: ANIMALS PRAY - In Their Own Way. As a passionate animal lover, Panati has imagined what prayers animals would say to a Heavenly Being, their joys and laments. As well as what kind of Bill of Rights they'd have drawn up, and Declaration of Independence, their Golden Rule, Ten Commandments, Eight Beatitudes, and the like. He calls himself an 'editor' of the book, a confidant and complier, lending his ear as the animals themselves speak their minds.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
53 of 56 people found the following review helpful
By puffinswan
Format:Paperback
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.
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.
28 of 30 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
I didn't learn this much history in school. It is amazing to learn that customs we practice today have their roots hundreds, even thousands of years ago. Ages high school to 100 will enjoy this book.
22 of 23 people found the following review helpful
By Jay Friedman
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This review needn't be long, for the title tells it all. Whether you want to know the origin of blue jeans, dental floss or a comb, you'll find it here. Because for some reason or another, I am on an unfulfillable quest to always know more and more, this is the type of book I love, and one I'd recommend more than any of the others I've read.
The book is broken up very nicely into setions so the thoughts are coherent and the content flows. This is actually a book you can read before bed or on the train - rather than others written in similar style, but that are better for reference.
Enjoy.
The book is broken up very nicely into setions so the thoughts are coherent and the content flows. This is actually a book you can read before bed or on the train - rather than others written in similar style, but that are better for reference.
Enjoy.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
Not Extraordinary Enough
I ordered this book for my pastor because his was old and falling apart. He is in his 70s and told me that it was one of his favorite books. I ordered one for myself, too. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Abigail Lewis
5.0 out of 5 stars
How can anyone live without this book?
I keep purchasing this book over and over because when my friends see it they want it! Fun, accurate and fascinating. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Sarah Brownell
5.0 out of 5 stars
Extraordinary
I had this book for many years but lost it somewhere. I gladly bought another copy. I write articles for a newsletter and these excerpts are not only interesting but they make... Read more
Published 2 months ago by W. Herod
5.0 out of 5 stars
You won't be able to put it down.
I love knowing little known facts and this book is excellant. Easy to read and very interesting. You'll want to read it again and again
Published 2 months ago by Ina J Beardsley
5.0 out of 5 stars
Grreat Bathroom Material
This is the perfect gift for the person that has and knows everything. Goods trivia facts to impress your friends and family
Published 2 months ago by A User
3.0 out of 5 stars
Neat
This was fun at first but it got old pretty quick. It is definately interesting for quick pick ups but not to read.
Published 3 months ago by Tommy
5.0 out of 5 stars
again I love to learn all these random facts
I love these books that teach you real stuff in ways you can retain it and then regurgitate it on command in any setting when you need something to say. Read more
Published 4 months ago by barbie
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good coffee table book
Well researched. Very interesting origins of things. I hope the author comes out with a second and maybe third editions!
Published 4 months ago by David Ganio
1.0 out of 5 stars
Disappointed
Perhaps it's my fault as this was not at all what I was looking for. What I really was looking for was a book that tells where "sayings" come from, like "Your name will be Mudd",... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Holli A. Hendrickson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Extraordinary Origins of Everyday Things
Most people do things without even thinking about: How it got started or Why do we do that? This book explains where some of these things got started. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Zoomscan
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