6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Absolutely Fascinating!, March 11, 2010
This review is from: Firsts: Origins of Everyday Things That Changed the World (Paperback)
Wilson's book includes a little bit of everything--from the origin of artificial organs to the origin of the first burger chain. I discovered so many intriguing "firsts" that I had never known before: That the first Advice Column dated back to 1898, that the fortune cookie was actually an American invention, and that Sir Barton was the first winner of the American Triple Crown. The origins of the birth control pill, the Caesarean Operation, and mouthwash were extremely interesting to say the least and more than a little disconcerting. The book includes some wonderful trivia such as the fact that some of the ashes of the astro-geologist Eugene Shoemaker are buried on the moon and the history behind the founding of the world's first pet cemetery. I love the fact that the material is alphabetically arranged, and this book would make a great gift for some of those hard-to-shop-for people in your life!
Highly Recommended!
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A top pick and very recommended read, March 11, 2010
This review is from: Firsts: Origins of Everyday Things That Changed the World (Paperback)
There's a story behind everything, you just might not notice it. "Firsts: Origins of Everyday Things That Changed the World" is a compilation of quick facts and intriguing anecdotes about the many things in our lives that go unnoticed, despite having their origins ranging from decades to millennia ago. From breakthrough medical procedures, to the first evils of humanity, to technological innovations, Wilson Casey prevents an endlessly fascinating array of trivia. "Firsts: Origins of Everyday Things That Changed the World" is a top pick and very recommended read.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
First Person Buried on the Moon & 500+ Other "Firsts", March 8, 2010
This review is from: Firsts: Origins of Everyday Things That Changed the World (Paperback)
Incredible stuff! There is so much fresh material throughout this book. I'm learning so many new things and facts, things that I had never thought about before.
"Firsts" are fun! Tracing history through the milestones of human achievement can be a fascinating ride, as you will find in "Firsts: Origins of Everyday Things That Changed the World!". Written by Wilson Casey, a trivia and FAQ expert, this book is an amazing collection of over 500 "firsts" on nearly every topic imaginable. From fashion to food, politics to science, entertainment to art, each "first" entry offers a full explanation of the topic, written in a humorous, yet authoritative style.
Other history books are debunked in this work. I didn't realize about the "first" person buried on the moon, nor that Alexander Graham Bell wasn't the "first" with the telephone, nor that Abner Doubleday wasn't the "first" with baseball. The list goes on and on in this fascinating, fun read. It's a factoid type book in which I don't think one would read it from cover to cover, but instead-- to hunt and choose their favorite "firsts", to learn more about them. I admit it's hard to put it down, and I keep coming back to it. Its contained information is a great conversation starter for groups, and makes me much more well-versed in so many areas.
It's really a reference book, but it's not stuffy. It's highly entertaining and informative. One can quickly tell the author did his homework, and his credentials are certainly unmatched- he writes a syndicated newspaper column on trivia, has a Guinness World Record in his field, plus has numerous other books out in the marketplace. The author seemed to fight for the little guy, meaning it didn't matter if one was Buddhist or Baptist, male or female, from India or wherever, if one was "first", they were "first".
The book, as great as it is, could use a few more illustrations throughout. Its pricepoint, or selling price, is very reasonable and well worth it. I'd recommend it to the know-it-alls (they don't), as every family seems to have one of those types of persons. It could be used in most any classroom, too! In closing, it's truly a fun read that I think most would enjoy. That means it easily appeals to all ages, backgrounds, and genders. Happy "Firsts"! A 5-Star!
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